Detachable computer lock

Details Detachable computer lock Detachable computer lock

1998-05-13

2001-03-06

Nguyen, Khiem (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...

Including lock for retaining means

Reexamination Certificate

active

06196857

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to detachable anti-theft devices, particularly those adapted for securing computer peripherals, especially a laptop computer, against theft.
BACKGROUND
A major threat experienced by owners of portable “laptop” computers is the high incidence of theft. This can also be a problem associated with desktop computer equipment made generally accessible to multiple users and thus to erstwhile thieves, such as equipment stationed, for example, in unlocked offices, in public institutions such as schools and libraries, and in commercial retail store displays. Because of the relative ease with which valuable personal computer systems can be speedily dismantled, particularly laptops, some have attempted to devise means for at least discouraging their theft.
One approach has been to provide a retaining ring, either integrally formed in the computer case or later adhered to the case using a permanent adhesive, through which ring a cable is passed and secured around an immovable object then padlocked in a manner similar to a bicycle chain.
An example of such an adhered device is sold as “The Notebook-Kit™” by Qualtec Data Products, Fremont, Calif. A disadvantage is that such a ring can alter the profile of the computer case, especially a laptop that the user needs to closely fit into a defined space within its carrying luggage. Moreover, the best place to glue the ring may not be the most conveniently accessible place on the component to the user. Further, the chain needs to be taken out of the ring separately before and after each deployment. Because anti-theft measures, like other preventive deterrents, need to be used habitually to be effective, simplification of the above devices and their procedural steps would seem to encourage compliance by the user.
Another approach is for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the laptop case to provide a built-in slot for accepting an after market kit that includes a ring that snaps into the slot and locks a cable to a fixed object. Although some OEM's do offer cases having this type of custom slot, there is still the need to provide a device for those cases not made to accommodate such a device.
Another type of device offered to users is an adapter that fits into the floppy disk drive, connected to a cable and locking with a key; however, many laptops have modular removable floppy drives that snap into place. Because the floppy drive could easily be removed, together with the locked device, such an approach would not deter a thief.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an anti-theft device that is adapted to fit existing peripheral hardware structures, without requiring custom OEM cases. Moreover, there is a need for such a device that is readily accessible and simple to use, which does not alter the footprint of the case.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a detachable anti-theft device for securing a computer component to a fixed object. The device includes a connector that releasably mates with one of the available ports of the component. The connector has first means for receiving a cable that attaches the connector to the fixed object and second means for locking the connector in mating engagement with one of the ports so that the component may not be separated from the fixed object.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second means includes a pair of fasteners each having a driven end that engages the port and a driving end with an anti-rotation head.
In another preferred embodiment the first means includes a cable with opposed ends, the second means being provided with an anchorage for one end of the cable wherein the other end of the cable is passed around the fixed object and the cable is affixed to itself.
In another embodiment of the invention, the connector is adapted to engage another, functional port plug and allow the port to be utilized while the connector is securely in place.
An advantage of the present invention is that the anti-theft device can be easily removed with a minimum of steps during each desired use.
Another advantage of the present invention is an after-market device requiring no permanent attachment to or alteration of the case housing the computer peripheral.
A further advantage of the instant device is its accessibility to the user, via the existing original plug structures already present in the peripheral component.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the ensuing Detailed Description wherein numbered designations in the Figures of the Drawings correspond to like reference numerals in the text of the Description.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4669281 (1987-06-01), Young
patent: 5108297 (1992-04-01), Hoffman et al.
patent: 5220815 (1993-06-01), Davidge et al.
patent: 5277600 (1994-01-01), Meixler

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