Printed Flexible Wristband

Abstract

In some implementations, the wristband may include one or more edges 102 defining a perimeter of the wristband. The wristband may include a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges and may include a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap. One the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from additive layers without seams.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application is a nonprovisional application of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 523,948 filed on Jun. 29, 2023, and entitled “Printed Flexible Wristband,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to rubber and plastic wristbands, and more particularly, flexible wristbands printed using a three-dimensional printing process.BACKGROUND

[0003] In recent years, silicon wristbands, sometimes referred to as rubber bracelets or gel bracelets, were made popular as a way of showing support for people fighting cancer. Lance Armstrong, the famous cyclist from Austin, Texas, popularized such wristbands by wearing a bright yellow silicon wristband with the word “LIVESTRONG” printed on it to signal support for people battling cancer.

[0004] Such silicon bracelets have been made in a variety of colors, allowing the wearers to show support for various causes. Business owners, fundraisers, and event promoters have adopted such silicon wristbands to promote their brands, to raise money, or even as event passes for festivals, concerts, and sporting events.

[0005] Silicon wristbands are produced by cutting a silicon rubber base into strips or tubes, placing the material into a steel mold to be melted and formed into a tube that can be cut into bands. Custom colors for the wristbands are mixed into the melted material before the molding process. In some instances, a second layer of ink may be applied to the wristband after the molding process is complete.

[0006] Debossed wristbands may include a logo or saying engraved into the silicon. Deboss-printed wristbands may include a logo or saying engraved into the silicon and then ink in a contrasting color may be applied into the engraved design to make the design stand out. In contrast, embossed wristbands may include a logo or design that is raised above a flat surface of the band, and the raised design or logo may be a different color from the rest of the band. Some silicon wristbands may be imprinted by applying ink to the flat surface of the silicon band.

[0007] In some implementations, such wristbands may be formed from two layers, an inner layer and an outer layer, which may be sonic welded or otherwise glued together. The inner layer and the outer layer may have different colors. In some implementations, such a wristband may be formed with a molded area in a center portion of the band where a design may be placed to enhance visibility.SUMMARY

[0008] Embodiments of devices and methods are described below in which a flexible wristband may be formed by a three-dimensional (3D) printing process. In some implementations, the 3D printing process may use digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and engineering-grade materials to produce polymeric parts with exceptional mechanical properties, resolutions, and surface finishes. The 3D printing process may be used to produce integrated components or devices having geometries that cannot be produced by conventional molding techniques. Moreover, the 3D printing process may enable variations in the printed product based on software adjustments.

[0009] In some implementations, a wristband may be formed from an elastomeric polymer. The wristband may include a first edge, a second edge, and a lattice webbing extending between the first edge and the second edge. The first and second lattices may be separated by an air gap. The lattice webbing may be formed from a pattern of selected shapes, which may be a regular pattern or an irregular pattern. The lattice webbing may be formed from the same shape or different shapes, shapes of the same or different sizes, shapes of different thicknesses, or any combination thereof. The surface of the lattice webbing may be smooth or uneven, depending on the implementation. Further, the elastomeric polymer may include anti-microbial properties, anti-bacterial properties, wicking properties, or any combination thereof.

[0010] In some implementations, the wristband may include one or more edges 102 defining a perimeter of the wristband. The wristband may include a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges and may include a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap. One the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from additive layers without seams.

[0011] In other implementations, a wristband may include one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband and may include a first lattice webbing and one or more second lattice webbing. The first lattice webbing may include a first shape and may extend between first portions of the one or more edges. The one or more second lattice webbings may extend between second portions of the one or more edges and may be separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap. The one or more second lattice webbings may include one or more of the first shape or a second shape. The one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the one or more second lattice webbings are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.

[0012] In still other implementations, a wristband may include one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband and may include a first lattice webbing and a second lattice webbing. The first lattice webbing may include a first pattern comprised of at least one first shape and may extend between first portions of the one or more edges. The second lattice webbing may extend between second portions of the one or more edges and may be separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap. The second lattice webbing may include a second pattern comprised of at least one second shape. Each shape may be formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of which may have a spatially variable thickness. The one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing may be formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.

[0014] FIG. 1A depicts a top view of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges, a lattice webbing, and an opening to provide a loop for an end of the wristband, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 1B depicts a side view of the wristband of FIG. 1A.

[0016] FIG. 1C depicts a cross-sectional view of the wristband taken along line C-C in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 1D depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative implementation of the wristband taken along line C-C in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 2A depicts a top view of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges, a lattice webbing, and a pair of loops for an end of the wristband, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the wristband of FIG. 2A.

[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including a lattice webbing with embossed lettering and a solid area, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges, a lattice webbing, and an opening to provide a loop for an end of the wristband, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 4B depicts a side view of the wristband of FIG. 4A.

[0023] FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the wristband taken along line C-C in FIG. 4A, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a portion of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including a lattice webbing with a selected configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a system configured to produce implementations of the wristband of any of FIGS. 1A-4, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 7 depicts a graphical interface accessible by a user to customize the flexible wristband, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method of producing a wristband including a lattice webbing with a selected configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 9 depicts a diagram including pictures of a portion of a pair of wristbands including a lattice webbing with a selected configuration and including embossed lettering, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 10 depicts a diagram including pictures of three wristbands including lattice webbing with selected configurations, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram of a method of producing a flexible wristband using a three-dimensional printing process, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0031] While implementations are described in this disclosure by way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the implementations are not limited to the examples or figures described. The figures and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit implementations to the form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. The headings used in this disclosure are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (in other words, the term “may” is intended to mean “having the potential to”) instead of in a mandatory sense (as in “must”). Similarly, the terms “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean “including, but not limited to”.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Embodiments of systems, methods, and devices are described below that may include a flexible wristband formed from an elastomeric polymer using a 3D printing process. The elastomeric polymer may exhibit a shore A hardness in a range from approximately 65 to 77 and a tear strength of 20 kilo-Newtons per meter or more. Additionally, the 3D printing process may enable printing of a lattice webbing of printed shapes that may have spatially varying dimensions, including sizes, depths, and thicknesses. In some implementations, strands or elements within the lattice webbing may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, which may be too thin for manufacturing using injection mold or other plastic molding techniques with this type of elastic material.

[0033] In some implementations, the 3D printing process may use digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and engineering-grade materials to produce polymeric parts with exceptional mechanical properties, resolutions, and surface finishes. The 3D printing process may be used to produce integrated components or devices having geometries that cannot be produced by conventional molding techniques. Moreover, the 3D printing process may enable variations in the printed product based on software adjustments.

[0034] In some implementations, a wristband may be formed from an elastomeric polymer may include a first edge, a second edge, and a lattice webbing extending between the first edge and the second and edge. The first and second lattices may be separated by an air gap. The lattice webbing may be formed from a pattern of selected shapes, which may be a regular pattern or an irregular pattern. The lattice webbing may be formed from the same shape or different shapes, shapes of the same or different sizes, shapes of different thicknesses, or any combination thereof. The surface of the lattice webbing may be smooth or uneven, depending on the implementation. Further, the elastomeric polymer may include anti-microbial properties, anti-bacterial properties, wicking properties, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the elastomeric polymer may exhibit a short A hardness in a range from approximately 65 to 77 and a tear strength of 20 kilo-Newtons per meter or more. In some implementations, the lattice webbing may be formed from a plurality of elastomeric polymer elements having a spatially variable thickness. In some implementations, one or more of the elastomeric polymer elements may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

[0035] In some implementations, one or more pillars or tendrils may extend between the first and second lattices. The pillars or tendrils may be straight or curved and may include spatially variable thicknesses and shapes. For example, a pillar may be thicker in one portion than in other portions. In one possible implementation, a pillar may be thicker at a center portion than on its ends, or vice versa. Additionally, one or more of the pillars may curved while others may be straight. The straight pillars may extend perpendicular to or at another angle between the first and second lattices.

[0036] In general, the wristband may include a lattice webbing that may be formed by printing sequential layers. This process may enable lattice dimensions, thicknesses, spacing, interconnections (or absence of interconnections), or any combination thereof that may be difficult (if not impossible) to produce using a mold. The 3D printing process may enable selected or random variations in the lattice dimensions, patterns, and so on from wristband to wristband. An example of a flexible wristband produced by a 3D printing process is described below with respect to FIG. 1A.

[0037] FIG. 1A depicts a top view of a wristband 100 formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges 102, a lattice webbing 104, and an opening to provide a loop (elliptical loop 110) for an end of the wristband 100, in accordance with certain embodiments. The wristband 100 may be formed from an elastomeric polymer material, which may be homogenous throughout the entire extent of the wristband 100 or which may vary, depending on the implementation. In some implementations, one or more parameters of the elastomeric material may vary across the wristband. The one or more parameters may include the color, the thickness, the composition, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the thickness of lattice elements within the lattice webbing 104 may be tapered or may otherwise vary along their length. In an example, the lattice webbing 104 may include elements that have a spatially variable thickness. In some implementations, one or more of the elastomeric polymer elements may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm. In some implementations, the lattice webbing 104 may be formed in a single layer or may extend through one or more layers.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the wristband 100 may include a plurality of adjustment holes 106 distributed along a first portion of the lattice webbing 104 near a first end of the wristband 100. The wristband 100 may include a post 108 near a second end of the wristband 100 and extending at an angle of approximately ninety degrees from a surface defined by the lattice webbing 104.

[0039] The wristband 100 may have an elongate, rectangular shape with rounded ends. The wristband 100 may include one or more edges 102 that define a perimeter of the wristband 100. In the illustrated example, the edge 102 is a continuous edge having rounded corners and defining a substantially rectangular wristband 100 with rounded ends. In other implementations, the wristband 100 may have an edge 102 with square corners defining a rectangle having four sides. The one or more edges 102 may have a thickness that extends the full depth of the wristband 100. The one or more edges 102 extending about the perimeter of the wristband 100 may define an area within the perimeter of the edge 102 or edges 102.

[0040] The lattice webbing 104 may be formed from one or more layers of material extending between the one or more edges 102 across at least a portion of the area defined by the perimeter edges 102. In some implementations, the lattice webbing 104 may be formed from a first lattice webbing 104(1) and a second lattice webbing 104(2), which may be separated by an air gap. In the illustrated example, the lattice webbing 104 may be formed by a plurality of honeycomb-shapes arranged in a substantially repeating pattern across the area and along at least portion of the length. In other implementations, the lattice webbing 104 may be formed by one or more shapes in a regular, semi-regular, or random configuration. In still other implementations, the lattice webbing 104 may be customized to include at least one lattice webbing 104 having a custom configuration.

[0041] In some implementations, the lattice webbing 104(1) and the lattice webbing 104(2) may be formed from elastomeric polymer having a shore A hardness in a range from approximately 65 to 77 and a tear strength of 20 kilo-Newtons per meter or more. Additionally, the 3D printing process may enable printing of a lattice webbing 104 of printed shapes that may have spatially varying dimensions, including sizes, depths, and thicknesses. In some implementations, strands or elements within the lattice webbing 104 may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, which may be too thin for manufacturing using injection molding or other plastic molding techniques with this type of elastic material.

[0042] In some implementations, the additive layering of the 3D printing process may produce layer lines, which are sometimes referred to as “Z-lines”. Such lines are not present in devices produced by injection molding. Z-lines are sometimes visible (particularly under magnification) along the sides and edges of a printed part. However, machine processing or ink printing can blur such lines. In some implementations, the Z-lines may be visible through x-ray scanning, microscopic inspection, and the like.

