Security apparatus   

This application is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of the filing dates of the following U.S. provisional patent applications: 60/853,888, filed on Oct. 23, 2006; 60/909,867, filed on Apr. 3, 2007, and 60/940,318, filed on May 25, 2007, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices for inhibiting the theft of relatively small but expensive pieces of equipment.

Computers have evolved rather rapidly from large, expensive machines usable only by a few, to relatively small, portable machines which are usable by many. In particular, the development of personal computers with significant processing power has made computers available to the general population. It is now common for college and even high school students to have their own computer, and personal computers are in wide spread use as word processors and work stations in almost all forms of business. Personal computers are relatively small and easily transportable, and an undesirable side effect of their proliferation is the fact that the theft of such computers is a significant problem.

A variety of devices have been developed to inhibit the theft of personal computers and similar equipment. Since personal computer systems involve several components, typically including the computer itself, a separate monitor, keyboard and often a printer, such security systems often employ a cable which attaches each of the components to each other and to a relatively immovable object such as a desk. The principal difficulty in such systems is providing an effective and convenient method for attaching the cable itself to the equipment.

One way to address the problem of computer security is to provide a small, generally rectangular slot in a wall of a computer. A security apparatus with a locking head may be secured to the computer via the rectangular slot.

While the conventional rectangular slot solution is effective, improvements could be made. For example, although thieves are deterred from stealing portable computers secured by conventional security mechanisms, in some cases, such thieves may be more interested in the data stored in the computers rather than the computers themselves. Accordingly, the damage that may occur to a computer that may occur during the theft of the computer may not deter a thief who wants the data stored inside of the computer. It would be desirable to improve the strength of the physical coupling between the security apparatus and the computer and so that it is more difficult for potential thieves to separate the security apparatus from the computer.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems, individually and collectively.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to security apparatuses, systems, and methods for using such security apparatuses. Other embodiments of the invention may be directed to lock interface members and systems and methods incorporating such lock interface members.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a security apparatus for use with a lock interface member having at least a first aperture and a stabilizing aperture. The security apparatus comprises a head comprising an engagement element adapted to engage the lock interface member via the first aperture and a stabilizing element capable of being inserted into the stabilizing aperture to prevent the engagement element from being removed from the first aperture. A security device such as a cable may be coupled to the head.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a system comprising a portable electronic device comprising a lock interface member having at least a first aperture and a stabilizing aperture, and a security apparatus. The security apparatus includes a head comprising an engagement element adapted to engage the lock interface member via the first aperture and a stabilizing element capable of being inserted into the stabilizing aperture to prevent the engagement element from being removed from the first aperture.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for securing the above-described security apparatus to the lock interface member. The method includes (a) inserting the engagement element into the first aperture, (b) rotating the engagement element so that the engagement element is secured to the lock interface member via the first aperture; and, (c) inserting the stabilizing element into the stabilizing aperture.

Yet other embodiments of the invention are directed to lock interface members, as well as apparatuses, systems and methods using such lock interface members.

These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portable electronic device and a security apparatus.

FIG. 2(a) shows a front perspective view of a portion of a security apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2(b) shows a rear perspective view of the security apparatus shown in FIG. 2(a) and a portable electronic device comprising a lock interface member.

FIG. 2(c) is a front perspective view of the security apparatus shown in FIG. 2(a) attached to a lock interface member in a portable electronic device. Engagement elements of the security apparatus are in the lock interface member, but a stabilizing element associated with the security apparatus is not present in the lock interface member. A portion of the portable electronic device is cut away.

FIG. 2(d) is a view that is similar to the view shown in FIG. 2(c). However, in FIG. 2(d), the stabilizing element is present in the lock interface member.

FIG. 2(e) shows an exploded view of the security apparatus shown in FIGS. 2(a)-2(b).

FIG. 2(f) is a side, cross-sectional view of the head of a security apparatus as it is secured to the lock interface member in the portable electronic device.

FIG. 2(g) shows a front view of a lock interface member.

