Today the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that relates to fasteners, and, more particularly, to magnetic fasteners in relation with a case, cover and/or bag. The context in many examples point to a possible future MacBook case or carry bag.

Apple's invention relates to an item that may have portions that open and close along a seam. The item may be an enclosure such as a bag, case, or cover, or an enclosure such as a housing in a laptop computer or other electronic devices.

An enclosure may have an interior that receives personal articles, circuits and other device components, or other objects as is noted in patent FIG. 1 which is our report's cover graphic. The interior of a container such as a bag may be accessed from outside the body of the enclosure when the seam is opened.

An elongated magnetic fastener may run along the seam. The magnetic fastener may have first and second portions on opposing sides of the seam. The first and second portions may include magnets. When the magnetic fastener is operated in a closed state, the magnets in the first and second portions attract each other and pull the first and second portions of the fastener together to close the seam. When the magnetic fastener is operated in an open state, the magnets in the first and second portions repel each other and push the first and second portions of the fastener apart to open the seam.

They system may also apply to a system in an automobile or form part of an item of furniture. The personal 'articles' are further described as keys, a wallet, glasses, etc.

Apple's patent application was filed back in Q2 2017. Considering that this is a patent application, the timing of such a product to market is unknown at this time.

Patently Apple presents a detailed summary of patent applications with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent application should be read in its entirety for full and accurate details. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.