[0043] FIG. 1B depicts a side view 120 of the wristband 100 of FIG. 1A. In this view, the post 108 is shown to extend above the surface of the edge 102 of the wristband 100. Similarly, adjustment holes or openings 106 may include a portion that may extend slightly past the surface of the edge 102. The holes or openings 106 may be formed in the lattice webbing 104 and may extend through one or more layers of the lattice webbing 104.

[0044] FIG. 1C depicts a cross-sectional view 140 of the wristband 100 taken along line C-C in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 100 may include an edge 102. In this view, a first portion of the edge 102 (first edge 102(1)) and a second portion of the edge 102 (second edge 102(2)) are coupled by a first lattice webbing 104(1) and a second lattice webbing 104(2), which are separated by an air gap 144.

[0045] In this example, the opening 106 may be formed from a first opening 106(1) in the first lattice webbing 104(1) and a second opening 106(2) in the second lattice webbing 104(2). In this example, the airgap 144 is maintained in the area of the openings 106.

[0046] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1C, the lattice webbing 104(1) has a substantially constant thickness from the first edge 102(1) to the second edge 102(2). Similarly, the lattice webbing 104(2) has a substantially constant thickness from the first edge 102(1) to the second edge 102(2). In other implementations, one or more of the lattice webbing 104(1) or the lattice webbing 104(2) may have a spatially variable thickness, which may be produced by individual elements of the lattice.

[0047] In some implementations, the angular orientation of selected shapes within the lattice webbing 104 may vary, producing variability in the thickness of the lattice webbing 104. In other implementations, in addition to variability of the angular orientation, the shapes that comprise the lattice webbing 104 may vary. The thicknesses of the shapes, the sizes of the shapes, and their relative spacing may vary within a lattice webbing 104, between lattice webbings 104(1) and 104(2), from wristband 100 to wristband 100, or any combination thereof.

[0048] FIG. 1D depicts a cross-sectional view 160 of an alternative implementation of the wristband 100 taken along line C-C in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 100 may include all the elements of the wristband 100 in FIG. 1C, except that the adjustment hole 106 extends from the first lattice webbing 104(1) through the second lattice webbing 104(2). In this example, the adjustment hole 106 may form a hole post 162 that may extend between and through the lattice webbings 104(1) and 104(2). The hole post 162 may surround the adjustment hole 106 and may provide reinforcing force to secure the post 108 in the adjustment hole 106. Other implementations are also possible.

[0049] FIG. 2A depicts a top view 200 of a wristband 100 formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges 102, a lattice webbing 104, and a pair of loops 202 for an end of the wristband 100, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 100 includes all the elements of the wristband 100 in FIG. 1A, except that the elliptical loop 110 is omitted, and replaced with a pair of loops 202.

[0050] In this example, the loops 202 may extend away from a first edge 102(1), extend over the lattice webbing 104 by a predetermined spacing, and return to the second edge 102(2) to form a loop 202 through which an end of the wristband 100 may be inserted. The loops 202 are shown as solid structures, but the loops 210 may be formed with edges and a secondary lattice formed from selected shapes, depending on the implementation.

[0051] FIG. 2B depicts a side view 220 of the wristband 100 of FIG. 2A. In this view, the loops 202 may be formed as part of the edges 102 and printed to be coextensive with the edges 102. In some implementations, the wristband 100 may be tapered slightly along its length so that an end of the wristband 100 may fit through the loop 202.

[0052] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view 300 of a wristband 100 formed using a 3D printing process and including a lattice webbing 104 with embossed lettering 302 and a solid area 306, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 100 may include all the elements of the wristband 100 in FIGS. 1A-2B. In some implementations, the wristband 100 may include edges 102(1) and 102(2). The wristband 100 includes one or more lattice webbings 104(1) and 104(2). In some implementations, a portion of the wristband 100 may be formed with an embossed logo 302 (in this example, the word “FROGS”). Other logos may be embossed on the lattice webbing 104(1).

[0053] The wristband 100 may also include a solid area 304, which may be formed to have a smooth surface to receive ink or into which letters may be formed. During the printing process, letters may be formed in this solid area 304 by withholding material to form the selected shape. In this example, the solid area 304 may include lettering 306. In some implementations, in addition to withholding some material during the printing process, a last layer prior to withholding material in the area of the letters may be printed with a different color of elastomeric polymer, causing the letters to be seen more easily against the background color of the wristband 100.

[0054] In this example, the wristband 100 is depicted as fan gear for the Texas Christian University (TCU), which are variously referred to as the “FROGS” or “HORNED FROGS”. It should be appreciated that the 3D printing process may enable other embossed logos 302 or lettering 306. Additionally, while the examples provided above largely used hexagon-shaped structures to form the lattice webbing 104, other shapes may also be used.

[0055] FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a wristband 400 formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges 102, a lattice webbing 404, and an opening to provide a loop (elliptical loop 110) for an end of the wristband 400, in accordance with certain embodiments. The wristband 400 may be formed from an elastomeric polymer material, which may be homogenous throughout the entire extent of the wristband 400 or which may vary, depending on the implementation. In some implementations, one or more parameters of the elastomeric material may vary across the wristband. The one or more parameters may include the color, the thickness, the composition, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the thickness of lattice elements within the lattice webbing 404 may be tapered or may otherwise vary along their length. In an example, the lattice webbing 404 may include elements that have a spatially variable thickness. In some implementations, one or more of the elastomeric polymer elements may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm. In some implementations, the lattice webbing 404 may be formed in a single layer or may extend through one or more layers.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the wristband 400 may include a plurality of adjustment holes 106 distributed along a first portion of the lattice webbing 404 near a first end of the wristband 400. The wristband 400 may include a post 108 near a second end of the wristband 400 and extending at an angle of approximately ninety degrees from a surface defined by the lattice webbing 404.

[0057] The wristband 400 may have an elongate, rectangular shape with rounded ends. The wristband 400 may include one or more edges 102 that define a perimeter of the wristband 400. In the illustrated example, the edge 102 is a continuous edge having rounded corners and defining a substantially rectangular wristband 400 with rounded ends. In other implementations, the wristband 400 may have an edge 102 with square corners defining a rectangle having four sides. The one or more edges 102 may have a thickness that extends a full depth of the wristband 400. The one or more edges 102 extending about the perimeter of the wristband 400 may define an area within the perimeter of the edge 102 or edges 102.

[0058] The lattice webbing 404 may be formed from one or more layers of material extending between the one or more edges 102 across at least a portion of the area defined by the perimeter edges 102. In some implementations, the lattice webbing 404 may be formed from a first lattice webbing 404(1) and a second lattice webbing 404(2), which may be separated by an air gap. In the illustrated example, the lattice webbing 404 may be formed by a plurality of honeycomb-shapes arranged in a substantially repeating pattern across the area and along at least portion of the length. In other implementations, the lattice webbing 404 may be formed by one or more shapes in a regular, semi-regular, or random configuration. In still other implementations, the lattice webbing 404 may be customized to include at least one lattice webbing 104 having a custom configuration.

[0059] In some implementations, the lattice webbing 404(1) and the lattice webbing 404(2) may be formed from elastomeric polymer having a shore A hardness in a range from approximately 65 to 77 and a tear strength of 20 kilo-Newtons per meter or more. Additionally, the 3D printing process may enable printing of a lattice webbing 404 of printed shapes that may have spatially varying dimensions, including sizes, depths, and thicknesses. In some implementations, strands or elements within the lattice webbing 404 may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, which may be too thin for manufacturing using injection molding or other plastic molding techniques with this type of elastic material.

[0060] In some implementations, the additive layering of the 3D printing process may produce layer lines, which are sometimes referred to as “Z-lines”. Such lines are not present in devices produced by injection molding. Z-lines are sometimes visible (particularly under magnification) along the sides and edges of a printed part. However, machine processing or ink printing can blur such lines. In some implementations, the Z-lines may be visible through x-ray scanning, microscopic inspection, and the like.

[0061] In this implementation, the wristband 400 may include the lattice webbing 404 may extend as depicted in FIG. 1C with an air gap 144 between the lattice webbing layers 404(1) and 404(2). In some implementations, support structures may be formed to provide support between the lattice webbing layers 404(1) and 404(2). The support structures may include arches, pillars, or various shapes that may allow for air gaps 144 and that may provide lateral support for the lattice webbing 404.

[0062] FIG. 4B depicts a side view 420 of the wristband 400 of FIG. 4A. In this view, the post 108 is shown to extend above the surface of the edge 102 of the wristband 100. Similarly, adjustment holes or openings 106 may include a portion that may extend slightly past the surface of the edge 102. The holes or openings 106 may be formed in the lattice webbing 104 and may extend through one or more layers of the lattice webbing 104.

[0063] FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view 440 of the wristband taken along line C-C in FIG. 4A, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 400 may include an edge 102. In this view, a first portion of the edge 102 (first edge 102(1)) and a second portion of the edge 102 (second edge 102(2)) are coupled by a first lattice webbing 404(1) and a second lattice webbing 404(2), which are separated by an air gap 144.

[0064] In this example, the opening 106 may be formed from a first opening 106(1) in the first lattice webbing 404(1) and a second opening 106(2) in the second lattice webbing 404(2). The first and second lattice webbings 404(1) and 404(2) may be separated from one another by a distance that defines an air gap 144.

[0065] In this example, the spacing between the first and second lattice webbings 404(1) and 404(2) may include an internal lattice 442, which may be compressible in one or more dimensions, and which may maintain a selected spacing under stress or pressure. The air gap 144 (or air gaps 144) may exist within the internal lattice 442. The internal lattice 442 may include one or more pillars, tendrils, or other shapes, at least some of which may extend between the first lattice webbing 404(1) and the second lattice webbing 404(2). In this example, the internal lattice 442 may include curved arches and straight truss shapes, which may extend perpendicular or at an angle between the first lattice webbing 404(1) and the second lattice webbing 404(2).

[0066] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1C, the lattice webbing 404(1) has a substantially constant thickness from the first edge 102(1) to the second edge 102(2). Similarly, the lattice webbing 404(2) has a substantially constant thickness from the first edge 102(1) to the second edge 102(2). In other implementations, one or more of the lattice webbing 404(1) or the lattice webbing 404(2) may have a spatially variable thickness, which may be produced by individual elements of the lattice.

[0067] Additionally, the internal lattice 442 is depicted as having a substantially constant thickness from the first lattice webbing 404(1) to the second lattice webbing 404(2). However, the internal lattice 442 may be comprised of structures having different shapes, different thicknesses, and different structural characteristics. In some implementations, one or more of the structures may vary in thickness or shape along its length. For example, one or more of the structures may have a slightly conical shape or may vary from a hexagonal cross-sectional shape to a rectangular cross-sectional shape along its length. Additionally, since the internal lattice 442 is 3D printed, the composition of the one or more structures may vary between individual elements, within a single element along its length, or any combination thereof.

[0068] In some implementations, the angular orientation of selected shapes within one or more of the lattice webbings 404 or the internal lattice 442 may vary, producing variability in the thickness of the lattice webbing 404 and in the internal lattice 442. In other implementations, in addition to variability of the angular orientation, the shapes that comprise the lattice webbing 404 may vary. The thicknesses of the shapes, the sizes of the shapes, and their relative spacing may vary within a lattice webbing 404, between lattice webbings 404(1) and 404(2), within the internal lattice 442, from wristband 400 to wristband 400, or any combination thereof.

