Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Strap-end-attaching devices – Buckle connected
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-28
2001-11-20
Sandy, Robert J. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Strap-end-attaching devices
Buckle connected
C024S095000, C024S669000, C411S400000, C070S058000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317936
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to security for portable articles, more particularly, to devices for the prevention of physical theft or removal of portable articles.
2. The Prior Art
As portable computers and other expensive electronic equipment have become more common, theft of such equipment has increased. There are a number of different types of devices on the market to deter such thefts. Most of these devices are either bulky, so that they are not particularly portable, or they rely on the small rectangular slot that is being manufactured into portable computers. The security devices that do not rely on the slot typically encase the portable article so that it cannot be operated while the security device is in use.
A number of locking devices have been developed to removably attach to the portable article using the slot. However, many of these devices are not particularly robust, generally relying on a thin cable lock for connection to a stationary fixture, such as a table. Thus, there continues to be a need for a device that allows a robust security attachment to a portable article that also allows the article to be operated normally.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a device for use with a preexisting slot in a portable article that provides an anchor for a robust security device.
Another object is to provide an anchor device that allows the portable article to be used normally when the article is secured.
A further object is to provide an anchor device that can remain attached to the article when not in use.
The present invention is an anchor device for use with the security slot found on many portable electronic device, particularly laptop computers. The anchor device includes an internal member, an external member, and a means for securing the two together. The internal member extends into the security slot with a retaining portion that curves approximately 90° to approximately parallel with the inside wall of the portable article. The internal member includes an external member engagement portion that extends externally from the slot for securing to the external member.
The external member provides an anchor for attaching a lock, tether, or other security device. The external member has an aperture into which the external member engagement portion fits. Preferably, the external member engagement portion and aperture are keyed so that the external member cannot rotate about the internal member.
The external member has a clamping surface that abuts the outer surface of the portable article. The clamping surface extends completely around the slot or it may only extend as wings parallel to the retaining portion of the internal member.
The external member is secured to the internal member permanently, such as by weld, rivet, epoxy, and mating latches, etc., or removably. A removable securement must not be accessible when a security device is engaged with the external member. One removable securement is a screw that extends through the external member and into a threaded hole in the internal member. The threaded hole may extend completely through the internal member. The external member is designed to deny access to the screw head when the securing device is engaged with the external member.
The external member provides an anchor for removably attaching the security device that will be used to secure the portable article to a stationary object, such as a table. There are several possible configurations contemplated by the present invention. A first configuration is knob with an annular groove. The security device has a mating groove that slides into the annular groove and that covers the screw head. In a second configuration, the securement screw head forms the top of a knob and an annular groove is formed from the bottom of the head and an annular cutout in the top rim of the external member. A third configuration uses a ring through which a cable can be fed. A fourth configuration is rotatable shell held by a screw and washer. The shell includes a pair of coaxial apertures through which a cable can be fed.
The anchor device is installed by pivoting the internal member into the slot, fitting the external member aperture onto the external member engaging portion, and securing the external member to the internal member with the screw. Alternatively, the external member engaging portion and the screw are long enough so that, when the screw is started into the threaded hole in the internal member, the gap between the clamping surface and the internal member retaining portion is large enough to pivot the internal member into the slot. Then the screw is tightened to secure the anchor device in the slot.
Other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following drawings and detailed description of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3463525 (1969-08-01), Stewart
patent: 4490065 (1984-12-01), Ullrich et al.
patent: 4809407 (1989-03-01), Watanabe
patent: 5447045 (1995-09-01), Cheng
patent: 5502989 (1996-04-01), Murray, Jr. et al.
patent: 5722268 (1998-03-01), Choi
patent: 6212918 (2001-04-01), Kravtin
McDaid Cornelius
Ristuccia John
Kryptonite Corporation
Morse, Altman & Martin
Sandy Robert J.
LandOfFree
Security anchor for portable articles does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Security anchor for portable articles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Security anchor for portable articles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2613850