Supports – With anti-theft or anti-tamper means – Key operated
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-02
2001-10-30
Braun, Leslie A. (Department: 3632)
Supports
With anti-theft or anti-tamper means
Key operated
C070S058000, C070S019000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308928
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an anti-theft device for securing a laptop computer to a support surface such as a desk top.
A variety of techniques and apparatus have been developed over the years to prevent the unauthorized removal of computer equipment. A number of security devices have been developed specifically for tower style and desk top computers, as depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,395 issued Feb. 4, 1992 to Fater et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,202 issued Apr. 29, 1986 to Parsekin. Such devices are not designed to be used with clam shell style laptop computers which are most often the targets of computer theft.
Security devices which use flexible cables to secure either laptop computers or tower and desk top style computers are also known. However, such devices offer limited security as the cables can often be cut relatively easily.
There is a need for an anti-theft device that can be used to secure a laptop computer to a work surface, and which provides an increased level of security over traditional cable devices.
It is therefore desirable to provide a security device that can be used to secure a laptop computer, which is easily removable to facilitate portability of the laptop computer, and which is cost efficient to manufacture. It is also desirable to provide a security device that can be used to secure a laptop computer in both the open and shut positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a rigid frame security device which can be used to secure a laptop computer to a work surface such as a desk top. An embodiment of the security device can be used to secure both open and closed laptop computers.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a security device for securing a laptop computer to a support member having a generally planar upper surface and a lower surface, the laptop computer having a monitor portion and a keyboard portion pivotally connected together by a hinge for movement between an open position in which the monitor portion extends at an angle from the keyboard portion, and a closed position in which the monitor portion and keyboard portion are substantially parallel to and adjacent each other. The security device comprises a rigid first securing member having back, side and front restraining members defining an elongate opening through which the monitor portion can be slidably received when the laptop computer is in an open position, a leg extending from the first securing member for insertion through a predetermined hole provided through the support member, and a lock device for engaging the lower surface of the support member and a portion of the leg that has been inserted through the hole to prevent separation of the rigid first securing member from the support member when the lock device is locked. When the keyboard portion is located on the upper surface of the support member, the monitor portion is slidably received within said rigid first securing member and the leg is inserted through the hole and engaged by the lock device, the rigid first securing member restrains movement of the laptop computer parallel to and upward from the upper surface of the support member. Preferably, the security device includes a further leg parallel to the leg and extending from the first securing member for insertion through a further predetermined hole provided through the support member. The legs can be spaced apart from each other a distance sufficient to straddle a width of the laptop computer when the laptop computer is in its closed position, and the security device can optionally include a second securing member comprising an elongate intermediate member with a first and second stop members located at opposite ends thereof for restraining movement of the laptop computer, the first and second securing members having interlocking portions and being positioned generally transverse to each other when interlocked together. When the laptop is in its closed position and positioned between the hole and the further hole it can be secured to the upper surface of the support member with the legs and the first and second stop members restraining movement of the laptop computer parallel to the upper surface, and the rigid first securing member and intermediate member restraining upward movement of the laptop computer.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a security device for securing a laptop computer to a support member having a generally planar upper surface and a lower surface, the laptop computer having a monitor portion and a keyboard portion pivotally connected together by a hinge for movement between an open position in which the monitor portion extends at an angle from the keyboard portion, and a closed position in which the monitor portion and keyboard portion are substantially parallel to and adjacent each other. The security device comprises a rigid first securing member having an elongate opening through which the monitor portion can be slidably received when in an open position, the opening being defined by back restraining means for restraining backward movement of the laptop computer, side restraining means for restraining sideways movement of the laptop computer, and front restraining means for restraining forward and upward movement of the laptop computer. First and second spaced apart parallel legs extend downwardly from the rigid securing member for insertion through predetermined first and second holes, respectively, provided through the support member. A lock device is engageable with the lower surface of the support member and a portion of the first leg inserted through the first hole thereby preventing separation of the first securing member from the support member when the lock device is locked. When the keyboard portion is located on the upper surface of the support member, the monitor portion is slidably received within the rigid first securing member and the first and second legs are inserted through the first and second holes respectively and the first leg engaged by the lock device, the security device restrains movement of the laptop computer relative to the support member.
According to still a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a security device for securing a laptop computer to a support member having a planar upper surface and a lower surface, the laptop computer having a monitor portion and a keyboard portion pivotally connected together by a hinge for movement between an open position in which the monitor portion extends at an angle from the keyboard portion, and a closed position in which the monitor portion and keyboard portion are substantially parallel to and adjacent each other, the laptop computer having a predetermined length, width and height when in its closed position, the security device comprising an elongate rigid first securing member, first and second spaced apart parallel legs extending downwardly from the first securing member for insertion through first and second predetermined holes, respectively, provided through the support member, the legs being spaced apart a sufficient distance such that the rigid first securing member extends across the width of the laptop computer with the legs straddling the laptop computer when the laptop computer is in its closed position with its keyboard portion resting on the support member. The security device also includes a second securing member comprising an elongate intermediate member having a first stop member extending downwardly from a first end thereof, and a second stop member extending downwardly from a second end thereof, the intermediate member being connectible substantially transversely to the first securing member, the first and second stop members being spaced apart a sufficient distance such that the intermediate member can extend across the length of the laptop computer with the stop members being positioned on opposite sides of the laptop computer, and a lock device for engaging the lower surface of the support member and a portion of the first leg
Braun Leslie A.
Compucage International Inc.
Gifford, Krass, Groh Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Szumny Jon
LandOfFree
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