[0069] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a portion 500 of a wristband 100 formed using a 3D printing process and including a lattice webbing 104 with a selected configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the portion 500 may include edges 102(1) and 102(2), which may be coupled by a first lattice webbing 104(1) forming a first surface of the wristband 100 or 400 and by a second lattice webbing 104(2) forming a second surface of the wristband 100 or 400.

[0070] In this example, the first lattice webbing 104(1) may be formed from an arrangement of hexagon-shaped elements that are interconnected and arranged to extend between the edges 102(1) and 102(2). The second lattice webbing 104(2) may be formed from hexagon-shaped elements or elements forming other shapes that are interconnected with each other and spaced apart from the elements of the first lattice webbing 104(1). Elements of the second lattice webbing 104(2) may be visible through openings in the first lattice webbing 104(1).

[0071] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a system 600 configured to produce implementations of the wristband 100 of any of FIGS. 1A-5, in accordance with certain embodiments. The system 600 may include a standalone computing device (such as a single server) or one or more computing devices operating as a server cloud computing system. In some implementations, the system 600 may include a printing system 602, which may be coupled to one or more 3D printers 604. The printing system 602 may control the one or more 3D printers 604 to generate flexible wristbands 100 or 400.

[0072] The printing system 602 may be configured to communicate with one or more computing devices 606 through a communications network 608. The communications network 608 may include a short-range network (such as a local area network), a wide area network (such as a Wi-Fi network), other networks, the Internet, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The printing system 602 may include one or more processors 610, which may be configured to execute processor-readable instructions and to process day. The printing system 602 may include one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 612 coupled to the one or more processors 610. The I / O interfaces 612 may include physical connectors, wireless radio frequency transceivers, or any combination thereof, which may be communicatively coupled to one or more input devices 620 and to one or more output devices 622. The input devices 620 may include one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a track ball, a stylus, a touch-sensitive interface, a microphone, a scanner, a camera, or another input device. The output devices 622 may include one or more of a display, a speaker, a printer, or another output device. In some implementations, one or more of the input devices 620 may be combined with one or more of the output devices 622, for example, in the form of a touchscreen display device.

[0074] The printing system 602 may include one or more printer interfaces 614 coupled to the one or more processors 610. The printer interfaces 614 may include physical connectors, wireless radio frequency transceivers, or any combination thereof, which may be communicatively coupled to one or more 3D printers 604.

[0075] The printing system 602 may include one or more network interfaces 618 coupled to the one or more processors 610. The network interfaces 618 may include physical connectors, wireless radio frequency transceivers, or any combination thereof, which may be communicatively coupled to the communications network 608 to enable communications with one or more computing devices 606 through the network 608.

[0076] The printing system 602 may include a memory 616 coupled to the one or more processors 610. The memory 616 may include one or more non-volatile memory devices, such as a flash memory, a solid-state memory, a hard disc drive, another non-volatile memory device, or any combination thereof. The memory 616 may be configured to store processor-readable instructions and data.

[0077] The memory 616 may include one or more operating system modules 624 that may be executed by the processor 610 to control operation of the printing system 602. The memory 616 may include one or more communication modules 626 that may cause the processor 610 to send data via one or more of the I / O interfaces 612, the printer interfaces 614, or the network interfaces 618, or to receive data from one or more of the I / O interfaces 612 or the network interfaces 618.

[0078] The memory 616 may include one or more graphical interface modules 628 that may cause the processor 610 to generate a graphical interface that may be provided to an output device 622 through the I / O interfaces 612 or to a computing device 606 through the network 608. The graphical interface may include text data, images, and user-selectable control options accessible by the user to configure one of the 3D printers 604 or to configure or design a wristband 100 or 400. The user-selectable control options may include pull-down menus, checkboxes, radio buttons, text fields, buttons, clickable links, tabs, upload boxes (such as “drag and drop” fields), other control options, or any combination thereof.

[0079] The memory 616 may include one or more dimensions modules 630 that may cause the processor 610 to determine dimension data corresponding to a wristband 100 or 400 to be printed. The dimension data may include width data corresponding to a width of the wristband 100 or 400, depth data corresponding to a depth of the edges 102, length data corresponding to a length of the wristband, thickness and length data corresponding to elements of the lattice webbing, other dimension data, or any combination thereof.

[0080] The memory 616 may include one or more shape selection modules 632 that may cause the processor 610 to determine one or more shapes from which the lattice webbing 104 may be formed. In some implementations, the shape selection module 632 may retrieve instructions corresponding to a selected shape determined from input data received from one of the input device 620 or a computing device 606. In an example, the user may specify one or more shapes (such as shapes data 646 within a data store 644) by interacting with user-selectable control options within the graphical interface. The shapes data 646 may include instructions or information to characterize one or more shapes (such as hexagons, octagons, triangles, rectangles, circles, ellipses, other shapes, or any combination thereof) so that selected ones of the shape data 646 may be reproduced by the 3D printer 604. In some implementations, the user may select a control option within the graphical interface to empower the printing system 602 to automatically select shapes data 646 from the data store 644.

[0081] The memory 616 may include one or more organization modules 634 that may cause the processor 610 to arrange selected shapes into a layout that conforms to the dimensions of the wristband 100 or 400 to be printed. The layout may include a repeating pattern comprised of a selected shape, a pattern comprised of a selected shape of different sizes, a pattern of different selected shapes, another configuration, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the one or more organization modules 634 may cause the processor 610 to determine a baseline layout 648 from the data store 644 and to selectively modify the baseline layout 648 based on the one or more selected shapes to produce the layout.

[0082] The memory 616 may include one or more lattice modules 636 that may cause the processor 610 to determine a lattice webbing 104 based on the layout determined by the organization modules. The memory 616 may include one or more mechanical engineering modules 638 that may cause the processor 610 to determine one or more mechanical properties for the lattice webbing 104 and to selectively control thicknesses and placement of shapes forming the lattice webbing 104 to provide a selected elasticity.

[0083] The memory 616 may include one or more layout design modules 640 that may cause the processor 610 to use the layout, lattice, and mechanical information to determine a layout design that includes printer control data that can be used to print the wristband 100 or 400. The memory 618 may include one or more printer control modules 642 that may cause the processor 610 to communicate the printer control data to one or more of the 3D printers 604 via the one or more printer interfaces 614.

[0084] In some implementations, the processor 610 may store the printer control data in the data store 644 as a design 650. The data store 644 may also include other data 652.

[0085] In some implementations, the printing system 602 may be configured to provide a graphical interface, such as a web page, to a computing device 606 through the network 608 or to an output device 622, such as a display device. The user may interact with the computing device 606 or an input device 620 to configure settings for the printing of a wristband 100 or 400. In response to receiving the configuration information, the printing system 602 may determine shapes, dimensions, layout, and other data and may generate a design pattern including 3D printer data that may be provided to one or more 3D printers 604 to generate one or more wristbands 100 or 400 including selected lattice webbings 104.

[0086] FIG. 7 depicts a graphical interface 700 accessible by a user to customize the flexible wristband 100 or 400, in accordance with certain embodiments. It should be appreciated that the graphical interface 700 is an illustrative, non-limiting example, of an interface including examples of user-selectable control options that may be accessed by a user to configure settings for the generation of a flexible wristband 100 or 400. However, other interfaces and other user-selectable control options are also possible.

[0087] The graphical interface 700 may include a plurality of user-selectable control options accessible by the user, including buttons, text fields, pulldown menus, check boxes, clickable links, other control options, or any combination thereof. The graphical interface 700 may include a text field control option 702 that may be accessed by the user to receive text to name a wristband design. The graphical interface 700 may include a pulldown menu 704 that may be accessed by the user to specify a wristband type. Such wristband types may include a “solid bracelet”, a “watch-type band” (such as that shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A), an “infinity band” (a solid bracelet that twists along its length such that a side that begins as the wrist-facing or inside of the band twists to become the outward-facing or outside of the band), a braided band, other band designs, or any combination thereof. In this example, the solid bracelet control option is selected, as indicated by the dashed box.

[0088] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control options 706, which may include a size pull-down menu accessible by the user to specify a size of the bracelet. In some implementations, the available control options 706 may vary based on the selected wristband type. In this example, the control options 706 may include an extra small option, a small option, a medium option, a large option, and an extra-large option. In this example, the control option 706 may specify “Medium” as a default option or the user may have already configured the control option 706 as Medium.

[0089] The graphical interface 700 may include a control option 708 accessible by a user to specify one or more lattice shapes to be used to produce the lattice webbing 104 of the wristband 100 or 400. The control options 708 may include options to select one or more of a triangle shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a hexagon shape, a pentagon shape, other shapes, or any combination thereof. The graphical interface 700 may include a control option 710 labeled “Upload”, which may be accessed by a user to upload a digital pattern or image. In an example, in response to selection of the control option 710, the graphical interface 700 may display a popup dialog or other option to allow a user to select a digital pattern or image file from a local memory (such as the memory 616 or from a website or other location via the network 608).

[0090] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 712, which may be menu to enable the user to select a layout arrangement, such as repeating, random, manual, or other options. In this example, the user selected “Random”, and the printing system 602 may automatically determine the layout. In another example, the user may select “Manual”, and the graphical interface 702 may present a popup or other window to enable the user to place selected shapes within a framework representing the selected wristband type.

[0091] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 714 accessible by the user to specify one or more color options. In this example, the control option 714 is labeled “Color Options”. Next to the control option 714, current color selections may be displayed. In this example, the edges 102 of the wristband 100 or 400 are set as “White”, and the lattice webbing 104 is also set as “White.” However, by accessing the color options control option 714, the user may specify one or more colors for the edges 102, the webbing 104, the loops 110 or 210, other color options, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the user may specify mixes of colors or multiple colors for one or more of the elements of the wristband 100 or 400.

[0092] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 716 to enable the user to select a debossing option. The graphical interface 700 may include a control option 718 that may be accessed by the user to upload a logo or image to be formed into the surface and optionally a text input 720 that may be accessed by the user to enter text to be debossed. In this example, the number of characters for debossing is indicated to be limited to 9; however, the number of characters may be more or less, depending on the resolution limits of the 3D printers 604. In this example, the user has entered “TCU” into the text input 720.

[0093] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 722 to enable the user to select an embossing option. The graphical interface 700 may include a control option 724 that may be accessed by the user to upload a logo or image to be embossed and optionally a text input 726 that may be accessed by the user to enter text to be embossed. In this example, the number of characters for embossing is indicated to be limited to 20; however, the number of characters may be more or less, depending on the resolution limits of the 3D printers 604 and depending on the size of the wristband 100 or 400 selected using the control option 706. In this example, the user has entered “FROGS” into the text input 726.

[0094] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 728 that may be accessed by the user to allow to preview the wristband 100 or 400 based on the selections. In some implementations, in response to selection of the control option 728, the graphical interface 700 may present a virtual image of a wristband 100 or 400 according to the selected design options. In an example, the view 300 of the wristband 100 or 400 in FIG. 3 is an example of a wristband 100 or 400 produced or virtually displayed based on some of the settings presented in the graphical interface 700.

[0095] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method 800 of producing a wristband including a lattice webbing with a selected configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments. At 802, the method 800 may include determining dimensions of a wristband 100 or 400 to be generated. The dimensions may be determined based on the type of wristband (solid, infinity, watch-band type, etc.) and the selected size (extra small, small, medium, large, or extra-large).

[0096] At 804, the method 800 may include determining dimensions of one or more edges 102 of the wristband 100 or 400 to be generated. The dimensions may include the thickness of the edges 102 as well as the spatial arrangement of the edges 102 relative to one another (defining the area of the lattice webbing 104).

[0097] At 806, the method 800 may include selecting one or more shapes. The shapes may include triangular shapes, circular shapes, hexagon shapes, pentagon shapes, other shapes, or any combination thereof. In an example, the user may interact with one or more user-selectable control options to specify one or more shapes or to select a “random” option that instructs the printing system 602 to select the shapes automatically.

[0098] At 808, the method 800 may include determining sizes of the one or more shapes. The shapes may be determined to have a uniform size, or the sizes of the shapes may be varied, depending on the implementation.

[0099] At 810, the method 800 may include automatically organizing the one or more shapes to fit an area between the edges 102. In some implementations, the shapes may be organized in repeating pattern, in a random arrangement, or in some other arrangement.

[0100] At 812, the method 800 may include determining a lattice design based on the organized one or more shapes. The lattice design may include the pattern, the thickness, and other information.

[0101] At 814, the method 800 may include determining a print diagram including the edge 102 and the lattice design according to the determined dimensions. The print diagram may include instructions and information that may be used by the 3D printer 604.

[0102] At 816, the method 800 may include printing sequential layers of an elastomeric polymer according to the print diagram to produce the wristband 100 or 400 including the lattice design. The lattice design may cause the 3D printer 604 to generate the lattice webbing 104 according to the print diagram.

[0103] In some implementations, at 818, the method 800 may include optionally printing one or more ink layers onto the wristband. The one or more ink layers may be printed into the debossed areas, on a surface, on an embossed area, on other locations, or any combination thereof.

[0104] FIG. 9 depicts a diagram 900 including a picture of portions of a pair of wristbands 100 or 400 including a lattice webbing 104 with a selected configuration and including embossed lettering 902, in accordance with certain embodiments. For simplicity, the following discussion is presented with respect to the wristband 100 of FIG. 1A, but it should be understood that the discussion of FIG. 9 may also be understood with respect to the wristband 400 in FIG. 4A. In this example, a first wristband 100(1) includes edges 102(1), lattice webbing 104(1), and an embossed logo 902(1). The lattice webbing 104(1) may include a plurality of irregular shapes. The embossed logo 902(1) may include the word “Buckeyes” in cursive lettering.

[0105] A second wristband 100(2) may include edges 102(2), a lattice webbing 104(1), and an embossed logo 902(2). The lattice webbing 104(2) may be formed from a plurality of shapes. The embossed logo 902(2) may include the term “Buckeyes” in cursive lettering. Additionally, the embossed logo 902(2) may include a printed layer 904, which may provide color or other details to the wristband 102(2).

[0106] FIG. 10 depicts a diagram 1000 including pictures of three wristbands 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3) including lattice webbing 104(1), 104(2), and 104(3) with selected configurations, in accordance with certain embodiments. It should be appreciated that, while the diagram 900 depicts examples of the wristband 100 of FIG. 1A, the diagram 900 could be implemented as the wristband 400 in FIGS. 4A-4C. In this example, the first wristband 100(1) may include edges 102(1) with a lattice webbing 104(1), which may be implemented as a custom lattice 1004(1). In this example, the custom lattice 1004(1) may be an original artistic design adapted to fit between the edges 102(1).

[0107] The second wristband 100(2) may include edges 102(2) and a lattice webbing 104(2) formed from a shape that is repeated in a symmetric pattern. The pattern is formed of the same shape repeated. The wristband 100(2) may also include an embossed logo 1002(1). In this case, the embossed logo 1002(1) may include letters and a shape.

[0108] The third wristband 100(3) may include edges 102(3) and a lattice webbing 104(3) formed from a shape that is repeated in a symmetric pattern. The pattern is formed from the same shape repeated. The wristband 100(3) may also include an embossed logo 1002(2).

[0109] FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram of a method 1100 of producing a flexible wristband using a three-dimensional printing process, in accordance with certain embodiments. The method 1100 may be used to produce any of the above-described wristbands, or other wristbands, including custom wristbands with or without custom logos and with or without custom colors.

[0110] At 1102, the method 1100 may include determining a wristband profile from a plurality of wristband profiles. In one or more embodiments, each of the wristband profiles may define at least one of a width parameter, a length parameter, one or more shape parameters, a coupling parameter, and a loop parameter. The coupling parameter may include openings, a post or pin, a buckle, other couplings, or any combination thereof. The loop parameter may define the shape, size, and relative position of one or more loops configured to secure an end of a band.

[0111] At 1104, the method 1100 may include determining a matrix pattern from a plurality of matrix patterns. In one or more embodiments, the pattern of the 3D printed matrix may be selected from multiple patterns, which may include one or more interlinked honeycomb patterns, one or more lattice patterns, one or more other patterns, or any combination thereof.

[0112] At 1106, the method 1100 may include optionally determining a logo to be produced on the determined matrix pattern. In one or more embodiments, a user may upload an image file or may provide data indicative of an image or logo. The system may process the image file or the data to determine logo data that may be used to produce the logo.

[0113] At 1108, the method 1100 may include determining a print file based on the determined wristband profile, the determined matrix pattern, and the determined logo. The print file may include instructions that may control a 3D printer to produce the customized wristband.

[0114] At 1110, the method 1100 may include providing the print file to a three-dimensional (3D) printer to produce a customized wristband including the determined wristband profile, the determined matrix pattern, and the optional logo. The system 602 may provide the print file to the 3D printer 604 to produce the customized wristband.

[0115] At 1112, the method 1100 may include optionally printing one or more colors onto at least a portion of the customized wristband. In one or more embodiment, the 3D printer may be configured to inject color or select color to produce the logo. In one or more other embodiments, a separate printer or printing process may apply one or more color inks to the logo, to other parts of the wristband, or both.

[0116] In conjunction with the systems, methods, and devices described above, a wristband is disclosed that is formed using a 3D printing process. In some implementations, the wristband 100 or 400 may include one or more edges 102 defining a perimeter of the wristband 100. The wristband 100 or 400 may include a lattice webbing assembly including a first lattice webbing 104(1) or 404(1) extending between first portions of the one or more edges 102 and including a second lattice webbing 104(2) or 404(2) extending between second portions of the one or more edges 102. The first and second lattice webbings 104(1) and 104(2) separated by an air gap. One the one or more edges 102 and the lattice webbing 104 are formed from additive layers without seams. In some implementations, the first and second lattice webbings 404(1) and 404(2) are separated by a space and supported by an internal lattice 442, which may include air gaps 144.

[0117] The disclosure may be further understood in light of the following examples.

[0118] Example 1: A wristband may include one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband; and a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges; a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap; and where the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams using a three-dimensional printing process.

[0119] Example 2: The wristband of Example 1, where one or more of the first lattice webbing or the second lattice webbing is formed from one or more shapes arranged in a pattern.

[0120] Example 3: The wristband of any of Examples 1 or 2, further includes a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; and one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape.

[0121] Example 4: The wristband of Example 3, further includes an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

[0122] Example 5: The wristband of any of Examples 1-4, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

[0123] Example 6: The wristband of Example 5, further includes an ink pattern printed onto the embossed log.

[0124] Example 7: The wristband of any of Examples 1-6, where one or more of the first lattice webbing or the second lattice webbing includes one or more shapes, each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness.

[0125] Example 8: The wristband of Example 7, where one or more of the plurality of elements has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

[0126] Example 9: The wristband of any of Examples 1-7, further including an internal lattice extending between the first lattice webbing and the second lattice webbing.

[0127] Example 10: A wristband includes one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband; a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing including a first shape; at least one second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap, the at least one second lattice webbing including one or more of the first shape or a second shape; and where the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the at least one second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.

[0128] Example 11: The wristband of Example 10, where the first lattice webbing includes multiple instances of the first shape arranged in one of a regular pattern or a random configuration of the first shape having different sizes; and the second lattice webbing includes the one or more of the first shape or the second shape repeated multiple times and arranged in one of a regular pattern or a random configuration.

[0129] Example 12: The wristband of any of Examples 10 or 11, further including a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; and one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape.

[0130] Example 13: The wristband of Example 12, further including an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

[0131] Example 14: The wristband of any of Examples 10-13, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

[0132] Example 15: The wristband of Example 14, further includes an ink pattern printed onto the embossed log.

[0133] Example 16: The wristband of any of Examples 10-16, where each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness.

[0134] Example 17: The wristband of Example 16, where one or more of the plurality of elements has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

[0135] Example 18: A wristband includes one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband; a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing including a first pattern comprised of at least one first shape; a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap, the second lattice webbing including a second pattern comprised of at least one second shape; an internal lattice that extends between the first lattice webbing and the second lattice webbing; and where each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness; and the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.

[0136] Example 19: The wristband of Example 18, where the first pattern includes one of a regular configuration or a random configuration of the at least one first shape; and the second pattern includes one of a regular configuration or a random configuration of the at least one second shape.

[0137] Example 20: The wristband of any of Examples 18 or 19, further including a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape; and an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

[0138] Example 21: The wristband of any of Examples 18-20, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the invention.

Examples

example 1

[0118] A wristband may include one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband; and a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges; a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap; and where the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams using a three-dimensional printing process.

[0119]Example 2: The wristband of Example 1, where one or more of the first lattice webbing or the second lattice webbing is formed from one or more shapes arranged in a pattern.

example 3

[0120] The wristband of any of Examples 1 or 2, further includes a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; and one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape.

[0121]Example 4: The wristband of Example 3, further includes an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

example 5

[0122] The wristband of any of Examples 1-4, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

[0123]Example 6: The wristband of Example 5, further includes an ink pattern printed onto the embossed log.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application is a nonprovisional application of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 523,948 filed on Jun. 29, 2023, and entitled “Printed Flexible Wristband,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to rubber and plastic wristbands, and more particularly, flexible wristbands printed using a three-dimensional printing process.BACKGROUND

[0003] In recent years, silicon wristbands, sometimes referred to as rubber bracelets or gel bracelets, were made popular as a way of showing support for people fighting cancer. Lance Armstrong, the famous cyclist from Austin, Texas, popularized such wristbands by wearing a bright yellow silicon wristband with the word “LIVESTRONG” printed on it to signal support for people battling cancer.

[0004] Such silicon bracelets have been made in a variety of colors, allowing the wearers to show support for various causes. Business owners, fundraisers, and event promoters have adopted such silicon wristbands to promote their brands, to raise money, or even as event passes for festivals, concerts, and sporting events.

[0005] Silicon wristbands are produced by cutting a silicon rubber base into strips or tubes, placing the material into a steel mold to be melted and formed into a tube that can be cut into bands. Custom colors for the wristbands are mixed into the melted material before the molding process. In some instances, a second layer of ink may be applied to the wristband after the molding process is complete.

