Locks – Special application – For portable articles
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-18
2001-06-12
Luu, Teri Pham (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For portable articles
C070S014000, C070S057000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244082
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to locking devices, particularly of the kind known as lap-top or portable computers anti-theft locks.
Most models of portable computers are equipped by the manufacturers with safety means, usually including a standardized dedicated slot in one of their walls. A variety of locking devices with extension steel cables have been developed for the easy but safe attachment and the disengagement thereof to such slots, based on a T-shaped spindle and tumbler design—see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,752 (To Myers et al.)
These however suffered numerous disadvantages, among others, the need for a separate key, or memorizing a combination code; need for ancillary parts, in the absence of an existing slot; non-rotatability of the cable (which causes a nuisance to the user); or complicated and expensive structures.
The invention aims to overcome many of the deficiencies of the conventional arrangements, and to provide a unified and compact locking arrangement equally applicable to both slotted and non-slotted structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention thus provides for a locking arrangement for securing portable computers and the like against theft, comprising a cable with a cable head extended by a first stem portion, a collar portion and a free end second stem portion all in axial alignment. A prismatic lock body is provided comprising a push-in, key-operated locking device having a releasable locking detent. The body has front, rear and two side surfaces. First, second and third bores are formed respectively at the front and two side surfaces, in a common plane, passing each other and being of a diameter slightly larger than that of the collar portion. The locking detent is insertable behind the collar and above the first stem portion thus precluding the extraction of the cable head when inserted into any of the bores. Further provided are means for securing the rear side surface of the lock body to a portion of the computer, e.g., by gluing.
For securing the originally slot equipped computers, the arrangement further comprises a standard T-shaped spindle head, configured to fit into the slot in on e position and become precluded from retrieval upon being rotated within the slot. A support plate for the spindle head is provided, attachable to the rear wall of the lock body. The spindle head extends off-centrally relative to the axis of the first bore. A fourth bore is coaxially formed at the rear surface and at the support plate so that upon insertion of the cable head into the first bore, the collar portion becomes so located as to be arrested by the locking detent, and the second stem passes the fourth bore and projects into the slot to prevent the rotation of the spindle head therebehind and the release of the lock body from the computer.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4055973 (1977-11-01), Best
patent: 4305266 (1981-12-01), Luckwood
patent: 4328687 (1982-05-01), Ritchie
patent: 5127244 (1992-07-01), Myers
patent: 5345794 (1994-09-01), Jenks
patent: 5447044 (1995-09-01), Cheng
patent: 5502989 (1996-04-01), Murray, Jr.
patent: 5579657 (1996-12-01), Makous
patent: 5623842 (1997-04-01), Davidge
patent: 5676258 (1997-10-01), Leyden et al.
patent: 5709110 (1998-01-01), Greenfield et al.
patent: 6000251 (1999-12-01), Murray, Jr. et al.
patent: 6006557 (1999-12-01), Carl
patent: 6105922 (2000-08-01), Derman
Luu Teri Pham
Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen, LLP
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