Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-21
2001-01-23
Tong, Nina (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S571000, C340S572800, C340S542000, C340S546000, C340S548000, C340S545500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06177869
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to security devices for portable articles, more particularly, to a removable security device for portable computers and the like that includes a cable for securing the device to a stationary object and an audible alarm.
2. The Prior Art
As portable computers and other expensive electronic equipment have become more common, theft of such equipment has increased. There are a number of different types of devices on the market to deter such thefts. Most of these devices are either bulky, so that they are not particularly portable, or they rely on the small rectangular slot that is being manufactured into portable computers. The problem with relying on this slot is that the attachment is not particularly robust. Although it would damage the portable equipment, it would be a relatively simple matter to pry the lock out of the slot. Thus, there is a need for a more robust security device that is also portable enough to accompany the portable equipment without undo effort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a security device for portable electronic equipment that is portable and relatively robust.
Another object is to provide a security device for portable electronic equipment that can be removed from the portable article when not in use.
A further object is to provide a security device for portable electronic equipment that has a audible alarm and alternate methods of triggering the alarm.
The removable security device of the present invention is for use on a portable article, such as a portable computer, and comprises (a) an alarm housing with an audible electronic alarm circuit and a locking mechanism; (b) a receiver for attachment to the portable article; (c) a pair of opposed rails on the bottom surface of the alarm housing, the rails defining a channel approximately parallel to the bottom surface and having an ingress; (d) a pair of opposed flanges on the receiver shaped to mate relatively snugly with the channel and to slide into the channel ingress; (e) a stop means for preventing the flanges from sliding beyond effective engagement with the channel, the alarm housing considered to be installed on the receiver when the flanges are slid into the channel and stopped by the stop means; and (f) a lock bolt operated by the locking mechanism to extend from the alarm housing bottom surface into a shaped depression in the receiver when the alarm housing is installed on the receiver in order to secure the alarm housing to the receiver, and to retract from the shaped depression into the alarm housing to permit removal of the alarm housing from the receiver.
A pair of opposed rails define a channel approximately parallel to the surface of the alarm housing. In one embodiment, the rails are elongated and extend for the entire length of the channel. In another embodiment, each rail is a linear set of L-shaped protrusions. At least one end of the channel is open at an ingress.
The receiver, attached to the portable article, provides a pair of opposed flanges that slide into the channel via the ingress. A stop prevents the flanges from sliding beyond effective engagement with the channel. The receiver is either manufactured integrally with the portable article or attached to a pre-existing portable article permanently or removably. If removably attached, the attachment is not accessible when the alarm housing is installed on the receiver.
The alarm housing has a locking mechanism, operated by a key or combination, that operates a lock bolt that extends from the alarm housing into a shaped depression in the receiver. Preferably, the lock bolt is biased out of the alarm housing and snaps into the depression when the alarm housing is installed on the receiver. The locking mechanism is used to retract the lock bolt out of the depression and into the alarm housing so the alarm housing can be removed from the receiver.
A cable is housed within the alarm housing and is retractable. A cable pushbutton operates the retraction mechanism when the locking mechanism is not engaged. The free end of the cable has a plug that mates with a socket in the alarm housing. The socket is operated by a socket pushbutton that releases the cable when the locking mechanism is not engaged. Alternatively, the present invention uses an independent cable that has a plug that fits into a socket in the alarm housing. It is also contemplated that both configurations can be accommodated in by one alarm housing.
The alarm circuit includes an audible alarm that is triggered by one or more of a number of optional means. One means is through cutting the cable after the alarm has been armed. Another is by an optional motion detector. The battery compartment has a hatch to which access is denied when the alarm housing is installed on the receiver. Optionally, the locking mechanism secures the hatch.
Other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following drawings and detailed description of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 388310 (1997-12-01), Ling
patent: 5870023 (1999-02-01), Jackson
patent: 5912623 (1999-06-01), Pierson
patent: 5960651 (1999-10-01), Tanisawa
patent: 5973569 (1999-10-01), French et al.
patent: 5999799 (1999-12-01), Hu et al.
patent: 6069563 (2000-05-01), Kadner et al.
patent: 6118380 (2000-09-01), Gannon
Kryptonite Corporation
Morse, Altman & Martin
Tong Nina
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