[0006] Debossed wristbands may include a logo or saying engraved into the silicon. Deboss-printed wristbands may include a logo or saying engraved into the silicon and then ink in a contrasting color may be applied into the engraved design to make the design stand out. In contrast, embossed wristbands may include a logo or design that is raised above a flat surface of the band, and the raised design or logo may be a different color from the rest of the band. Some silicon wristbands may be imprinted by applying ink to the flat surface of the silicon band.

[0007] In some implementations, such wristbands may be formed from two layers, an inner layer and an outer layer, which may be sonic welded or otherwise glued together. The inner layer and the outer layer may have different colors. In some implementations, such a wristband may be formed with a molded area in a center portion of the band where a design may be placed to enhance visibility.SUMMARY

[0008] Embodiments of devices and methods are described below in which a flexible wristband may be formed by a three-dimensional (3D) printing process. In some implementations, the 3D printing process may use digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and engineering-grade materials to produce polymeric parts with exceptional mechanical properties, resolutions, and surface finishes. The 3D printing process may be used to produce integrated components or devices having geometries that cannot be produced by conventional molding techniques. Moreover, the 3D printing process may enable variations in the printed product based on software adjustments.

[0009] In some implementations, a wristband may be formed from an elastomeric polymer. The wristband may include a first edge, a second edge, and a lattice webbing extending between the first edge and the second edge. The first and second lattices may be separated by an air gap. The lattice webbing may be formed from a pattern of selected shapes, which may be a regular pattern or an irregular pattern. The lattice webbing may be formed from the same shape or different shapes, shapes of the same or different sizes, shapes of different thicknesses, or any combination thereof. The surface of the lattice webbing may be smooth or uneven, depending on the implementation. Further, the elastomeric polymer may include anti-microbial properties, anti-bacterial properties, wicking properties, or any combination thereof.

[0010] In some implementations, the wristband may include one or more edges 102 defining a perimeter of the wristband. The wristband may include a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges and may include a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap. One the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from additive layers without seams.

[0011] In other implementations, a wristband may include one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband and may include a first lattice webbing and one or more second lattice webbing. The first lattice webbing may include a first shape and may extend between first portions of the one or more edges. The one or more second lattice webbings may extend between second portions of the one or more edges and may be separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap. The one or more second lattice webbings may include one or more of the first shape or a second shape. The one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the one or more second lattice webbings are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.

[0012] In still other implementations, a wristband may include one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband and may include a first lattice webbing and a second lattice webbing. The first lattice webbing may include a first pattern comprised of at least one first shape and may extend between first portions of the one or more edges. The second lattice webbing may extend between second portions of the one or more edges and may be separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap. The second lattice webbing may include a second pattern comprised of at least one second shape. Each shape may be formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of which may have a spatially variable thickness. The one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing may be formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.

[0014] FIG. 1A depicts a top view of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges, a lattice webbing, and an opening to provide a loop for an end of the wristband, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 1B depicts a side view of the wristband of FIG. 1A.

[0016] FIG. 1C depicts a cross-sectional view of the wristband taken along line C-C in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 1D depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative implementation of the wristband taken along line C-C in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 2A depicts a top view of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges, a lattice webbing, and a pair of loops for an end of the wristband, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the wristband of FIG. 2A.

[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including a lattice webbing with embossed lettering and a solid area, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges, a lattice webbing, and an opening to provide a loop for an end of the wristband, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 4B depicts a side view of the wristband of FIG. 4A.

[0023] FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the wristband taken along line C-C in FIG. 4A, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a portion of a wristband formed using a 3D printing process and including a lattice webbing with a selected configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a system configured to produce implementations of the wristband of any of FIGS. 1A-4, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 7 depicts a graphical interface accessible by a user to customize the flexible wristband, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method of producing a wristband including a lattice webbing with a selected configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 9 depicts a diagram including pictures of a portion of a pair of wristbands including a lattice webbing with a selected configuration and including embossed lettering, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 10 depicts a diagram including pictures of three wristbands including lattice webbing with selected configurations, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram of a method of producing a flexible wristband using a three-dimensional printing process, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0031] While implementations are described in this disclosure by way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the implementations are not limited to the examples or figures described. The figures and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit implementations to the form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. The headings used in this disclosure are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (in other words, the term “may” is intended to mean “having the potential to”) instead of in a mandatory sense (as in “must”). Similarly, the terms “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean “including, but not limited to”.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Embodiments of systems, methods, and devices are described below that may include a flexible wristband formed from an elastomeric polymer using a 3D printing process. The elastomeric polymer may exhibit a shore A hardness in a range from approximately 65 to 77 and a tear strength of 20 kilo-Newtons per meter or more. Additionally, the 3D printing process may enable printing of a lattice webbing of printed shapes that may have spatially varying dimensions, including sizes, depths, and thicknesses. In some implementations, strands or elements within the lattice webbing may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, which may be too thin for manufacturing using injection mold or other plastic molding techniques with this type of elastic material.

[0033] In some implementations, the 3D printing process may use digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and engineering-grade materials to produce polymeric parts with exceptional mechanical properties, resolutions, and surface finishes. The 3D printing process may be used to produce integrated components or devices having geometries that cannot be produced by conventional molding techniques. Moreover, the 3D printing process may enable variations in the printed product based on software adjustments.

[0034] In some implementations, a wristband may be formed from an elastomeric polymer may include a first edge, a second edge, and a lattice webbing extending between the first edge and the second and edge. The first and second lattices may be separated by an air gap. The lattice webbing may be formed from a pattern of selected shapes, which may be a regular pattern or an irregular pattern. The lattice webbing may be formed from the same shape or different shapes, shapes of the same or different sizes, shapes of different thicknesses, or any combination thereof. The surface of the lattice webbing may be smooth or uneven, depending on the implementation. Further, the elastomeric polymer may include anti-microbial properties, anti-bacterial properties, wicking properties, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the elastomeric polymer may exhibit a short A hardness in a range from approximately 65 to 77 and a tear strength of 20 kilo-Newtons per meter or more. In some implementations, the lattice webbing may be formed from a plurality of elastomeric polymer elements having a spatially variable thickness. In some implementations, one or more of the elastomeric polymer elements may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

[0035] In some implementations, one or more pillars or tendrils may extend between the first and second lattices. The pillars or tendrils may be straight or curved and may include spatially variable thicknesses and shapes. For example, a pillar may be thicker in one portion than in other portions. In one possible implementation, a pillar may be thicker at a center portion than on its ends, or vice versa. Additionally, one or more of the pillars may curved while others may be straight. The straight pillars may extend perpendicular to or at another angle between the first and second lattices.

[0036] In general, the wristband may include a lattice webbing that may be formed by printing sequential layers. This process may enable lattice dimensions, thicknesses, spacing, interconnections (or absence of interconnections), or any combination thereof that may be difficult (if not impossible) to produce using a mold. The 3D printing process may enable selected or random variations in the lattice dimensions, patterns, and so on from wristband to wristband. An example of a flexible wristband produced by a 3D printing process is described below with respect to FIG. 1A.

[0037] FIG. 1A depicts a top view of a wristband 100 formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges 102, a lattice webbing 104, and an opening to provide a loop (elliptical loop 110) for an end of the wristband 100, in accordance with certain embodiments. The wristband 100 may be formed from an elastomeric polymer material, which may be homogenous throughout the entire extent of the wristband 100 or which may vary, depending on the implementation. In some implementations, one or more parameters of the elastomeric material may vary across the wristband. The one or more parameters may include the color, the thickness, the composition, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the thickness of lattice elements within the lattice webbing 104 may be tapered or may otherwise vary along their length. In an example, the lattice webbing 104 may include elements that have a spatially variable thickness. In some implementations, one or more of the elastomeric polymer elements may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm. In some implementations, the lattice webbing 104 may be formed in a single layer or may extend through one or more layers.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the wristband 100 may include a plurality of adjustment holes 106 distributed along a first portion of the lattice webbing 104 near a first end of the wristband 100. The wristband 100 may include a post 108 near a second end of the wristband 100 and extending at an angle of approximately ninety degrees from a surface defined by the lattice webbing 104.

[0039] The wristband 100 may have an elongate, rectangular shape with rounded ends. The wristband 100 may include one or more edges 102 that define a perimeter of the wristband 100. In the illustrated example, the edge 102 is a continuous edge having rounded corners and defining a substantially rectangular wristband 100 with rounded ends. In other implementations, the wristband 100 may have an edge 102 with square corners defining a rectangle having four sides. The one or more edges 102 may have a thickness that extends the full depth of the wristband 100. The one or more edges 102 extending about the perimeter of the wristband 100 may define an area within the perimeter of the edge 102 or edges 102.

[0040] The lattice webbing 104 may be formed from one or more layers of material extending between the one or more edges 102 across at least a portion of the area defined by the perimeter edges 102. In some implementations, the lattice webbing 104 may be formed from a first lattice webbing 104(1) and a second lattice webbing 104(2), which may be separated by an air gap. In the illustrated example, the lattice webbing 104 may be formed by a plurality of honeycomb-shapes arranged in a substantially repeating pattern across the area and along at least portion of the length. In other implementations, the lattice webbing 104 may be formed by one or more shapes in a regular, semi-regular, or random configuration. In still other implementations, the lattice webbing 104 may be customized to include at least one lattice webbing 104 having a custom configuration.

[0041] In some implementations, the lattice webbing 104(1) and the lattice webbing 104(2) may be formed from elastomeric polymer having a shore A hardness in a range from approximately 65 to 77 and a tear strength of 20 kilo-Newtons per meter or more. Additionally, the 3D printing process may enable printing of a lattice webbing 104 of printed shapes that may have spatially varying dimensions, including sizes, depths, and thicknesses. In some implementations, strands or elements within the lattice webbing 104 may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, which may be too thin for manufacturing using injection molding or other plastic molding techniques with this type of elastic material.

[0042] In some implementations, the additive layering of the 3D printing process may produce layer lines, which are sometimes referred to as “Z-lines”. Such lines are not present in devices produced by injection molding. Z-lines are sometimes visible (particularly under magnification) along the sides and edges of a printed part. However, machine processing or ink printing can blur such lines. In some implementations, the Z-lines may be visible through x-ray scanning, microscopic inspection, and the like.

[0043] FIG. 1B depicts a side view 120 of the wristband 100 of FIG. 1A. In this view, the post 108 is shown to extend above the surface of the edge 102 of the wristband 100. Similarly, adjustment holes or openings 106 may include a portion that may extend slightly past the surface of the edge 102. The holes or openings 106 may be formed in the lattice webbing 104 and may extend through one or more layers of the lattice webbing 104.

[0044] FIG. 1C depicts a cross-sectional view 140 of the wristband 100 taken along line C-C in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 100 may include an edge 102. In this view, a first portion of the edge 102 (first edge 102(1)) and a second portion of the edge 102 (second edge 102(2)) are coupled by a first lattice webbing 104(1) and a second lattice webbing 104(2), which are separated by an air gap 144.

[0045] In this example, the opening 106 may be formed from a first opening 106(1) in the first lattice webbing 104(1) and a second opening 106(2) in the second lattice webbing 104(2). In this example, the airgap 144 is maintained in the area of the openings 106.

[0046] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1C, the lattice webbing 104(1) has a substantially constant thickness from the first edge 102(1) to the second edge 102(2). Similarly, the lattice webbing 104(2) has a substantially constant thickness from the first edge 102(1) to the second edge 102(2). In other implementations, one or more of the lattice webbing 104(1) or the lattice webbing 104(2) may have a spatially variable thickness, which may be produced by individual elements of the lattice.

