In January 2008, an Apple patent application originally filed in July 2006, titled Integrated monitor and docking station, was finally published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. We believed that this particular patent could foreshadow a future tablet accessory  -- a docking station that looks like an iMac.

According to the patent, a device resembling the MacBook could be inserted into a slot within the body of the iMac and provide additional monitor space. The concept looked great because, unlike traditional docking stations, it would have been aesthetically pleasing, while conserving desk space.

Above, Figure 1A of Apple's patent shows a conceptual view of this idea. The drawing suggests that the computer is an iMac with the body of one of Apple's recent generation of cinema displays.  The device shown sliding into the new docking station looks like it could be a removable tablet with MacBook innards. The patent also mentions the inclusion of an iSight camera, storage devices, speakers, microphone, memory card reader (like all of Apple's current computer line up with the exception of the Mac Pro), a battery charger, and a modem connection.

The above figures depict other aspects of the iMac dock. Figure 1B shows the rear, Figure 1C shows the empty docking slot and, Figure 1D shows the slot with what could be a tablet nestled in its docking state. 

 

Mock-up by Adam Benton

We took Apple's black and white drawings and came up with the mock-up above. Will we see this on Wednesday? Probably not, but it's still nice to dream. 

The iMac dock isn't our only foray into the world of three-dimensional design based on patents. We gathered some of our favorite mock-ups, patents, and unreleased Apple products and dropped them in the gallery below.

 

Be sure to check out our live blog of the Apple event at 10am PST on January 27.