Offbeat: Apple patents shutter interface, offers iMac carrying tips

Apple has received a patent for the camera shutter interface element. The animated graphic is present in popular Apple applications such as iPhoto and iTunes.

Why Apple filed for the patent is unclear, but we're sure there is a darn good reason. Having been bitten in the past in copyright infringement battles with the likes of Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard, it appears that the company is now attempting to stop others from copying even the simplest of its interface elements.

The patent, described as an "ornamental design for a user interface for computer display," credits the original design to Timothy E Wasko. Wasko worked with Steve Jobs at NeXT Computer and later migrated to Apple after the NeXT acquisition in the late 90's. He is also credited as one of the three original designers of the company's software interface for the popular iPod digital music player.

Grasp Her with Both Hands and Don't Let Go!

Odd patent indeed, but not nearly as humorous as a recently published Apple info document titled "How to pick up and carry your iMac G5."

"Don't know how to pick up and carry your iMac G5? It's easy," the document says. "Before moving your computer, make sure all cables and cords are disconnected."

For those challenged iMac users, Apple details the tricky party. "Pick up the iMac G5 by grasping both sides of the computer. Carry it to wherever you wish."

Sources warn that the document may be uncompleted, as no further instructions are listed. One frustrated iMac G5 adopter fumed in e-mail conversation with AppleInsider, demanding that Apple complete the document so they he may be instructed on how to safely "put the computer back down."