[0047] In some implementations, the angular orientation of selected shapes within the lattice webbing 104 may vary, producing variability in the thickness of the lattice webbing 104. In other implementations, in addition to variability of the angular orientation, the shapes that comprise the lattice webbing 104 may vary. The thicknesses of the shapes, the sizes of the shapes, and their relative spacing may vary within a lattice webbing 104, between lattice webbings 104(1) and 104(2), from wristband 100 to wristband 100, or any combination thereof.

[0048] FIG. 1D depicts a cross-sectional view 160 of an alternative implementation of the wristband 100 taken along line C-C in FIG. 1A, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 100 may include all the elements of the wristband 100 in FIG. 1C, except that the adjustment hole 106 extends from the first lattice webbing 104(1) through the second lattice webbing 104(2). In this example, the adjustment hole 106 may form a hole post 162 that may extend between and through the lattice webbings 104(1) and 104(2). The hole post 162 may surround the adjustment hole 106 and may provide reinforcing force to secure the post 108 in the adjustment hole 106. Other implementations are also possible.

[0049] FIG. 2A depicts a top view 200 of a wristband 100 formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges 102, a lattice webbing 104, and a pair of loops 202 for an end of the wristband 100, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 100 includes all the elements of the wristband 100 in FIG. 1A, except that the elliptical loop 110 is omitted, and replaced with a pair of loops 202.

[0050] In this example, the loops 202 may extend away from a first edge 102(1), extend over the lattice webbing 104 by a predetermined spacing, and return to the second edge 102(2) to form a loop 202 through which an end of the wristband 100 may be inserted. The loops 202 are shown as solid structures, but the loops 210 may be formed with edges and a secondary lattice formed from selected shapes, depending on the implementation.

[0051] FIG. 2B depicts a side view 220 of the wristband 100 of FIG. 2A. In this view, the loops 202 may be formed as part of the edges 102 and printed to be coextensive with the edges 102. In some implementations, the wristband 100 may be tapered slightly along its length so that an end of the wristband 100 may fit through the loop 202.

[0052] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view 300 of a wristband 100 formed using a 3D printing process and including a lattice webbing 104 with embossed lettering 302 and a solid area 306, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 100 may include all the elements of the wristband 100 in FIGS. 1A-2B. In some implementations, the wristband 100 may include edges 102(1) and 102(2). The wristband 100 includes one or more lattice webbings 104(1) and 104(2). In some implementations, a portion of the wristband 100 may be formed with an embossed logo 302 (in this example, the word “FROGS”). Other logos may be embossed on the lattice webbing 104(1).

[0053] The wristband 100 may also include a solid area 304, which may be formed to have a smooth surface to receive ink or into which letters may be formed. During the printing process, letters may be formed in this solid area 304 by withholding material to form the selected shape. In this example, the solid area 304 may include lettering 306. In some implementations, in addition to withholding some material during the printing process, a last layer prior to withholding material in the area of the letters may be printed with a different color of elastomeric polymer, causing the letters to be seen more easily against the background color of the wristband 100.

[0054] In this example, the wristband 100 is depicted as fan gear for the Texas Christian University (TCU), which are variously referred to as the “FROGS” or “HORNED FROGS”. It should be appreciated that the 3D printing process may enable other embossed logos 302 or lettering 306. Additionally, while the examples provided above largely used hexagon-shaped structures to form the lattice webbing 104, other shapes may also be used.

[0055] FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a wristband 400 formed using a 3D printing process and including one or more edges 102, a lattice webbing 404, and an opening to provide a loop (elliptical loop 110) for an end of the wristband 400, in accordance with certain embodiments. The wristband 400 may be formed from an elastomeric polymer material, which may be homogenous throughout the entire extent of the wristband 400 or which may vary, depending on the implementation. In some implementations, one or more parameters of the elastomeric material may vary across the wristband. The one or more parameters may include the color, the thickness, the composition, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the thickness of lattice elements within the lattice webbing 404 may be tapered or may otherwise vary along their length. In an example, the lattice webbing 404 may include elements that have a spatially variable thickness. In some implementations, one or more of the elastomeric polymer elements may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm. In some implementations, the lattice webbing 404 may be formed in a single layer or may extend through one or more layers.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the wristband 400 may include a plurality of adjustment holes 106 distributed along a first portion of the lattice webbing 404 near a first end of the wristband 400. The wristband 400 may include a post 108 near a second end of the wristband 400 and extending at an angle of approximately ninety degrees from a surface defined by the lattice webbing 404.

[0057] The wristband 400 may have an elongate, rectangular shape with rounded ends. The wristband 400 may include one or more edges 102 that define a perimeter of the wristband 400. In the illustrated example, the edge 102 is a continuous edge having rounded corners and defining a substantially rectangular wristband 400 with rounded ends. In other implementations, the wristband 400 may have an edge 102 with square corners defining a rectangle having four sides. The one or more edges 102 may have a thickness that extends a full depth of the wristband 400. The one or more edges 102 extending about the perimeter of the wristband 400 may define an area within the perimeter of the edge 102 or edges 102.

[0058] The lattice webbing 404 may be formed from one or more layers of material extending between the one or more edges 102 across at least a portion of the area defined by the perimeter edges 102. In some implementations, the lattice webbing 404 may be formed from a first lattice webbing 404(1) and a second lattice webbing 404(2), which may be separated by an air gap. In the illustrated example, the lattice webbing 404 may be formed by a plurality of honeycomb-shapes arranged in a substantially repeating pattern across the area and along at least portion of the length. In other implementations, the lattice webbing 404 may be formed by one or more shapes in a regular, semi-regular, or random configuration. In still other implementations, the lattice webbing 404 may be customized to include at least one lattice webbing 104 having a custom configuration.

[0059] In some implementations, the lattice webbing 404(1) and the lattice webbing 404(2) may be formed from elastomeric polymer having a shore A hardness in a range from approximately 65 to 77 and a tear strength of 20 kilo-Newtons per meter or more. Additionally, the 3D printing process may enable printing of a lattice webbing 404 of printed shapes that may have spatially varying dimensions, including sizes, depths, and thicknesses. In some implementations, strands or elements within the lattice webbing 404 may have a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, which may be too thin for manufacturing using injection molding or other plastic molding techniques with this type of elastic material.

[0060] In some implementations, the additive layering of the 3D printing process may produce layer lines, which are sometimes referred to as “Z-lines”. Such lines are not present in devices produced by injection molding. Z-lines are sometimes visible (particularly under magnification) along the sides and edges of a printed part. However, machine processing or ink printing can blur such lines. In some implementations, the Z-lines may be visible through x-ray scanning, microscopic inspection, and the like.

[0061] In this implementation, the wristband 400 may include the lattice webbing 404 may extend as depicted in FIG. 1C with an air gap 144 between the lattice webbing layers 404(1) and 404(2). In some implementations, support structures may be formed to provide support between the lattice webbing layers 404(1) and 404(2). The support structures may include arches, pillars, or various shapes that may allow for air gaps 144 and that may provide lateral support for the lattice webbing 404.

[0062] FIG. 4B depicts a side view 420 of the wristband 400 of FIG. 4A. In this view, the post 108 is shown to extend above the surface of the edge 102 of the wristband 100. Similarly, adjustment holes or openings 106 may include a portion that may extend slightly past the surface of the edge 102. The holes or openings 106 may be formed in the lattice webbing 104 and may extend through one or more layers of the lattice webbing 104.

[0063] FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view 440 of the wristband taken along line C-C in FIG. 4A, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the wristband 400 may include an edge 102. In this view, a first portion of the edge 102 (first edge 102(1)) and a second portion of the edge 102 (second edge 102(2)) are coupled by a first lattice webbing 404(1) and a second lattice webbing 404(2), which are separated by an air gap 144.

[0064] In this example, the opening 106 may be formed from a first opening 106(1) in the first lattice webbing 404(1) and a second opening 106(2) in the second lattice webbing 404(2). The first and second lattice webbings 404(1) and 404(2) may be separated from one another by a distance that defines an air gap 144.

[0065] In this example, the spacing between the first and second lattice webbings 404(1) and 404(2) may include an internal lattice 442, which may be compressible in one or more dimensions, and which may maintain a selected spacing under stress or pressure. The air gap 144 (or air gaps 144) may exist within the internal lattice 442. The internal lattice 442 may include one or more pillars, tendrils, or other shapes, at least some of which may extend between the first lattice webbing 404(1) and the second lattice webbing 404(2). In this example, the internal lattice 442 may include curved arches and straight truss shapes, which may extend perpendicular or at an angle between the first lattice webbing 404(1) and the second lattice webbing 404(2).

[0066] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1C, the lattice webbing 404(1) has a substantially constant thickness from the first edge 102(1) to the second edge 102(2). Similarly, the lattice webbing 404(2) has a substantially constant thickness from the first edge 102(1) to the second edge 102(2). In other implementations, one or more of the lattice webbing 404(1) or the lattice webbing 404(2) may have a spatially variable thickness, which may be produced by individual elements of the lattice.

[0067] Additionally, the internal lattice 442 is depicted as having a substantially constant thickness from the first lattice webbing 404(1) to the second lattice webbing 404(2). However, the internal lattice 442 may be comprised of structures having different shapes, different thicknesses, and different structural characteristics. In some implementations, one or more of the structures may vary in thickness or shape along its length. For example, one or more of the structures may have a slightly conical shape or may vary from a hexagonal cross-sectional shape to a rectangular cross-sectional shape along its length. Additionally, since the internal lattice 442 is 3D printed, the composition of the one or more structures may vary between individual elements, within a single element along its length, or any combination thereof.

[0068] In some implementations, the angular orientation of selected shapes within one or more of the lattice webbings 404 or the internal lattice 442 may vary, producing variability in the thickness of the lattice webbing 404 and in the internal lattice 442. In other implementations, in addition to variability of the angular orientation, the shapes that comprise the lattice webbing 404 may vary. The thicknesses of the shapes, the sizes of the shapes, and their relative spacing may vary within a lattice webbing 404, between lattice webbings 404(1) and 404(2), within the internal lattice 442, from wristband 400 to wristband 400, or any combination thereof.

[0069] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a portion 500 of a wristband 100 formed using a 3D printing process and including a lattice webbing 104 with a selected configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this example, the portion 500 may include edges 102(1) and 102(2), which may be coupled by a first lattice webbing 104(1) forming a first surface of the wristband 100 or 400 and by a second lattice webbing 104(2) forming a second surface of the wristband 100 or 400.

[0070] In this example, the first lattice webbing 104(1) may be formed from an arrangement of hexagon-shaped elements that are interconnected and arranged to extend between the edges 102(1) and 102(2). The second lattice webbing 104(2) may be formed from hexagon-shaped elements or elements forming other shapes that are interconnected with each other and spaced apart from the elements of the first lattice webbing 104(1). Elements of the second lattice webbing 104(2) may be visible through openings in the first lattice webbing 104(1).

[0071] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a system 600 configured to produce implementations of the wristband 100 of any of FIGS. 1A-5, in accordance with certain embodiments. The system 600 may include a standalone computing device (such as a single server) or one or more computing devices operating as a server cloud computing system. In some implementations, the system 600 may include a printing system 602, which may be coupled to one or more 3D printers 604. The printing system 602 may control the one or more 3D printers 604 to generate flexible wristbands 100 or 400.