FIG. 2(h) shows a side, cross-sectional view of the lock interface member shown in FIG. 2(g).

FIG. 2(i) shows a perspective view of the lock interface member shown in FIG. 2(g).

In the Figures, like numerals designate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to security apparatuses, methods for using security apparatuses, and systems using such security apparatuses. The security apparatuses can be used to prevent or deter the theft of devices such as portable electronic devices.

In addition, in embodiments of the invention, a lock interface member may be used to enhance security and to improve the strength of the coupling between a portable electronic device and a security apparatus. The lock interface member may be an attachment that may be attached to the housing of the portable electronic device, or it may be integrally formed in the housing or other component of the portable electronic device. For example, in some embodiments, the lock interface member may be integrally formed with (e.g., a wall portion of a wall or chassis portion of a chassis, and the lock interface member may be formed from the same material without an interface), or operatively or physically coupled to the chassis of the portable electronic device and/or may be operatively or electrically coupled to some electrical component (e.g., a memory chip, disk drive, or microprocessor) in the portable electronic device. In addition, if the lock interface member is a separate component from the wall of the portable electronic device, the lock interface member may be positioned within an aperture formed in a wall of the portable electronic device, or inside of the portable electronic device. Exemplary lock interface members are described in further detail below.

By using a lock interface member, the strength of the coupling between the security apparatus and the lock interface member is increased over a conventional physical security system including a portable electronic device comprising only a 3×7 mm2 security slot and a physical security apparatus secured to the portable electronic device via the security slot. A conventional security system such as this can withstand 150 lbs of force, because the plastic housing of the portable consumer device can fail or break when this magnitude of force is applied. Also, current locks on the market are designed to withstand 300 lbs of force before they are broken. Further, the ability to “torque” the conventional security apparatus out of a security slot is also of concern. Improved security apparatuses and systems are therefore desirable.

Using embodiments of the invention, the strength of the coupling between the security apparatus and the portable electronic device may be increased by at least 2, 6, or even 8 times compared to conventional systems. For example, by using embodiments of the invention, it may take more than about 300 lbs of force, or even more than about 500, 1000, or 2000 lbs of force to break the physical coupling between the head in a security apparatus and the lock interface member associated with the portable electronic device to which it is secured. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are stronger and therefore more effective at deterring and preventing the theft of portable electronic devices than conventional security systems.

A security apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise a head and a security device. The head and the security device may be physically and/or operationally coupled together.

The security device may comprise a cable, or some other type of device to provide security. If the security device comprises a cable, then the cable may be secured to an immovable object such as a desk or cabinet so that a portable electronic device coupled to the cable cannot be removed. The cable may comprise stainless steel, Kevlar®, or some other type of strong material.

In another embodiment, the security device may comprise a wireless device such as a wireless transmitter and/or receiver. The wireless device may be used in a proximity detection system or a motion detection system. For example, a motion detector could present in the wireless device so that when the motion detector moves, an associated alarm is triggered. The alarm may be in the security device or may be external to the security device. In another embodiment, there may be a base device associated with the wireless device, and these components may be used in a proximity detection system. Wireless signals may be transmitted between the security device and the base device, and when these devices are separated by a predetermined distance, an associated alarm (e.g., an audible alarm) may be triggered. The alarm could be in the base device or in the security device. The electronics associated with such wireless systems are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The head in the security apparatus may be a locking head. A locking head according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise a locking mechanism such as a key locking mechanism or a combination locking mechanism disposed within a locking head housing. Various types of locking heads are described in further detail below.

The portable electronic device that is to be secured may comprise any suitable device. Examples of such devices comprise portable computers such laptop, desktop, and server computers, flat panel televisions, projectors, monitors, portable music players, printers, external hard-drives, cell phones, etc.

The parts of the locking head and/or the lock interface member may be made of any suitable material, and may be formed in any suitable manner. Suitable materials include materials such as stainless steel, nickel alloys, etc. They can be formed by machining, molding, etc.

