Apple patents iPad cover that can morph into different shapes
Apple has just been granted a patent for what may just be the most interesting iPad cover we've seen yet: a a geometrically patterned surface that can morph into a multiple number of shapes.
The new concept, approved and published today by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, was first discovered by Patently Apple, which went over all the details and possible implementations.
As you can see, the entire surface of the design is divided into triangle-shaped geometric shapes, which all have the ability to bend along the edges. The main function of this is that users can potentially bend the case to prop up their device for comfortable viewing at any angle, in any orientation.
One of the most intriguing features of Apple's invention, however, is that the bendy case could do more than just double as the most versatile stand ever. What's more, the patent describes, the accessory "can additionally become a supplemental power storage system that adds power capacity to [the electronic device] by transferring at least some electrical energy stored in structural elements." Hence, Apple says, the case could also be referred to as a "charging mat."
Anyone interested in the more in-depth descriptions of the iPad cover can explore the patent, which was made public today on the USPTO database.
If Apple does make something out of it, we'd like to think that such a convenient case design could make its way to iPhone, as well. After all, who wouldn't enjoy the freedom to shape their phone case, too, into a convenient stand in any orientation; not only does it sound incredibly fun to own, but also much more convenient than always looking for something on which to prop your device.
That being said, the fact that the patent doesn't guarantee that the concept, no matter how detailed, will necessarily ever see the light of day. Apple has patented many more designs, both for electronic devices and accessories, than it has ever actually produced. But we can't help but hope that this morphing geometric iPad case does, in fact, make it to the market.
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