[0072] The printing system 602 may be configured to communicate with one or more computing devices 606 through a communications network 608. The communications network 608 may include a short-range network (such as a local area network), a wide area network (such as a Wi-Fi network), other networks, the Internet, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The printing system 602 may include one or more processors 610, which may be configured to execute processor-readable instructions and to process day. The printing system 602 may include one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 612 coupled to the one or more processors 610. The I / O interfaces 612 may include physical connectors, wireless radio frequency transceivers, or any combination thereof, which may be communicatively coupled to one or more input devices 620 and to one or more output devices 622. The input devices 620 may include one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, a track ball, a stylus, a touch-sensitive interface, a microphone, a scanner, a camera, or another input device. The output devices 622 may include one or more of a display, a speaker, a printer, or another output device. In some implementations, one or more of the input devices 620 may be combined with one or more of the output devices 622, for example, in the form of a touchscreen display device.

[0074] The printing system 602 may include one or more printer interfaces 614 coupled to the one or more processors 610. The printer interfaces 614 may include physical connectors, wireless radio frequency transceivers, or any combination thereof, which may be communicatively coupled to one or more 3D printers 604.

[0075] The printing system 602 may include one or more network interfaces 618 coupled to the one or more processors 610. The network interfaces 618 may include physical connectors, wireless radio frequency transceivers, or any combination thereof, which may be communicatively coupled to the communications network 608 to enable communications with one or more computing devices 606 through the network 608.

[0076] The printing system 602 may include a memory 616 coupled to the one or more processors 610. The memory 616 may include one or more non-volatile memory devices, such as a flash memory, a solid-state memory, a hard disc drive, another non-volatile memory device, or any combination thereof. The memory 616 may be configured to store processor-readable instructions and data.

[0077] The memory 616 may include one or more operating system modules 624 that may be executed by the processor 610 to control operation of the printing system 602. The memory 616 may include one or more communication modules 626 that may cause the processor 610 to send data via one or more of the I / O interfaces 612, the printer interfaces 614, or the network interfaces 618, or to receive data from one or more of the I / O interfaces 612 or the network interfaces 618.

[0078] The memory 616 may include one or more graphical interface modules 628 that may cause the processor 610 to generate a graphical interface that may be provided to an output device 622 through the I / O interfaces 612 or to a computing device 606 through the network 608. The graphical interface may include text data, images, and user-selectable control options accessible by the user to configure one of the 3D printers 604 or to configure or design a wristband 100 or 400. The user-selectable control options may include pull-down menus, checkboxes, radio buttons, text fields, buttons, clickable links, tabs, upload boxes (such as “drag and drop” fields), other control options, or any combination thereof.

[0079] The memory 616 may include one or more dimensions modules 630 that may cause the processor 610 to determine dimension data corresponding to a wristband 100 or 400 to be printed. The dimension data may include width data corresponding to a width of the wristband 100 or 400, depth data corresponding to a depth of the edges 102, length data corresponding to a length of the wristband, thickness and length data corresponding to elements of the lattice webbing, other dimension data, or any combination thereof.

[0080] The memory 616 may include one or more shape selection modules 632 that may cause the processor 610 to determine one or more shapes from which the lattice webbing 104 may be formed. In some implementations, the shape selection module 632 may retrieve instructions corresponding to a selected shape determined from input data received from one of the input device 620 or a computing device 606. In an example, the user may specify one or more shapes (such as shapes data 646 within a data store 644) by interacting with user-selectable control options within the graphical interface. The shapes data 646 may include instructions or information to characterize one or more shapes (such as hexagons, octagons, triangles, rectangles, circles, ellipses, other shapes, or any combination thereof) so that selected ones of the shape data 646 may be reproduced by the 3D printer 604. In some implementations, the user may select a control option within the graphical interface to empower the printing system 602 to automatically select shapes data 646 from the data store 644.

[0081] The memory 616 may include one or more organization modules 634 that may cause the processor 610 to arrange selected shapes into a layout that conforms to the dimensions of the wristband 100 or 400 to be printed. The layout may include a repeating pattern comprised of a selected shape, a pattern comprised of a selected shape of different sizes, a pattern of different selected shapes, another configuration, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the one or more organization modules 634 may cause the processor 610 to determine a baseline layout 648 from the data store 644 and to selectively modify the baseline layout 648 based on the one or more selected shapes to produce the layout.

[0082] The memory 616 may include one or more lattice modules 636 that may cause the processor 610 to determine a lattice webbing 104 based on the layout determined by the organization modules. The memory 616 may include one or more mechanical engineering modules 638 that may cause the processor 610 to determine one or more mechanical properties for the lattice webbing 104 and to selectively control thicknesses and placement of shapes forming the lattice webbing 104 to provide a selected elasticity.

[0083] The memory 616 may include one or more layout design modules 640 that may cause the processor 610 to use the layout, lattice, and mechanical information to determine a layout design that includes printer control data that can be used to print the wristband 100 or 400. The memory 618 may include one or more printer control modules 642 that may cause the processor 610 to communicate the printer control data to one or more of the 3D printers 604 via the one or more printer interfaces 614.

[0084] In some implementations, the processor 610 may store the printer control data in the data store 644 as a design 650. The data store 644 may also include other data 652.

[0085] In some implementations, the printing system 602 may be configured to provide a graphical interface, such as a web page, to a computing device 606 through the network 608 or to an output device 622, such as a display device. The user may interact with the computing device 606 or an input device 620 to configure settings for the printing of a wristband 100 or 400. In response to receiving the configuration information, the printing system 602 may determine shapes, dimensions, layout, and other data and may generate a design pattern including 3D printer data that may be provided to one or more 3D printers 604 to generate one or more wristbands 100 or 400 including selected lattice webbings 104.

[0086] FIG. 7 depicts a graphical interface 700 accessible by a user to customize the flexible wristband 100 or 400, in accordance with certain embodiments. It should be appreciated that the graphical interface 700 is an illustrative, non-limiting example, of an interface including examples of user-selectable control options that may be accessed by a user to configure settings for the generation of a flexible wristband 100 or 400. However, other interfaces and other user-selectable control options are also possible.

[0087] The graphical interface 700 may include a plurality of user-selectable control options accessible by the user, including buttons, text fields, pulldown menus, check boxes, clickable links, other control options, or any combination thereof. The graphical interface 700 may include a text field control option 702 that may be accessed by the user to receive text to name a wristband design. The graphical interface 700 may include a pulldown menu 704 that may be accessed by the user to specify a wristband type. Such wristband types may include a “solid bracelet”, a “watch-type band” (such as that shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A), an “infinity band” (a solid bracelet that twists along its length such that a side that begins as the wrist-facing or inside of the band twists to become the outward-facing or outside of the band), a braided band, other band designs, or any combination thereof. In this example, the solid bracelet control option is selected, as indicated by the dashed box.

[0088] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control options 706, which may include a size pull-down menu accessible by the user to specify a size of the bracelet. In some implementations, the available control options 706 may vary based on the selected wristband type. In this example, the control options 706 may include an extra small option, a small option, a medium option, a large option, and an extra-large option. In this example, the control option 706 may specify “Medium” as a default option or the user may have already configured the control option 706 as Medium.

[0089] The graphical interface 700 may include a control option 708 accessible by a user to specify one or more lattice shapes to be used to produce the lattice webbing 104 of the wristband 100 or 400. The control options 708 may include options to select one or more of a triangle shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a hexagon shape, a pentagon shape, other shapes, or any combination thereof. The graphical interface 700 may include a control option 710 labeled “Upload”, which may be accessed by a user to upload a digital pattern or image. In an example, in response to selection of the control option 710, the graphical interface 700 may display a popup dialog or other option to allow a user to select a digital pattern or image file from a local memory (such as the memory 616 or from a website or other location via the network 608).

[0090] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 712, which may be menu to enable the user to select a layout arrangement, such as repeating, random, manual, or other options. In this example, the user selected “Random”, and the printing system 602 may automatically determine the layout. In another example, the user may select “Manual”, and the graphical interface 702 may present a popup or other window to enable the user to place selected shapes within a framework representing the selected wristband type.

[0091] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 714 accessible by the user to specify one or more color options. In this example, the control option 714 is labeled “Color Options”. Next to the control option 714, current color selections may be displayed. In this example, the edges 102 of the wristband 100 or 400 are set as “White”, and the lattice webbing 104 is also set as “White.” However, by accessing the color options control option 714, the user may specify one or more colors for the edges 102, the webbing 104, the loops 110 or 210, other color options, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the user may specify mixes of colors or multiple colors for one or more of the elements of the wristband 100 or 400.

[0092] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 716 to enable the user to select a debossing option. The graphical interface 700 may include a control option 718 that may be accessed by the user to upload a logo or image to be formed into the surface and optionally a text input 720 that may be accessed by the user to enter text to be debossed. In this example, the number of characters for debossing is indicated to be limited to 9; however, the number of characters may be more or less, depending on the resolution limits of the 3D printers 604. In this example, the user has entered “TCU” into the text input 720.

[0093] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 722 to enable the user to select an embossing option. The graphical interface 700 may include a control option 724 that may be accessed by the user to upload a logo or image to be embossed and optionally a text input 726 that may be accessed by the user to enter text to be embossed. In this example, the number of characters for embossing is indicated to be limited to 20; however, the number of characters may be more or less, depending on the resolution limits of the 3D printers 604 and depending on the size of the wristband 100 or 400 selected using the control option 706. In this example, the user has entered “FROGS” into the text input 726.

[0094] The graphical interface 700 may include a user-selectable control option 728 that may be accessed by the user to allow to preview the wristband 100 or 400 based on the selections. In some implementations, in response to selection of the control option 728, the graphical interface 700 may present a virtual image of a wristband 100 or 400 according to the selected design options. In an example, the view 300 of the wristband 100 or 400 in FIG. 3 is an example of a wristband 100 or 400 produced or virtually displayed based on some of the settings presented in the graphical interface 700.

[0095] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method 800 of producing a wristband including a lattice webbing with a selected configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments. At 802, the method 800 may include determining dimensions of a wristband 100 or 400 to be generated. The dimensions may be determined based on the type of wristband (solid, infinity, watch-band type, etc.) and the selected size (extra small, small, medium, large, or extra-large).

[0096] At 804, the method 800 may include determining dimensions of one or more edges 102 of the wristband 100 or 400 to be generated. The dimensions may include the thickness of the edges 102 as well as the spatial arrangement of the edges 102 relative to one another (defining the area of the lattice webbing 104).

[0097] At 806, the method 800 may include selecting one or more shapes. The shapes may include triangular shapes, circular shapes, hexagon shapes, pentagon shapes, other shapes, or any combination thereof. In an example, the user may interact with one or more user-selectable control options to specify one or more shapes or to select a “random” option that instructs the printing system 602 to select the shapes automatically.

[0098] At 808, the method 800 may include determining sizes of the one or more shapes. The shapes may be determined to have a uniform size, or the sizes of the shapes may be varied, depending on the implementation.

[0099] At 810, the method 800 may include automatically organizing the one or more shapes to fit an area between the edges 102. In some implementations, the shapes may be organized in repeating pattern, in a random arrangement, or in some other arrangement.

[0100] At 812, the method 800 may include determining a lattice design based on the organized one or more shapes. The lattice design may include the pattern, the thickness, and other information.

