Apple Researching Mac Pro's 'Cheese Grater' Design for Other Devices Like iPhone

[DanShockley]

As always, a patent is NOT about things you ARE going to do, it is about staking a claim on something you thought up (maybe while doing something else) so that you can now make other people pay you if they want to do it.
In other words, Apple did this for the Mac Pro, realized it could potentially be used in other situations, and so filed a patent. They probably do not have even the slightest intention of putting it into one of their own small devices. But, if you come up with something new that can be patented, you patent it, especially if you are a large corporation that does many different things. Having a deep patent portfolio is also a defensive weapon in the certain scenario where you inadvertently do something that infringes someone else's patent. Maybe you can negotiate, since the opponent may very well be treading on your own patents, too.

The most we can read out of this patent is something we already knew: Apple made cheese-grater Mac Pros, and the way they built the case was a new technique. That's it. That's all this patent can tell us. It may mean more, but there's no good reason to think it means more.

 

[cgsnipinva]

That could be expensive to manufacture and I am not sure the overall benefit would be worth it.

 

[thekev]

But if it’s just on the inside and the air can’t get to it it won’t work, surely? The point is it increases the surface area of the metal open to the air to increase heat dissipation...

I get you. I'm merely going by their description here.

Another embodiment covers embedding the lattice internally inside the iPhone to improve rigidity and strength, allowing "the electronic device to be used over a long period of time while maintaining dimensional stability

The other part shows its use around the edge and mentions look and feel, which is in line with what you're suggesting. I wouldn't assume that would make it live without some significant changes though. As depicted for illustration purposes, you would be left with a cleaning nightmare in regular use.

 

[Mac... nificent]

Cleaning nightmare??

Will make a great bacteria apartment...

 

[Tech198]

A cheese grater iPhone ?

Well at least it will be one less thing you'd need in the kitchen

 

[JayCar]

Trypophobia.. YOWZA!!! Thanks, I'll pass.... out.

 

[MysticCow]

iPhones don't need Speed Holes...

 

[beryllium]

Thanks, but no thanks.

 

[darngooddesign]

I cant wait for people to magically begin suffering from Trypophobia.

 

[MisterAndrew]

So they finally fixed the thermal design problem with the 2013 Mac Pro!

 

[MisterAndrew]

This is the greatest thing since sliced cheese.

 

[akbarali.ch]

Well, after pulling the entire industry to follow the minimalistic, clean and flat design, Apple now taking about turn to put in some grating. Honestly speaking, I would love to see it. Phones are getting boring. I recall I had bought a grated case for my iPhone 3GS and it looked quite good.

 

[DanTSX]

I’m expecting this would be visible under frosted glass.
Recall how old G3/4 iMac and Mac pros would have structural and electronic elements visible under opaque frosted plastic? There you go!

 

[pdoherty]

I’m expecting this would be visible under frosted glass.
Recall how old G3/4 iMac and Mac pros would have structural and electronic elements visible under opaque frosted plastic? There you go!

That, or simply slap the cheese grater phone into a clear case.

 

[akush55]

serve 2 purpose Flies Callouses on Hand, Feet, Face and good wood file 🤣

 

[Mousse]

Well, after pulling the entire industry to follow the minimalistic, clean and flat design, Apple now taking about turn to put in some grating. Honestly speaking, I would love to see it. Phones are getting boring. I recall I had bought a grated case for my iPhone 3GS and it looked quite good.

Make Apple Grate Again.

What made the Cheese Grater great was the easy to open case, easy repair and vast expansion options.

The more I see of Apple design, the more I think they get their cue from women's fashion industry: form over function. If I had a nickle for every women who has ever told me she wanted usable pockets in her pants/dresses... Umm... going to the patent office to patent women pants with pockets.🤑

 

[xbjllb]

This is the greatest thing since sliced cheese.

Um, grated cheese.....

 

[DailySlow]

You couldn't see it but it would improve grip? Hunh?