Apple receives new patents for adjustable display, iPod dock
Apple awarded with patents for an updated snake-like adjustable display device and the iPod music player docking station.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office this week issued Apple Computer a second patent for a "display device with a moveable assembly," which was filed on October 3rd, 2003.
The snake-like display arm featured in the most recent patent filing is strikingly similar to an Apple display arm design that was awarded a patent back in April of 2004. The only visible differences between the two is that the latest design appears to feature a slightly thinner tube and is attached to an iMac sporting a pyramid base.
At least two patents that were filed by Apple last year feature sketches of an iMac flat-screen computer with a pyramid base, suggesting that the company may have considered this approach for its third generation iMac before rejecting it in favor of the just-released, behind-the-monitor design.
Apple was also awarded a patent for its 3rd generation iPod docking station. The company filed for this patent on April 25, 2003.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office this week issued Apple Computer a second patent for a "display device with a moveable assembly," which was filed on October 3rd, 2003.
The snake-like display arm featured in the most recent patent filing is strikingly similar to an Apple display arm design that was awarded a patent back in April of 2004. The only visible differences between the two is that the latest design appears to feature a slightly thinner tube and is attached to an iMac sporting a pyramid base.
At least two patents that were filed by Apple last year feature sketches of an iMac flat-screen computer with a pyramid base, suggesting that the company may have considered this approach for its third generation iMac before rejecting it in favor of the just-released, behind-the-monitor design.
Apple was also awarded a patent for its 3rd generation iPod docking station. The company filed for this patent on April 25, 2003.
Comments
Another "just in case" patent.
Originally posted by nagromme
You know, somehow I don't see the next iMac being a pyramid with a snake arm
Another "just in case" patent.
This snake arm iMac patent was reported on months ago.
Originally posted by TWinbrook46636
This snake arm iMac patent was reported on months ago.
It's not the same patent, however. Obviously nothing groundbreaking here. I just figured folks would be interested to see the design process Apple went through when searching for ideas for the iMac G5.
Best,
Kasper
Originally posted by Stephane
I doubt the pyramid shape was nothing more than a means to keep secret a future iMac basic shape.
The whole point of a patent is to obtain the right to prevent someone else from doing what you are doing. There is no need to keep the shape secret. In fact, a design patent exists solely to protect the shape or the device.
Chris
Originally posted by chabig
The whole point of a patent is to obtain the right to prevent someone else from doing what you are doing. There is no need to keep the shape secret. In fact, a design patent exists solely to protect the shape or the device.
Chris
Except that the patent is for the arm, not the base.
Originally posted by Kasper
It's not the same patent, however.
http://www.macobserver.com/columns/d...20030407.shtml
Sorry, you're late to the party.
Originally posted by TWinbrook46636
http://www.macobserver.com/columns/d...20030407.shtml
Sorry, you're late to the party.
For the second time: It's not the same patent discussed there. The one above was filed in 2001 (D487,893) and the one we are talking about was filed late last year (D495,332). I tried to explain this in the article... I guess my attempt failed.
Kasper