[0101] At 814, the method 800 may include determining a print diagram including the edge 102 and the lattice design according to the determined dimensions. The print diagram may include instructions and information that may be used by the 3D printer 604.

[0102] At 816, the method 800 may include printing sequential layers of an elastomeric polymer according to the print diagram to produce the wristband 100 or 400 including the lattice design. The lattice design may cause the 3D printer 604 to generate the lattice webbing 104 according to the print diagram.

[0103] In some implementations, at 818, the method 800 may include optionally printing one or more ink layers onto the wristband. The one or more ink layers may be printed into the debossed areas, on a surface, on an embossed area, on other locations, or any combination thereof.

[0104] FIG. 9 depicts a diagram 900 including a picture of portions of a pair of wristbands 100 or 400 including a lattice webbing 104 with a selected configuration and including embossed lettering 902, in accordance with certain embodiments. For simplicity, the following discussion is presented with respect to the wristband 100 of FIG. 1A, but it should be understood that the discussion of FIG. 9 may also be understood with respect to the wristband 400 in FIG. 4A. In this example, a first wristband 100(1) includes edges 102(1), lattice webbing 104(1), and an embossed logo 902(1). The lattice webbing 104(1) may include a plurality of irregular shapes. The embossed logo 902(1) may include the word “Buckeyes” in cursive lettering.

[0105] A second wristband 100(2) may include edges 102(2), a lattice webbing 104(1), and an embossed logo 902(2). The lattice webbing 104(2) may be formed from a plurality of shapes. The embossed logo 902(2) may include the term “Buckeyes” in cursive lettering. Additionally, the embossed logo 902(2) may include a printed layer 904, which may provide color or other details to the wristband 102(2).

[0106] FIG. 10 depicts a diagram 1000 including pictures of three wristbands 100(1), 100(2), and 100(3) including lattice webbing 104(1), 104(2), and 104(3) with selected configurations, in accordance with certain embodiments. It should be appreciated that, while the diagram 900 depicts examples of the wristband 100 of FIG. 1A, the diagram 900 could be implemented as the wristband 400 in FIGS. 4A-4C. In this example, the first wristband 100(1) may include edges 102(1) with a lattice webbing 104(1), which may be implemented as a custom lattice 1004(1). In this example, the custom lattice 1004(1) may be an original artistic design adapted to fit between the edges 102(1).

[0107] The second wristband 100(2) may include edges 102(2) and a lattice webbing 104(2) formed from a shape that is repeated in a symmetric pattern. The pattern is formed of the same shape repeated. The wristband 100(2) may also include an embossed logo 1002(1). In this case, the embossed logo 1002(1) may include letters and a shape.

[0108] The third wristband 100(3) may include edges 102(3) and a lattice webbing 104(3) formed from a shape that is repeated in a symmetric pattern. The pattern is formed from the same shape repeated. The wristband 100(3) may also include an embossed logo 1002(2).

[0109] FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram of a method 1100 of producing a flexible wristband using a three-dimensional printing process, in accordance with certain embodiments. The method 1100 may be used to produce any of the above-described wristbands, or other wristbands, including custom wristbands with or without custom logos and with or without custom colors.

[0110] At 1102, the method 1100 may include determining a wristband profile from a plurality of wristband profiles. In one or more embodiments, each of the wristband profiles may define at least one of a width parameter, a length parameter, one or more shape parameters, a coupling parameter, and a loop parameter. The coupling parameter may include openings, a post or pin, a buckle, other couplings, or any combination thereof. The loop parameter may define the shape, size, and relative position of one or more loops configured to secure an end of a band.

[0111] At 1104, the method 1100 may include determining a matrix pattern from a plurality of matrix patterns. In one or more embodiments, the pattern of the 3D printed matrix may be selected from multiple patterns, which may include one or more interlinked honeycomb patterns, one or more lattice patterns, one or more other patterns, or any combination thereof.

[0112] At 1106, the method 1100 may include optionally determining a logo to be produced on the determined matrix pattern. In one or more embodiments, a user may upload an image file or may provide data indicative of an image or logo. The system may process the image file or the data to determine logo data that may be used to produce the logo.

[0113] At 1108, the method 1100 may include determining a print file based on the determined wristband profile, the determined matrix pattern, and the determined logo. The print file may include instructions that may control a 3D printer to produce the customized wristband.

[0114] At 1110, the method 1100 may include providing the print file to a three-dimensional (3D) printer to produce a customized wristband including the determined wristband profile, the determined matrix pattern, and the optional logo. The system 602 may provide the print file to the 3D printer 604 to produce the customized wristband.

[0115] At 1112, the method 1100 may include optionally printing one or more colors onto at least a portion of the customized wristband. In one or more embodiment, the 3D printer may be configured to inject color or select color to produce the logo. In one or more other embodiments, a separate printer or printing process may apply one or more color inks to the logo, to other parts of the wristband, or both.

[0116] In conjunction with the systems, methods, and devices described above, a wristband is disclosed that is formed using a 3D printing process. In some implementations, the wristband 100 or 400 may include one or more edges 102 defining a perimeter of the wristband 100. The wristband 100 or 400 may include a lattice webbing assembly including a first lattice webbing 104(1) or 404(1) extending between first portions of the one or more edges 102 and including a second lattice webbing 104(2) or 404(2) extending between second portions of the one or more edges 102. The first and second lattice webbings 104(1) and 104(2) separated by an air gap. One the one or more edges 102 and the lattice webbing 104 are formed from additive layers without seams. In some implementations, the first and second lattice webbings 404(1) and 404(2) are separated by a space and supported by an internal lattice 442, which may include air gaps 144.

[0117] The disclosure may be further understood in light of the following examples.

[0118] Example 1: A wristband may include one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband; and a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges; a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap; and where the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams using a three-dimensional printing process.

[0119] Example 2: The wristband of Example 1, where one or more of the first lattice webbing or the second lattice webbing is formed from one or more shapes arranged in a pattern.

[0120] Example 3: The wristband of any of Examples 1 or 2, further includes a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; and one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape.

[0121] Example 4: The wristband of Example 3, further includes an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

[0122] Example 5: The wristband of any of Examples 1-4, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

[0123] Example 6: The wristband of Example 5, further includes an ink pattern printed onto the embossed log.

[0124] Example 7: The wristband of any of Examples 1-6, where one or more of the first lattice webbing or the second lattice webbing includes one or more shapes, each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness.

[0125] Example 8: The wristband of Example 7, where one or more of the plurality of elements has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

[0126] Example 9: The wristband of any of Examples 1-7, further including an internal lattice extending between the first lattice webbing and the second lattice webbing.

[0127] Example 10: A wristband includes one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband; a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing including a first shape; at least one second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap, the at least one second lattice webbing including one or more of the first shape or a second shape; and where the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the at least one second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.

[0128] Example 11: The wristband of Example 10, where the first lattice webbing includes multiple instances of the first shape arranged in one of a regular pattern or a random configuration of the first shape having different sizes; and the second lattice webbing includes the one or more of the first shape or the second shape repeated multiple times and arranged in one of a regular pattern or a random configuration.

[0129] Example 12: The wristband of any of Examples 10 or 11, further including a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; and one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape.

[0130] Example 13: The wristband of Example 12, further including an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

[0131] Example 14: The wristband of any of Examples 10-13, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

[0132] Example 15: The wristband of Example 14, further includes an ink pattern printed onto the embossed log.

[0133] Example 16: The wristband of any of Examples 10-16, where each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness.

[0134] Example 17: The wristband of Example 16, where one or more of the plurality of elements has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

[0135] Example 18: A wristband includes one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband; a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing including a first pattern comprised of at least one first shape; a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap, the second lattice webbing including a second pattern comprised of at least one second shape; an internal lattice that extends between the first lattice webbing and the second lattice webbing; and where each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness; and the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.

[0136] Example 19: The wristband of Example 18, where the first pattern includes one of a regular configuration or a random configuration of the at least one first shape; and the second pattern includes one of a regular configuration or a random configuration of the at least one second shape.

[0137] Example 20: The wristband of any of Examples 18 or 19, further including a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape; and an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

[0138] Example 21: The wristband of any of Examples 18-20, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the invention.

Examples

example 1

[0118] A wristband may include one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband; and a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges; a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap; and where the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams using a three-dimensional printing process.

[0119]Example 2: The wristband of Example 1, where one or more of the first lattice webbing or the second lattice webbing is formed from one or more shapes arranged in a pattern.

example 3

[0120] The wristband of any of Examples 1 or 2, further includes a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; and one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape.

[0121]Example 4: The wristband of Example 3, further includes an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

example 5

[0122] The wristband of any of Examples 1-4, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

[0123]Example 6: The wristband of Example 5, further includes an ink pattern printed onto the embossed log.

Claims

1. A wristband comprising:one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband;a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges;a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap; andwherein the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams using a three-dimensional printing process.

2. The wristband of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first lattice webbing or the second lattice webbing is formed from one or more shapes arranged in a pattern.

3. The wristband of claim 1, further including:a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; andone or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape.

4. The wristband of claim 3, further including an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

5. The wristband of claim 1, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

6. The wristband of claim 5, further including an ink pattern printed onto the embossed log.

7. The wristband of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first lattice webbing or the second lattice webbing includes one or more shapes, each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness.

8. The wristband of claim 7, wherein one or more of the plurality of elements has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

9. The wristband of claim 1, further including an internal lattice extending between the first lattice webbing and the second lattice webbing.

10. A wristband comprising:one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband;a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing including a first shape;at least one second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap, the at least one second lattice webbing including one or more of the first shape or a second shape; andwherein the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the at least one second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.

11. The wristband of claim 10, wherein:the first lattice webbing includes multiple instances of the first shape arranged in one of a regular pattern or a random configuration of the first shape having different sizes; andthe second lattice webbing includes the one or more of the first shape or the second shape repeated multiple times and arranged in one of a regular pattern or a random configuration.

12. The wristband of claim 10, further including:a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing; andone or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape.

13. The wristband of claim 12, further including an ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

14. The wristband of claim 10, further including an embossed logo formed on the first lattice webbing.

15. The wristband of claim 14, further including an ink pattern printed onto the embossed log.

16. The wristband of claim 10, wherein each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness.

17. The wristband of claim 16, wherein one or more of the plurality of elements has a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

18. A wristband comprising:one or more edges defining a perimeter of the wristband;a first lattice webbing extending between first portions of the one or more edges, the first lattice webbing including a first pattern comprised of at least one first shape;a second lattice webbing extending between second portions of the one or more edges and separated from the first lattice webbing by an air gap, the second lattice webbing including a second pattern comprised of at least one second shape;an internal lattice that extends between the first lattice webbing and the second lattice webbing; andwherein:each shape is formed from a plurality of elements, at least some of the plurality of elements having a spatially variable thickness; andthe one or more edges, the first lattice webbing, and the second lattice webbing are formed from one or more elastomeric polymers constructed from additive layers without seams.

19. The wristband of claim 18, wherein:the first pattern includes one of a regular configuration or a random configuration of the at least one first shape; andthe second pattern includes one of a regular configuration or a random configuration of the at least one second shape.

20. The wristband of claim 18, further including:a solid shape formed on the first lattice webbing;one or more of lettering or a logo debossed on the solid shape; andan ink pattern printed onto one or more of the solid shape or the lettering or the logo.

Images