Apple files many patents that either make no sense to the average user or that end up going nowhere. Recently, they filed a patent for, of all things, a clothing item, that I hope goes all the way to production. It will help the iPhone 3G and iPod or iPod Touch users in the colder climates immensely.

What is this magical patent for? Gloves! The special gloves would work to keep your hands warm and your fingers nimble enough to work your touch screen device. I know it’s aimed at the iPhone, but touch screen phone users in cold climates everywhere would buy this item, I’m sure. It’s hard to make a call when you are wearing heavy winter gloves that won’t activate the touch screen.

The gloves would open a small portion of the finger tip (much smaller than the average fingerless glove alternative, and more attractive, I’m sure, knowing Apple). This will allow the electrical signal the touch screen looks for to actually reach it, making it possible to use your phone or mp3 player with a touch screen even in cold weather.

Other features of the gloves include a potential drawstring, flab or tab for the fingertips to enable them to close when not being used on a call or text message. This will serve to keep users warm in the freezing temperatures in much of the north, north west and north eastern parts of the United States, which will be much appreciated.

As someone who lives in the Boston area, I say “Please bring it on!” I could totally use this clothing item, and I don’t even have an iPhone. I think this would be a huge seller - much bigger than their other clothing item, the Nike Sport package for the iPod Nano. If they can make the drawstring or tab closing idea work as well for when you aren’t using your device, so much the better. I’ll be keeping an eye out for this one!

Related:

Entry was posted on Sunday, January 4th, 2009 at 9:12 pm under iPhone.  Print This Post

Read more entries by Leslie Poston.
Stumble It!