A number of security apparatuses, and methods and systems using such security apparatuses are described in detail below. A system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a security apparatus and a lock interface member having at least a first aperture and a stabilizing aperture. The security apparatus comprises a head comprising an engagement element adapted to engage the lock interface member via the first aperture and a stabilizing element capable of being inserted into the stabilizing aperture to prevent the engagement element from being removed from the first aperture, and a security device coupled to the head.

FIG. 1 shows a system comprising a portable electronic device 30 and a security apparatus 26 that is used to secure the portable electronic device 30 to an immovable object 10 such as a desk leg or the like. The security apparatus 26 comprises a head 28 and a cable 32 coupled to the head 28, which may be a locking head in this example. A loop 34 is at a terminal end of the head 28. The cable 32 may comprise a strong material such as stainless steel or Kevlar™.

To secure the portable electronic device 30 to the immovable object, the cable 32 may be wrapped around the immovable object and the head 28 may pass through the loop 34. An engagement element in the head 28 may then be inserted into an aperture in the portable electronic device 30, or in an aperture in a lock interface member that is associated with the portable electronic device 30. A stabilizing element may then be inserted into the stabilizing aperture in the lock interface member to stabilize the head 28 so that the engagement element cannot be readily withdrawn from the aperture. A locking mechanism such as a key locking mechanism or a combination locking mechanism may be used to keep the stabilizing element and/or the engagement element from moving or not moving. In other embodiments, the stabilizing element may first be inserted into the stabilizing aperture in the lock interface member, and/or a stabilizing aperture in the portable electronic device, and the engagement element may thereafter be inserted therein to engage the aperture in the portable electronic device or in the lock interface member.

As used herein, in the above described embodiments and in other embodiments, an “aperture” may include a blind aperture or a through aperture. A through aperture may be in the form of a hole, or a recess. In some embodiments of the invention, the aperture may have maximum dimensions of about 10 mm or less.

FIG. 2(a) shows a security apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The security apparatus 100 comprises a head 100(a) and a ferrule 158 coupled to the head 100(a). The ferrule 158 may be coupled to a cable 32 of the type shown in FIG. 1.

The head 100(a) comprises a cable ring 131 and a cylindrical body 128. Together, these and other components may form a housing for the head 100(a). The housing may take other forms in other embodiments of the invention. The cable ring 131 comprises an attachment portion 131(a) where the ferrule 158 is attached.

The front of the head 100(a) comprises an interlocking arrangement 104 comprising three engagement elements 104(a) surrounding a stabilizing element 102. A rubber bumper 112 may encircle the three engagement elements 104(a) and the stabilizing element 102. The rubber bumper 112 can be used to prevent the head 100(a) from scratching the exterior surface of the portable electronic device which is to be secured and may allow for greater wall thickness tolerances. The rubber bumper 112 is optional and could be omitted in embodiments of the invention.

The three engagement elements 104(a) in this example are in the form of three engagement hooks having ends that face in a counter-clockwise manner. Of course, in other embodiments, the three engagement hooks may have ends that face in a clockwise manner. The three engagement elements 104(a) may be first, second, and third engagement elements. More or less engagement elements may be used in embodiments of the invention.

The stabilizing element 102 may be in the form of a retractable anti-rotation pin. As shown, the stabilizing element 102 may have a somewhat rectangular cross-section in this example. However, the radial cross-section of the stabilizing element 102 could be circular or could have any other shape in other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2(b) shows a rear perspective view of the head 100(a) as it is about to engage a lock interface member 110 associated with a portable electronic device 108. A push cylinder 118 is at the rear of the head 100(a).

In this example, the lock interface member 110 is in the form of a circular insert that is positioned in a cooperatively structured aperture 108(a) in the housing of the portable electronic device 108. Alternatively or additionally, the lock interface member 110 may be attached to and/or form part of a chassis in the portable electronic device 108. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the exterior face of the lock interface member 110 comprises a central elongated aperture 110(a) and three outer, arc-shaped, elongated apertures 110(b) surrounding the central elongated aperture 110(a). The three outer elongated apertures 110(b) may be first, second, and third apertures and are for receiving the first, second, and third engagement elements 104(a) shown in FIG. 2(a). The central elongated aperture 110(a) is for receiving the stabilizing element 102 shown in FIG. 2(a). The central elongated aperture 110(a) may be characterized as a stabilizing aperture in this embodiment, since it receives a stabilizing element. More or less apertures may be used in other embodiments.

