Apple Inc.
Magnetic fabric items

Abstract:

Items such as electronic devices, fabric-based items, and other items may include strands of magnetic material. The magnetic material may be formed from particles of a rare-earth alloy or other magnetic materials in a binder. Strands of magnetic material may have magnetic cores surrounded by one or more additional layers such as non-magnetic layers or may have non-magnetic cores surrounded by one or more additional layers including a magnetic layer. The strands of material may be uniform along their lengths or may be segmented into non-magnetic and magnetic portions. Items may include fabric formed from intertwined strands of magnetic material. Magnetic material may interact with permanent magnets and electromagnets. Magnetic sensors may monitor for the presence of magnetic portions of a fabric or other structure.