Locks – Special application – For portable articles
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-01
2001-11-27
Jayne, Darnell (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For portable articles
C070S018000, C070S014000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321579
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to security devices used for preventing the theft of equipment, such as personal computers. The theft-deterrent device cooperates with a security slot in an external wall of the equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computing has seen a dramatic shift from large, room-sized equipment accessible only to a few people to small, powerful portable computers which are economically available to the general public. The power of the new portable computers, the wide range and easy accessibility of software, and the rise in computer literacy during the last twenty years has fueled this change.
Another important trend is that corporations are under enormous pressure to become more efficient and profitable with significantly less staff. One solution has been to give individual employees a personal computer (PC). Originally, the only computer available was a desktop PC. However, the past five years have witnessed a tremendous shift towards easily transported and highly powerful portable computers. A direct outcome of this proliferation is that companies are storing invaluable corporate assets in the form of proprietary data on these small, easily stolen notebook computers.
Not surprisingly, theft of portable computers has also experienced a steep rise over the past few years, even as the price of the notebooks has declined. Frequently, the primary motivation for stealing a notebook is not the equipment itself but the data residing on it. Taking into account both the value of the hardware and the data, the 1996 losses incurred due to laptop computer theft were estimated at $805 million.
There are a number of methods for protecting notebooks against theft. PC Guardian (San Rafael, Calif.) and other manufacturers offer various solutions. One solution is a locking unit inserted into the diskette drive with a security cable which can be lassoed around a stationary object. Another approach uses a lock and small adhesive plate attached to the notebook, with a security cable. Another product utilizes a small security slot built into the external walls of some notebooks. Other common solutions include registering the serial number of the notebook with a central registry, or locking the notebook in a secure storage area at night.
All of the described solutions have problems associated with them. Use of the diskette drive is prohibited in many portables because the diskette drives oftentimes are removable. Use of a small adhesive plate is problematic because of the messiness of the installation and the adhesive plate has a tendency to catch when the portable is placed in its carrying case. The security slot solution does not always provide a snug fit and gives the perception of weakness. This solution also lacks the ability for multiple keying options. Locking up the portable in a secure storage area at night is just simply inconvenient.
The present invention provides a theft deterrent device which addresses these shortcomings of the prior art. The device is simple to use and it is secure and tight so as not to convey a profile of weakness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A locking device that reduces the potential for theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment to be secured has a rectangular slot with predefined dimensions built into its external wall. The locking device operably engages with the security slot to secure the equipment.
In the preferred embodiment, the locking device includes a cylindrical body having a recessed area formed coaxially within the body. A cam assembly and a hook arm assembly are fitted within the recessed area and operably coupled to engage and release from the security slot.
The body includes a latch end and a key end. The latch end has a latch opening contiguous with the recessed area and a pair of latch protrusions spaced apart on either side of the latch opening. The protrusions extend from the latch end of the body for mating engagement with the security slot. The key end has a keyway opening contiguous with the recessed area.
The cam assembly is fitted for axial rotation within a first portion of the recessed area proximate to the key end of the body. The cam assembly includes a keyway end and a hook arm end. The keyway end includes a predefined pattern for mating engagement with a key inserted through the keyway. The latch end includes a cam hole which is offset from the axis of the body.
The hook arm assembly is fitted within a second portion of the recessed area proximate to the latch end of the body. The hook arm assembly includes a pivot point centrally located on the hook arm assembly. The pivot point defines a pivot axis which is transverse to the body axis. A lever arm extends rigidly from the pivot point into the cam hole. A latch arm extends rigidly from the pivot point out the latch opening and between the protrusions. The latch arm includes a flanged lip on one end adjacent to the protrusions and adapted for mating engagement with the security slot.
In operation, a key is inserted through the keyway to engage the predefined pattern on the cam. Turning the key causes the cam to rotate, thereby causing the lever arm to be moved in the cam hole thereby pivoting the latch arm in an opposite direction to either engage with or release from the security slot.
A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and accompanying drawings which set forth an illustrative embodiment in which the principles of the invention are utilized.
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Dergosits & Noah LLP
Jayne Darnell
Micro Security Devices Inc.
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