Apple Patent Talks Slap Wrap Bracelets with Flexible Screens
A Slap Wrap for the new millennium?
The last few weeks have seen an influx of rumors relating to Apple's supposed plans for a smartwatch. Whether planted or not, now a patent has emerged that directly points to such a device.
First discovered by AppleInsider, the patent was filed way back in August of 2011, and details a wearable accessory that can be worn on the wrist or elsewhere on the body. The patent even highlights the flexible display that has cropped up in recent rumors.
"The wearable accessory device includes a flexible display coupled to a bi-stable spring," the patent abstract reads. "Coupling the display to the bi-stable spring allows the accessory device to be easily worn in a number of convenient locations."
The patent goes on to describe a device that features a flexible substrate that can conform to the end-users body and is capable of displaying information in real time. The description mentions Slap Wrap bracelets as the most recent widespread use of bi-stable spring. This mechanism would allow the iWatch (or whatever Apple is developing) to hold two distinct configurations. One of the illustrations included in the patent application shows the device's display wrapping completely around the wrist to create an uninterrupted screen.
Rumors about Apple's wearable watch have been ramping up as of late, and more recent reports suggest that this is no coincidence. Forbes this week called Apple out, claiming that the fruity iPhone maker is deliberately planting iWatch leaks now that photos of Samsung's own "smartwatch" have begun to surface. The fact that sources spoke directly with three major news organizations seemingly back-to-back, and not with the typical Asian news sources, paints a big bulls-eye on Apple's PR department. Then again, Samsung isn't the first company to produce a smartwatch. There were a few at CES 2013 last month and at CES 2009, LG showed off its own Dick Tracy-esque creation.
Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
-
house70 guru_urugWhere u gonna get your flexible displays from Apple, Samsung ???? LOL !Reply
Likely so. Samsung has actually produced prototypes of flexible displays, and they will be protective of their research. There will be quite a few related licenses that will have to be purchased by Apple from Samsung if they want to do this watch. -
Antimatter79 Maybe the bracelet will come with a free pair of fat neon shoe strings for the boys, three pairs of neon scrunchy socks for the girls. For an extra $10, a pair of parachute pants.Reply -
headscratcher I am hard at work patenting the suppository with a flexible screen so the can see what's up on their iphone while keeping their head up their ass.Reply -
ivyanev I have seen ideas for such tech since last century. I guess that doesn't mean s** to patent office.Reply -
Pherule I see where this is going.Reply
Typewriter -> Computer -> Laptop -> Smartphone -> Smartwatch -> Chip Implant
I'll go as far as Smartwatch (as long as it's not Apple) and no further. -
thefiend1 Looks like Apple is going to be the main supplier for prizes you get when you turn in your tickets from the local Chucky Cheeses ;)Reply