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Appleinsider has found a very interesting Apple’s patent that was originally filed in January 2011 and reveals the company’s interest in using the iPod nano's clip as a charging and docking mechanism. Apple wants to eliminate the need for a dedicated docking port on the bottom edge of the device.

By incorporating electrical contacts into the clip and using a dock adapter to provide compatibility with Apple's current docking stations, the clamping action of the iPod nano's clip could hold the device in position for charging purposes.

In some embodiments, a portable user device may include a rechargeable battery, and a clip member that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be charged by electrically coupling the clip member to a receiving receptacle. In some embodiments, the clip member may provide a clamping force which aids in maintaining contact between the receiving receptacle and the clip member.

The patent application also describes other implementations for the clip-based charging mechanism, including the ability to clip directly onto a charging point on the bezel of another device.