Fryer Art Threatens Apple Patent Application
from the oh-the-puns dept
One slightly cool little feature of Apple's new Intel-based laptop is the connector for its power cord. Instead of being a plug that fits into a socket, the connector -- called MagSafe -- is held in by a magnet, so if it's yanked on or tripped over, it comes out without breaking anything. Steve Jobs was quite proud of the new connector, noting that it was "patent pending", but similar connectors have been used on deep fryers and other kitchen appliances for some time now. The idea is that should a child reach up and grab the cord, it will just detach, instead of showering the kid with hot oil. While the consequences of yanking a MacBook Pro cord probably aren't so dire, Steve's hopes for a patent aren't looking too likely.
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Probably a design patent by DV Henkel-Wallace on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 4:48pm
You can also get design patents (e.g. size, shape, etc). So they wouldn't have control over the idea of a magnetic latch, but only the shape. This is why you can't make a player that looks too much like an iPod for example.
What you are thinking of is a utility patent. And I am sure Jobs doesn't mind if you make that mistake.
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It's About Time by Mr. Chapman on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 4:57pm
I have destroyed not only my own but also a customers laptop because somone tripped on the cord, so i dont care as long as i get to use it.
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No Subject Given by Aaron Friel on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 5:41pm
Very similar non-magnetic devices have been in use for an even longer time.
Innovative? Not really.
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Re: No Subject Given by crystalattice on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 5:49pm
On the contrary, this is really innovative for computers, specifically laptops. How many people have broken a computer, crashed a HD, or otherwise damaged a laptop due to an accidentally pulled power cord?
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No Subject Given by nao on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 5:52pm
its not so much that the power cord itself is innovative, its the way its being used thats innovative. the wheel sure was cool when it was first made, slap it on something that has an engine and seats and thats genius
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prior art by mark on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 7:05pm
Interesting development.
1). This is the Steve Jobs "reality distortion field" on the high setting. Take an idea from a kitchen appliance, call it new and then walk across the stage as if across water.
2). Call something new, even if it's been done many times before, and since it's now been done by Apple, it's the best new idea of the century.
I hope the original inventor gets a nice royalty for his idea.
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Re: No Subject Given by Sage Osterfeld on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 7:12pm
Baloney. The magnetic power cord is being used to protect something valuable from potentially being damaged. My Euro-fry, which I've had for years, (it's the way Europeans fry their food!) has a magnetic connector and it protect something valuable (namely my kids) from being potentially damaged.Steve was obviously frying up some chicken nuggets one night and thought "hey -- this is pretty cool!"
Just because he's the first guy to take a deep fryer power cord and attach it to a laptop doesn't mean he should get a patent for it.
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Re: prior art by Anonymous Coward on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 9:21pm
Yea I sure he will ust like Apple gets one for each windows version that is sold. Think of BASF "we don't make the product we make it better"
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always read the patent first... by mhh5 on Jan 12th, 2006 @ 10:22pm
Before we all start jumping to conclusions, we should probably read the actual patent (if we can find it) -- who knows, AAPL may have patented the optimum magnetic strength to attach a power cord while not affecting sensitive electronics inside a laptop. There may be a reason why no laptop maker has put this on a laptop before....
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Re: always read the patent first... by Scott on Jan 13th, 2006 @ 5:32am
hehehe...Most likely reason is cost, but since apple's already cost much more than IBM clones, but are now little more than IBM clones with OSX, they have to have a reason to charge those prices.
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Talk about an “Ancient Suggestion” by AC on Jan 13th, 2006 @ 6:29am
Check out US patent Classification 439 ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS Subclass 38: WITH MAGNET: This subclass is indented under the class definition. Electrical connector combined with means to cause one portion of the device to be drawn toward a member of iron or ironlike composition by magnetic attraction. (1) Note. The "magnet" of this subclass may be either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Subclass 39: To urge mating connectors together: This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Electric connector wherein the means to cause magnetic attraction is intended to hold the connector in position with respect to a cooperating connector to transmit electricity thereto. (1) Note. The connector of this subclass is not necessarily a "coupling part". Subclass 40: To urge connector to supporting surface: This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Electrical connector wherein the means to cause magnetic attraction is intended to hold the connector to another member and hold the connector against the force of gravity. This is just some of the prior art on the subject: 2,234,982 April 7, 1939 3,363,214 Jan 9, 1968 4,211,456 July 8, 1980 6,250,931 June 26, 2001 6,267,602. July 31, 2001 6,478,614 Nov 12, 2002 6,527,570 Mar 4, 2003 6,976,882 Dec 20, 2005
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Re: always read the patent first... by Anonymous of Course on Jan 13th, 2006 @ 7:07am
There is a reason... design engineers are
under constant pressure to reduce cost.
I've had executives of a large US corp
shouting F*CK YOU! IF YOU CAN'T DO IT
WE'LL GET SOMEONE THAT CAN! During a
teleconference over a three cent reduction
in a bill of materials.
When you run the company you can say, "hey,
this is cool, lets add this" and no one has
a seizure over the cost. For a deep fryer
the cost is outweighed by the potential for
injury and being sued (in Europe at least
in the US they just put really short cords
on the appliance.)
So anyway... Jobs adds a feature that keeps
dopes from busting their laptops and wows
the crowd. Whoopie.
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Re: It's About Time by Anonymous Coward on Jan 14th, 2006 @ 3:50pm
And what did you do after you destroyed them (the laptops)? Buy new ones? If so, then why the heck would the manufacturers want to change that? It's not like noone ever thought of this before, just noone making them wanted to do it.
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