FIG. 2(c) shows the head 100(a) after the engagement elements 104(a) are inserted into the corresponding outer elongated apertures 110(b), and after the head 100(a) is turned clockwise until the engagement elements 104(a) engage the walls defining the outer elongated apertures 110(b). FIG. 2(c) also shows a cylindrical portion 110(c) of the lock interface member 110, which may be attached to an internal structural component of the portable electronic device 108. After the engagement elements 104(a) engage the walls forming the outer elongated apertures 110(b), the stabilizing element 102 is extended outward in an axially direction so that the stabilizing element 102 extends into the central elongated aperture 110(a) as shown in FIG. 2(d). Once the stabilizing element 102 is within the central elongated aperture 110(a), the head 110(a) is secured to the lock interface member 110. At this point, the lock head 100(a) may be in a locked configuration and the lock head 102(a) is secured to the portable electronic device 108.

FIG. 2(e) shows an exploded view of components that can be present in a security apparatus of the type shown in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 2(e) shows a cylindrical body 128 comprising opposing lateral holes 128(a) capable of receiving first and second pins 136(a), 136(b). The body 128 may comprise any suitable material including nickel alloys and/or stainless steel. The first and second pins 136(a), 136(b) mechanically couple the body 128 to an anti-rotation housing 138 via holes 138(c) in the anti-rotation housing 138. The body 128 and a circular portion 131(a) of a forwardly disposed cable ring 131 may form at least part of a head housing which houses the majority of the components in the head 100(a). A ferrule holder 156 may be coupled to the cable ring 130 and a ferrule 158 may be associated with a cable (not shown).

The body 128 also comprises an axial slot 128(b) formed in a wall of the body 128, which is capable of receiving a rolled third pin 137 which is radially oriented with respect to the orientation of the body 128. The third pin 137 also passes through a hole 118(a) in an axially movable push cylinder 118, and slidably couples the push cylinder 118 and the body together. The push cylinder 118 can therefore slide axially relative to the body 128, and may be pushed by a user to configure the head in a locked configuration.

The anti-rotation housing 138 is in a forward position relative to the position of the body 128. The anti-rotation housing 138 comprises a disk-shaped base 138(b) and a forward portion 138(a), which may also be shaped as a disk and may have smaller radial dimensions than the disk-shaped base 138(b). An axial hole 138(d) passes through the anti-rotation housing 138. The stabilizing element 102 and a corresponding spindle 130 may move within the axial hole 138(d) and relative to the anti-rotation housing 138 when the head is in an unlocked configuration.

The stabilizing element 102 may comprise a front portion 102(a) and a rear portion 102(b), with a gap between the front portion 102(a) and the rear portion 102(b). The spindle 130 may have a radially extending hole 130(d) at a rear end and another radially extending hole 130(b) at a front end. The spindle 103 also has an axial aperture 130(c). A locking tab 150 may be inserted through the radially extending hole 130(b) at the front end and may engage the stabilizing element 102 by being disposed between the front portion 102(a) and the rear portion 102(b) of the stabilizing element 102.

A biasing element 134 such as a compression spring may be disposed around the spindle 130 and may be between the anti-rotation housing 138 and a first cylinder 144. When the head 100(a) is in a locked configuration, the biasing element 134 may be in a compressed state. The stabilizing element 102 would be in a corresponding extended position. When the head 100(a) is an unlocked configuration, the biasing element 134 may be in an uncompressed state. The stabilizing element 102 would be in a corresponding retracted position.

