On March 24, 2015, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 60 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In this particular granted patent report we cover Apple's advanced magnetic attachments units that could lead to a possible dual iPad configuration supporting a virtual keyboard to make it function as a notebook, a digitizing board and beyond. The patent covers other configurations that could fit various iPad Pro scenarios as well as new kinds of stands and applications for the car and more.

Granted Patent: Advanced Magnetic Attachment Unit

Apple's newly granted patent covers their invention relating to releasable attachment techniques well suited for portable electronic devices. More specifically it relates to a system, method, and apparatus for forming a cooperative system using magnetic attachment.

Apple's patent FIG. 9 above illustrates an arrangement formed by magnetically attaching tablet device and tablet device by way of flexible magnetic attachment unit in an open configuration; FIG. 10 shows arrangement in a closed configuration in which a tablet device uses the flexible nature of flexible connecting member to fold atop one another; FIGS. 12A-12C show tablet device connected together by way of magnetic attachment unit.

In 2012 Apple filed for a virtual keyboard patent relating to a notebook, but the concept would also support a dual iPad scenario as presented in this granted patent.

In Apple's patent FIG. 3A noted below we're able to see a more seamless and simplified perspective view of a first electronic device that can be releasably attached to a second electronic device via a side magnetic attachment system, in accordance with one described embodiment; FIG. 3B shows the first electronic device and the second electronic device of FIG. 3A attached in accordance with the side magnetic attachment system to form a cooperating electronic system.

Beyond dual iPad scenarios, this granted patent covers new Smart Cover designs as noted below that Apple could bring to life in the future that would add a secondary writing surface, a keyboard, trackpad and possibly adding one with a handle to allow a user to hold onto it more securely when in transit in school from class to class or from office to office.

Apple began using a cooperative magnetic system with their iPad Smart Cover that uses a magnet system to attach the protective cover to the iPad. Since that time, Apple's engineers have been busy designing next generation Smart Covers with advanced features that could one day include solar panels, inductive charging, integrated touch displays and take on more of a wraparound book-like appearance. In today's granted patent we're able to see a new round of magnetic based iPad accessory designs that could connect to iPads together for iPad Pro scenarios.

Beyond dual displays being attached together magnetically, Apple's granted patent also covers supporting a game controller, new vehicle applications, new carrying cases, new iPad docks and a method to start or shut-off your iPad with a simple swipe of your hand across the iPad's display. You could review our original 2014 patent report titled "Apple Takes a Giant Leap Forward in iPad Attachment Designs," to review more details and especially more patent graphics.

Apple credits Sean Corbin and Andrew Lauder as the inventors of granted patent 8,988,876 which was originally filed in Q3 2012 and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

You could review our original 2014 patent report titled "Apple Takes a Giant Leap Forward in iPad Attachment Designs," to review more details and patent graphics.

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