Locks – Special application – For portable articles
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-26
2001-04-17
Barrett, Suzanne Dino (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For portable articles
C070S019000, C248S551000, C361S689000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216499
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to security devices for preventing theft of laptop or notebook type portable computers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The vast majority of theft involving laptop or notebook type computers results from leaving such systems unattended on a desktop. It takes only seconds to close a display, if opened, remove any peripheral connections and other cabling, and walk away with the computer. Due to their relatively small size, they can easily be concealed in a briefcase or under a coat. However, due to their popularity, it is not uncommon to see people walking with these computers underarm. Accordingly, a thief typically encounters no difficulty in leaving even fairly secure buildings with a stolen portable computer.
Much of this theft can be avoided simply by employing a visible security device which presents a time consuming task for its defeat and increases the deterrent effect.
Many of the security devices employed presently involve various arrangements of cables and locks. Some require modification of the computer system while others have cable lock ports built in. A variety of such devices are known for releasably securing the equipment to substantially immovable surfaces. Such surfaces may, for example, comprise the desk or table top, the floor, the side panel of a desk or cabinet, a wall surface or similar surfaces. The prior art is replete with devices which are affixed to the computer in one way or another and to which an anchored cable is then secured. Such devices provide little real protection other than as a simple deterrent since the cable can readily be severed with a pair of bolt or wire cutters, for example. Many of these devices also require a significant amount of time to engage and disengage the computer. Accordingly, even where available, users are reluctant to take the time to lock up the system when they leave their desk, workstation and/or office, even if only for a brief moment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a security device for such laptop- or notebook-type portable computers which is adapted to quickly engage and disengage the computer and to provide a minimum if inconvenience with respect to the task of locking and unlocking the computer. In general, the device functions to trap the computer against the surface on which the computer rests. When not in use, the device may be moved substantially out of the way so as to minimize obstruction of the surface on which the device is employed. The device presents an evident and significant physical challenge for its defeat
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a security device for securing to a surface a portable computer having a deck and a display pivotably connected thereto, the security device comprising:
retaining means comprising front and rear retaining members spaced-apart by a pair of lateral retaining members, the front, rear and lateral retaining members forming an enclosure with respect to front, rear and lateral directions, the display being insertable through the enclosure;
positioning means for moving the retaining means from a first position where the retaining means is out of engagement with the display to a second position where the retaining means encloses the display when the computer is resting on the surface, and where the retaining means is positioned in a predetermined orientation above the surface whereby the spatial relationship of the front retaining member with respect to the rear retaining member and the front retaining member with respect to the surface being such that the display, and thereby the portable computer, is incapable of being withdrawn from the retaining means;
mounting mews for mounting the positioning means to the surface; and
locking means for locking the retaining means in the second position
In one embodiment the mounting means comprises an outer cylinder and the positioning means comprises:
an inner cylinder positioned coaxially within the outer cylinder and being rotatable therein, the inner cylinder being longer than the outer cylinder so that first and second ends of the inner cylinder extend outside the outer cylinder; and
a pair of support arms extending from the first and second ends of the inner cylinder and being rigidly attached to the retaining means.
Preferably, the outer cylinder is fastened to the surface by a pair of fasteners whose unfastening elements are contained within the inner cylinder, the outer cylinder having a pair of holes through which the unfastening elements are accessible, and the inner cylinder has a pair of circumferentially-disposed slots through which the fibers extend, the inner cylinder having portions diametrically opposed to the slots, whereby when the retaining means is in the first position, the slots are in registration with the holes in the outer cylinder to permit access to the unfastening elements and when the retaining means is in the second position, the portions of inner cylinder underlie the holes to prevent access to the unfastening elements.
In a second embodiment, the mounting means comprises a base and the positioning means comprises a housing pivotally connected to the base and a supporting member rigidly affixed to the retaining means which extends from the housing. The lock means is operable to lock said housing to said base to thereby enclose a space. Preferably, the mounting means is secured to the surface by a plurality of first fasteners whose fastening elements are disposed relative to the base such that when the housing is locked onto the base, the unfastening elements are inaccessibly contained within said space.
The device is fabricated from finished high strength steel and utilizes other high strength components so as present an apparent time consuming task for its defeat. The device is easy to use, is relatively unobtrusive, and readily moves into and out of locking engagement with the laptop. The device need not be engaged at all times (i.e. while the computer is in use) due to its quick and automatic locking operation When unlocked, the device conveniently pivots out of the way, thereby permitting use of the work surface for other purposes, i.e. handwriting. However, when the user must leave the system unattended, it is a simple operation to engage the device upon leaving and disengage the system when returning.
The invention also provides for mounting the security device to a mini-table which is sized so as to be unable to be concealed easily under garments, coats, etc., or to fit within most briefcases or the like, thereby foiling the snatch, grab and hide techniques of most laptop thieves.
These and other objects and advantages of thee present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein: dr
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in its locked and closed position;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of the laptop computer security apparatus of
FIG. 1
shown in its unlocked and open position;
FIG. 3
a
is a plan view and
FIG. 3
b
is a side elevational view of the security device shown in its locked and closed position;
FIG. 4
a
is a plan view and
FIG. 4
b
is a side elevational view of the security device shown in its unlocked and open position;
FIG. 5
is a bottom view of the security device;
FIG. 6
a
is a front elevational view shown in cross-section along the lines VI
a
—VI
a
of
FIG. 3
a
and enlarged in scales compared with
FIG. 3
;
FIG. 6
b
is a side elevational view shown in cross-section along the lines VI
b
—VI
b
of
FIG. 3
a
and enlarged in scale as compared with
FIG. 3
;
FIG. 7
a
is a front elevational view shown in cross-section along the lines VII
a
—VII
a
of
FIG. 4
a
and enlarged in scale as compared with
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 7
b
is a side elevational view shown in cross-section along the lines VII
b
—VII
b
of
FIG. 4
a
and enlarged in scale as compared with
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 8
a
is a side elevational view of the secu
Mercer Robert E.
Morin Jean Charles
Ronberg M. Edwin
Vandenbelt Case J.
Barrett Suzanne Dino
Computer Security Devices, Inc.
Jones, Tullar & Cooper
LandOfFree
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