Apple has just secured a patent for the cylindrical glass entryway to its Shanghai store. It includes the design and method of construction and materials used.

The Shanghai location takes that the use of glass to a whole new level. The glass cylinder twists down into the actual store, and there's a spiral staircase wrapping along the cylinder.

Built from curved glass slabs, the cylinder is designed to meld into a circle when placed side by side. Glass beams have been installed to strengthen the interior and unique glass fins that hold the circular roof.

Apple’s patent details the shape and placement of each of these pieces to accomplish the design.

This isn't the first trademark request from the tech giant. In 2011, the company unveiled a glass cube to accompany its Fifth Avenue location in New York City: