Locks – Special application – For portable articles
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-23
2001-04-10
Boucher, Darnell M. (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For portable articles
C070S062000, C248S551000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212921
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to security of portable computers. Specifically, this invention relates to locking device for computers, which may be permanently secured to a permanent structure such as a desk, a computer credenza, an articulating arm or other types of permanent structures. The computer may be installed or removed from the locking device at the discretion of those having access to the security features of the locking device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Portable computers, particular the class of portable computers referred to as notebook computers, have the advantage of being compact and light weight and therefore easily transportable. However, the disadvantage of these relative small computers is that they may be subject to unauthorized removal or acquisition.
In the prior art, locking devices for computers, including portable computers, served to provide security for the devices in the absence of the computer owner or other authorized persons. However, the prior art devices were often cumbersome from the perspective of ease of installation and removal of the computer from the locking device. Also, the prior art locking devices did not have the flexibility to adjust to portable computers of different dimensions.
One such prior art computer security device which is indicative of the limitations noted above is U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,199 (Derman). Derman discloses a clamp locking device for personal computers. The Derman device is essentially a large base frame with threaded rods which grip a desk top personal computer chassis from several sides. Installation and removal of the personal computer from the Derman device requires partial disassembly of the device, the use of a wrench to tighten or untighten the threaded rods, and manipulation of sliding bars to allow or prohibit access to the threaded rods. The Derman device is restrictive in that it is designed to fit a personal computer chassis with a specific footprint, i.e. dimensions.
Another computer security device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,651 (Guddee). The Guddee device is even more complicated that the Derman device in that installation and removal of the personal computer requires the virtual dismantling of the fastener. The fastener is a complex assortment of frame, locking bars, rails, connecting pins, rods and posts, bolts and other numerous components. Furthermore, the Guddee device, similar to the Derman device is designed to fit a standard personal computer chassis and therefore lacks the flexibility to accommodate portable devices of different dimensions.
Still another type of locking device for computers is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,610 (Sanders). The Sanders device is characterized by a plate assembly which is inserted into the floppy disk drive of the computer. A standard padlock and cable combination secures the plate assembly, and thus the computer, to a permanent object such as a table or desk. The disadvantage of this approach is that no security is provided with respect to access of the computer including keyboard, hard drive, modem, display, RAM, etc. Furthermore, the security of the Sanders device is easily defeatable by means of nothing more than wire clippers for snipping the cable.
Therefore, a solution to the limitations imposed by the prior art devices was needed to provide a portable computer security device with convenient installation and removal, the capability of accommodating more than one size portable computer and means for limiting access to the operation of the computer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a locking device for portable computers which prevents unauthorized removal of the portable computer from a permanent structure or a work area.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a locking device for portable computers which prevents unauthorized access of the portable computer by individuals.
It is another object of the present invention to secure the locking device to a permanent structure such as a desk, computer credenza or computer work station having an articulating arm.
It is another object of the present invention that the locking device be adjustable to provide security of portable computers having a plurality of different outside dimensions.
It is still another object of the present invention that the locking device facilitate rapid installation and removal of the portable computer.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a locking device for portable computers comprises a base tray, a removable locking member coupled to the base tray and an adjustable security member coupled to the removable locking member.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a locking device for portable computers comprises a base tray comprising a top and bottom surface; a removable locking member coupled to the base tray, the removable locking member comprising a locking mechanism and a horizontal section coupled to the locking mechanism that is parallel to the top surface of the base tray; and an adjustable security member coupled to the removable locking member, the adjustable security member comprising a horizontal retainer section that is parallel to both the top surface of the base tray and the horizontal section of the removable locking member wherein the horizontal retainer section of the adjustable security member is situated in between the base tray and the horizontal section of the removable locking member.
In another embodiment a method for securing a portable computer to a locking device comprises the steps of providing a base tray comprising: a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one side wall and at least one rear wall; coupling the bottom surface of the base tray to a permanent structure; placing the portable computer on the top surface of the base tray; providing a combined assembly comprising: an adjustable security member and a removable locking member coupled to the adjustable security member; setting an adjustment height for the adjustable security member; coupling a rear section of the combined assembly to the at least one rear wall of the base tray; coupling a front section of the combined assembly to the base tray; and locking the front section of the combined assembly to the base tray.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4031721 (1977-06-01), Anderson
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patent: 5052199 (1991-10-01), Derman
patent: 5052651 (1991-10-01), Guddee
patent: 5076079 (1991-12-01), Monoson et al.
patent: 5169114 (1992-12-01), O'Neill
patent: 5361610 (1994-11-01), Totelock
patent: 5660451 (1997-08-01), Glynn
patent: 5692722 (1997-12-01), Lundagaårds
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patent: 5816076 (1998-10-01), Bledermann et al.
patent: 5836183 (1998-11-01), Derman
patent: 5857568 (1999-01-01), Speirs
patent: 5914461 (1999-06-01), Brandt
patent: 6138483 (2000-10-01), Galant
Boucher Darnell M.
Moy Jeffrey D.
Weiss Harry M.
Weiss & Moy P.C.
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