Apple updates their original iPad Pro Magic Keyboard Patent - Patently Apple

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Today the US Patent & Trademark Office published a continuation patent from Apple that relating to their new Magic Keyboard with a floating design. Apple's patent reveals possible next-gen improvements/additions which could include an insert for Apple Pencil for easy transportation that's on the opposite side of where the USB-C charging port rests today. Apple adds 20 new patent claims to their original patent filing that includes magnetically coupling and more.

Apple's patent FIG. 1 below illustrates an isometric view of an electronic system that can include an accessory article (Apple Pencil) and a portable electronic device (iPad Pro); FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the electronic system shown in FIG. 1, showing the system a closed configuration with a new Apple Pencil retainer and recharger.

Apple's patent FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic system shown in FIG. 1, showing the electronic device separated from the article along with a digital pen; FIG. 7C illustrates a transition of the electronic system transitioning from a closed configuration to a clipboard configuration. The design also illustrates that it could be lifted to a higher elevation with a second hinge configuration.

Today's patent is not a new invention application but rather a continuation patent wherein Apple is updating and/or adding specific technology, features and/or methods that they want to legally extend into their current granted patent. Any change and/or addition to this invention is restricted to Apple's patent claims.

So, what new Patent Claims have been Added?

Apple's original patent provided 20 patent claims that were divided into two similar categories of "A folio for use with a portable electronic device," and "A folio for a portable electronic device that includes …"

Apple' new 20 patent claims cover an additional 2 categories: (1) There are 14 new claims relating to "An article for use with a portable electronic device," and (2) there are 6 new claims relating to "A Method." There are a few claims similar to the original claims but are simplified for some reason. Below are the full 20 new patent claims being added to Apple's granted patent.

14 New Claims relating to "An Article"

An article for use with a portable electronic device, the article comprising: a first segment comprising a keyboard and a track pad; a first hinge assembly connected to the first segment; a second segment connected to the first hinge assembly; a second hinge assembly connected to the second segment; and a third segment connected to the second hinge assembly, wherein the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly are capable of supporting the portable electronic device on the third segment such that the first segment is separated from the portable electronic device by a gap.

The article of claim 1, further comprising a power inlet.

The article of claim 1, further comprising a charging mechanism located in the first hinge assembly.

The article of claim 1, wherein the third segment is larger than the second segment.

The article of claim 1, further comprising an interface configured to electrically couple to the portable electronic device.

The article of claim 5, wherein the interface comprises an electrical contact located on the third segment.

The article of claim 1, wherein the gap defines a space between the first segment and the portable electronic device.

An article for use with a portable electronic device, the article comprising: a first segment comprising a keyboard and a track pad; a first hinge assembly connected to the first segment; a second segment connected to the first hinge assembly, the second segment separated from the first segment by an angular limit defined by the first hinge assembly; a third segment connected to the second segment by a second hinge assembly, wherein the second hinge assembly limits movement of the third segment relative to the second segment until the second segment is separated from the first segment by the angular limit.

The article of claim 8, wherein a support configuration comprises the second segment separated from the first segment by the angular limit, and wherein when the third segment carries the portable electronic device, the first segment is free of contact from the portable electronic device in the support configuration.

The article of claim 9, wherein the second hinge assembly is capable of position the third segment at a first angle relative to the second segment, and a second angle relative to the second segment, the second angle different from the first angle.

The article of claim 9, wherein the support configuration comprises the first segment separated from the portable electronic device by a gap.

The article of claim 8, wherein the first segment is configured to cover a front surface of the portable electronic device, and wherein a combination of the second segment and the third segment is configured to cover a back surface of the portable electronic device.

The article of claim 8, further comprising a power inlet.

The article of claim 8, further comprising a charging mechanism located in the first hinge assembly.

6 New Patent Claims for "A Method"

A method for holding a portable electronic device with an article comprising a first segment, a second segment connected to the first segment by a first hinge assembly, and a third segment connected to the second segment by a second hinge assembly, the method comprising: by the article: receiving, at the third segment, the portable electronic device; causing, by the first hinge assembly, the second segment to rotate relative to the first segment such that the second segment is separated from the first segment by a first angle; and causing the third segment to rotate, by the second hinge assembly, relative to the second segment such that the third segment is separated from the second segment by a second angle, wherein the portable electronic device is separated, based on the first angle and the second angle, from the first segment by a gap.

The method of claim 15, wherein the first angle defines an angular limit, and wherein causing the third segment to rotate relative to the second segment is subsequent to the causing the second segment to rotate relative to the first segment such that the second segment is separated from the first segment by the angular limit.

The method of claim 15, wherein receiving, at the third segment, the portable electronic device comprises magnetically coupling the portable electronic device to a magnet embedded in the third segment.

The method of claim 15, wherein the first hinge assembly provides a frictional force that maintains the gap between the first segment and the portable electronic device.

The method of claim 15, further comprising causing, by the second hinge assembly, the third segment to rotate relative to the second segment by a third angle different from the first angle.

The method of claim 15, further comprising: causing, by the first hinge assembly, the first segment to cover a front surface of the portable electronic device, and causing, by the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly, a combination of the second segment and the third segment to cover a back surface of the portable electronic device.

Apple's continuation patent 20200285279 was published today by the U.S. Patent Office. The history of the invention dates back to August 2017. Apple filed for their continuation patent in May 2020. Considering that this is a continuation patent, the timing of such a product to market is unknown at this time.

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Apple updates their original iPad Pro Magic Keyboard Patent - Patently Apple

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