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.
10 Comments
You know, somehow I don't see the next iMac being a pyramid with a snake arm
Another "just in case" patent.
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.
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
Not sure I understand the patent for the dock... What is it for? "Ingenious line out port that is connected to the docking port of the iPod?"
Since what was important in the patent was the snake arm, I doubt the pyramid shape was nothing more than a means to keep secret a future iMac basic shape.