Apple patent suggests charger for multiple devices

A new patent application filed by Apple suggests the company is working on putting together a device that would charge multiple Apple products at the same time, including an iPhone or iPod and a MacBook at the same time. The patent is for a "multi-output power supply" that would hook up a charger plugged into one outlet into two separate voltage outputs, which means you could charge up whatever devices you have without taking more than one plug in a wall.

This technology isn't new -- the PlugBug has made quite a name for itself this year by doing exactly this, and that product is already out there and purchasable. But what's interesting here is that Apple is presumably working on one of these for itself (and given that the patent is actually dated last year, probably has been for a while). An official Apple charger for multiple devices would undoubtedly sell well.

And it represents an area Apple hasn't really dived into much in the past: Actual hardware that takes advantage of users who have more than one Apple device laying around. With things like AirPlay and iTunes Home Sharing, Apple has definitely supported multiple devices with software. But most Apple users these days definitely do have more than one device laying around, and I'm interested to see if Apple decides to tie those together any more (optionally, of course) in the future.

[via TMO]

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Source: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2011/0278923.html

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A new patent application filed by Apple suggests the company is working on putting together a device that would charge multiple Apple...

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Ronlap

This is absolutely covered by prior art. Can you say, "iGo?" The iGo allows you to charge a PC plus up to 3 lower-current devices at the same time - and you can buy hundreds of different plugs that tell the charger what voltage and current to supply.

November 18 2011 at 12:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

RP Stoval

If you actually go read the patent app, you'll find this is much more than just a power supply with two connections. If this were so obvious and common, why doesn't it already exist? The PlugBug isn't anything like this at all, it's simply two separate power supplies piggy-backed.

November 18 2011 at 9:29 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Daniel Glazman

Well, well... Prior art, prior art... http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Laptop-Charger-with-usb/dp/B004U5Y2NM

November 18 2011 at 7:12 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

netkas

Wait, my charger already does same, and it's not from Apple, WTF wrong with US patent system?

November 18 2011 at 4:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

admkenshin

There are already devices like this on the market, so the patent should be rejected based on prior art. Most likely there is also already a patent on this anyway. Of course, the patent bureau will grant it. I propose that the law be changed so that it is a criminal offense (prison time) to grant a patent that has "obvious" prior art.

November 18 2011 at 1:40 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

doubledeej

I have a power supply from APC from about 2003 that does exactly this. Laptop output (adjustable for different models, with various replaceable tips) and a USB output to charge any USB device. How is this patent application new and innovative?

November 18 2011 at 12:45 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Bill Waggoner

I can't see how this wouldn't be rejected on the basis of "obvious to those skilled in the art" as well as "prior art" ... but you never know with those patent folks ... (sigh)

November 17 2011 at 7:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

chrism238

Have Apple patented breathing yet? People with multiple devices will have to breathe some time in the future, so it's an idea that would undoubtedly sell well.

November 17 2011 at 7:18 PM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Reply