Apple has added a new patent to its flexible patent arsenal in Korea, according to a Patently Apple report. The report uncovered a discreetly filed patent under engineer member names, and noted as Apples patent lawsuits with Korean manufacturers Samsung and LG escalate, it makes all the sense that the company is filing more patents in the country.

The patent uses several hinge designs for flexible “illustrative devices” that is likely to incorporate smartphones, tablets, laptop or other small wearable devices. Below is one of the three proposed designs:

One of the foldable patent designs filed by Apple discreetly in Korea. (Photo Courtesy of Patently Apple)

The report speculated the new device hinges will probably be a flexible material that can be used in a single or multi-shaft mechanism.

Other design concepts also included three-bar linkage arrangement, four-bar linkage arrangement, triangular arrangements and others. The triangular arrangement is expected to be applied in devices that enable at least two players in gaming face to face.

No details were offered on whether LED technology or sapphire substrates will be used in these new designs.

For further details on the remaining patent illustrations and designs please click here.
 

(Editor: Judy Lin, Editor, LEDinside)