Apple files patent for magnetic Apple iPad stand

posted by Alan F. / Mar 01, 2013, 7:25 AM

Apple files patent for magnetic Apple iPad stand

Various uses for the patented magnetic iPad stand

The USPTO has revealed a patent application made by Apple back in late August of 2011 detailing "a way for securely attaching a tablet device to a stand where it can be removed and replaced with ease." This is hardly hi-tech stuff, boys and girls. The patent is basically coming up with ways that the Apple iPad can take advantage of the strategically place magnets inside the case of the tablet since the Apple iPad 2, to easily attach and detach from a magnetic music stand or a tripod, or something in the interior of your car.

The magnets are inside the case of the tablet to help the Apple iPad Smart Case automatically close in the front without using a fastener. If there is a bit of interesting technology involved in the patent, it is the magnetic shield used to block the magnets inside the stand from say, wiping the information off of your credit cards. The shield also "allows for significant increases in magnetic field strength when compared to similarly configured, unshielded products."

One use of the magnetic stand in an automobile was described in the application. The stand could be mounted on a car's roof frame where it could support a tablet which would be hanging down in the area of the windshield where the rear-view mirror is currently located. The tablet wold be used to allow the driver to see in real-time what is going on behind him. Another use of the stand would have it connecting two tablets together, via a wired or wireless connection. The increased magnetic strength would allow one tablet to lie flat on a desk while the other would be connected via magnets like a display on a laptop computer. The tablet lying flat on the desk would function as the keyboard while the other slate would act as a display. Another suggestion diagrammed in the patent application shows two iPads magnetically connected side by side in portrait orientation to be used as an e-reader. You might recall that last year, Apple was granted a patent for the animation of a turning page.

source: USPTO via TheRegister

Making an e-reader from two $499 Apple iPads and magnets

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22 Comments

1. Mxyzptlk unregistered

This is a nice invention. Apple continues to innovate.

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 7:36 AM 3

3. sorcio46

Posts: 435; Member since: Jul 27, 2011

LOL, your brain is an awesome invention, the best closed and iFanboy experience inside :D There is no invetion in magnetic cases, they were used many years ago before the ipad.

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 7:39 AM 14

18. joey_sfb

Posts: 6794; Member since: Mar 29, 2012

We just might get the apple patented tissue paper and condom from the video, s**t Apple Fanatics Say.

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 5:52 PM 0

23. Pings

Posts: 304; Member since: Dec 19, 2008

Where have I seen this before. Oh that's right on Lickstarter like a year ago...

posted on Mar 02, 2013, 1:10 PM 0

4. rusticguy

Posts: 2828; Member since: Aug 11, 2012

Yea innovate as a grade 6 student good at making sketches :)

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 7:41 AM 7

12. InspectorGadget80 unregistered

Apple continues making dumb b.s. patents

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 8:26 AM 5

13. taikucing unregistered

Sir, here are what we call inventions and should be patented: - tri gate transitor - IGZO display - XDR RAM - memristors - Honda's seamless transmission - Ducati's desmodromic valve - adaptive optics, etc. It's very complicated & requires engineer's brain to invent it, not something simple like this.

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 8:34 AM 6

14. dragonscourgex

Posts: 307; Member since: Jan 16, 2012

My good sir, the only thing innovative about this, is the fact, people are going have to buy two iPad now. So yes. Apple very innovative at stealing people more for nothing in return.

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 8:42 AM 3

15. roscuthiii

Posts: 2383; Member since: Jul 18, 2010

"You keep saying this word, but I don't think it means what you think it means."

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 10:46 AM 1

16. Zero0

Posts: 592; Member since: Jul 05, 2012

I sometimes wonder if this is satire. There are few humans who would believe that "using magnets to attach things" is a novel concept. We've been doing this for centuries. As for shielding, yes. Apple discovered electromagnetic shielding. Contrary to popular belief, nothing has ever been magnetically shielded until a few months ago, by top Apple scientists. Props to them for that one. I don't have multiple shielded devices on my desk right now.

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 2:53 PM 0

21. alouden unregistered

For a second, I thought you were being sarcastic. Then I thought: "Oh snap, you're serious...." The Princess Bride quote above by roscuthiii sums it up best.

posted on Mar 02, 2013, 10:27 AM 0

2. rusticguy

Does M$ have patent on using surface as skateboard :D

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 7:39 AM 1

5. tiara6918

Posts: 2263; Member since: Apr 26, 2012

No they don't but they have to before someone uhhmm uhhmm sues them for stealing

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 7:42 AM 0

6. PapaSmurf

Posts: 10457; Member since: May 14, 2012

When will the USPTO finally get the hint that Apple is trying to patent everything?

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 7:51 AM 0

8. rusticguy

Only after it has patented everything. US Patent Troll's Office :D

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 7:58 AM 0

9. nikenturd unregistered

Again....this godamn patent is too vague and ridiculous....so if a competitor allegedly uses magnets and tripod stands they can be immediately held accountable for some patent lawsuit?

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 7:59 AM 1

20. stealthd unregistered

If they look and function like the drawings then yes. It does not just stop people from using magnets and tripods.

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 6:56 PM 0

10. pongkie

Posts: 663; Member since: Aug 20, 2011

The car rear view tablet might be a bad idea. I don't think the magnet will not hold still during a sudden stop

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 8:20 AM 0

17. Zero0

If the tablet is light enough, and the magnets strong enough, it will be fine. The problem is detaching the tablet. I suppose there could be some type of electromagnet used to secure it, which could be disabled, but I'd imagine that that would take up a decent amount energy to run.

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 2:57 PM 0

11. InspectorGadget80 unregistered

imagnetic? com on apple getting SICK OF YOURE B.S. PATENTS

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 8:26 AM 2

19. spiderpig2894

Posts: 597; Member since: Jan 10, 2012

Something nice about these accesories but why patent it???? WTH

posted on Mar 01, 2013, 6:46 PM 0

22. procopiojose

Posts: 132; Member since: Oct 26, 2012

do you know the story why the thing on your throat is called an "adam's apple"? guess who convinced adam and eve to bite that freakin fruit..... clue: S____ (5 letter word)