You can view Apple’s patent application here.

Amidst all the complaints about the horrible MacBook Pro keyboard crumb problem, you know the one where a crumb from your morning bagel can render your $3,200 laptop useless, Apple has found some potential solutions and filed for patents on them. Think of them as umbrellas, or even condoms, for each individual key. The drawings are interesting in that they show distinctly different and complicated solutions to what seems like a simple problem.

Personally I’m in the market for a new MacBook Pro, but in addition to the lack of 32GB of RAM, this “crumbs in the keyboard” issue is preventing me from even considering a purchase.