Locks – Special application – For portable articles
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-01
2001-02-13
Barrett, Suzanne Dino (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For portable articles
C070S063000, C070S159000, C248S551000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185964
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for controlling the use of a peripheral device for a computer through use of a lockable container which holds the peripheral device. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for controlling the use of a computer by preventing the use of the mouse to operate the computer.
(2) Description of the Related Art
Since the explosion of the home computer and the dangers of the Internet, parents have been trying to prevent their children from accessing the computer and particularly, the Internet when the parents are not at home. Since the use of the Windows® operating system has become standard, the need for a mouse or track ball to gain access to and easily navigate through a computer has become essential. The mouse or track ball is also a necessity to allow for navigation through the Internet. Therefore, one way to prevent unauthorized use of the computer is to prevent use of the mouse or track ball needed to access the computer. The present invention achieves that goal in a simple and inexpensive way.
The related art has shown various devices to prevent the use of a computer or to prevent tampering with a computer. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,446,708 to Ely; 4,898,009 to Lakoski et al; 4,975,550 to Panchisin and 5,268,809 to Eschenbura.
Ely describes a locking cover which is mounted over the keypad to prevent unauthorized use of the keypad. This invention is intended to be used for push-button telephone keyboards. However, the cover could also be used with computer keyboards.
Lakoski et al describes a device which mounts over the back panel of a computer to prevent access to the computer through the back panel. The device also prevents tampering with the cables and connection ports at the back of the computer.
Panchisin describes a security device which conceals the keyboard actuator of a computer. The device has a key activated switch which activates and deactivates the computer.
Eschenburg describes a protection device which mounts in the access opening of a diskette drive of a computer. The device prevents the insertion of a diskette into the drive.
Also, of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,635 to Wilson which describes a lock for preventing the removal of a peripheral device from a computer. The lock does not prevent the use of the peripheral device.
Only of minimal interest are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,488,764 to Pfenning et al and 4,584,856 to Petersdorff et al. Pfennina et al shows a security container which mounts around the plug of an electrical cord. The plug can be placed within the container to prevent the plug from being plugged into an electrical outlet. Petersdorff et al describes a cover to prevent unauthorized access to a telephone jack.
There remains the need for a lockable container which can be placed around a peripheral device for a computer to prevent use of the peripheral device and the computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling the use of a computer. The invention calls for providing a lockable container for holding the peripheral device of the computer. The container can completely enclose the device which effectively prevents the use of the device. Alternatively, the container can merely prevent movement of the device over a surface such as in the case of the mouse. Failure of the mouse to move over a surface effectively prevents use of the mouse. The container can have a variety of sizes and shapes as necessary to accommodate different peripheral devices.
The present invention relates to a method for controlling the use of a peripheral device for a computer which comprises: providing a lockable and unlockable container having a base and a lid with a sidewall extending therebetween, the lid being configured to be attached to the base; and means for locking the lid on the base wherein in use, the peripheral device is placed between the base and the lid in an inner chamber of the container and the lid is locked to prevent access to and use of the peripheral device; inserting the peripheral device in the unlocked container; locking the container to prevent access to the peripheral device; unlocking the container to provide access to the peripheral device and removing the peripheral device from the container; and accessing the computer through the peripheral device which has been removed from the container, wherein access to the use of the peripheral device and the computer is controlled by the lockable and unlockable container.
Further, the present invention relates to a method for preventing the use of a peripheral device for a computer which comprises: providing a container having a base with a lid configured to be connected to the base such that the base and lid form an inner chamber in the container and means for locking the lid in a closed position on the base; positioning the peripheral device in the inner chamber of the container; moving the lid into the closed position such that the peripheral device is in the inner chamber of the container; and locking the lid in the closed position to prevent access to the peripheral device.
Still further, the present invention relates to a device for controlling the use of a peripheral device having a cord for connecting to a computer which comprises: a base having opposed ends and a first surface extending therebetween; a lid having opposed ends with a first surface extending therebetween and configured to be attached to the base such that one end of the base is adjacent one end of the lid and the first surface of the base is spaced apart from the first surface of the lid; a sidewall having an opening and extending between the first surface of the base and the first surface of the lid wherein when the lid is in a closed position, the base, lid and sidewall form a container having an inner chamber; and means for locking the lid on the base in the closed position wherein in use, the peripheral device is placed between the first surface of the base and the first surface of the lid in the inner chamber of the container with the cord extending through the opening in the container and the lid is moved into and locked in the closed position to control access to and use of the peripheral device.
The substance and advantages of the present invention will become increasingly apparent by reference to the following drawings and the description.
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Barrett Suzanne Dino
McLeod Ian C.
Moyne Mary M.
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