The first cylinder 144 and a second cylinder 124, with other components, may form parts of a locking mechanism. In this example, the locking mechanism is a cylinder lock, but the locking mechanism could be a disk lock. The first cylinder 144 may include a first plurality of axial extending holes, which may receive driver pins 162(b) and springs (not shown), while the second cylinder 124 may include a second plurality of axial bores which may receive key pins 162(a). The second cylinder 124 may rotate relative to the first cylinder 144, when a key is inserted through a keyway at a rear of the second cylinder 124 and turned. The key pins 162(a) may be driven inward different lengths by a key (not shown) with so that no pins lie across a shear line formed between the first cylinder 144 and the second cylinder 124.

Another pin 141 passes through a radially extending aperture 124(a) in the first cylinder 124 and is inserted in the hole 130(d) in the spindle 130, so that the spindle 130 is mechanically coupled to the second cylinder 124. As noted above, other pins 136(a), 136(b) may be inserted in holes such as hole 128(b) in the body 128 and hole 138(c) in the anti-rotation housing 138 so that the anti-rotation housing 138 and the body 128 are coupled together. A retention structure 104(b) may be used to secure the interlocking arrangement 104 in a fixed radial position.

A U-shaped clip 142 passes through a radially extending aperture in the anti-rotation housing 138 and can engage the channel 130(a) in the spindle 130 when the head 100(a) is in a locked configuration. As shown, the channel 130(a) can extend partially around the circumference of the spindle 130.

To change the head 100(a) to an unlocked configuration, a key is inserted into the lock head 100(a) and is turned. This turns the second cylinder 124, which turns the spindle 130. The U-shaped clip 142 is then displaced from the channel 130(a) in the spindle 130 and the biasing member 134 pushes the first cylinder 144, the second cylinder 124, the spindle 130, and the stabilizing element 102 rearward. This removes the stabilizing element 102 from the central aperture 110(a) of the interface member 110. The engagement elements 104(a) can thereafter be rotated counterclockwise and can be removed from the outer elongated slots 110(b) of the lock interface member 110. See FIG. 2(c).

FIG. 2(f) shows the previously described lock head 102(a) in a locked configuration. Components shown in FIG. 2(e) are also shown in an assembled state. As shown by the arrow P, the push cylinder 118 and the second cylinder 124 are pushed inward toward the portable electronic device 108. This compresses the biasing element 134 so that it is in a compressed state. The U-shaped clip 142 engages the channel 130(a) in the spindle 130 to secure the stabilizing element 102 in an extended position and within the central aperture 110(a). In this example, the stabilizing element 102 does not engage the walls forming the central aperture 110(a), but it could engage the walls in other embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 2(g)-2(i) show various views of a lock interface member 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. Exemplary dimensions are shown in FIGS. 2(g) and 2(h), and these exemplary dimensions are shown in millimeters. The lock interface member 110, and other lock interface members, may be made from metallic materials such as zinc (die casted), magnesium (injection molded), and/or stainless steel (powder injection molded).

FIG. 2(g) shows a front view of a lock interface member 110. As described previously, the lock interface member 110 may include a front face 110(d) and a cylindrical side 110(c). The front face 110(d) comprises three outer elongated slots 110(b) shaped as arcs, surrounding a central elongated aperture 110(a). In other embodiments, there could be fewer slots, or more slots, and they may be positioned in any suitable manner on the front face 110(d). Two joining members 110(e) may be formed at the top of the lock interface member 110 and may be formed at the bottom of the lock interface member 110. The joining members 110(e) may be referred to as collar ribs in some cases and may be assembled to the internal chassis of a portable electronic device such as portable computer.

FIG. 2(h) shows a side, cross-sectional view of the lock interface member 110, and FIG. 2(i) shows a perspective view of the lock interface member 110 shown in FIG. 2(g).

Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages. For example, since the lock interface member can have a number of engagement apertures and a stabilizing aperture, a locking head with multiple engagement elements and/or stabilizing elements can be more securely attached to the lock interface member than a conventional security apparatus would be attached to a conventional security slot. Also, since there can be multiple points of engagement in embodiments of the invention, it is more difficult to torque the security apparatus out of the engagement apertures and the stabilizing aperture in the lock interface member, than it would be to torque a conventional security apparatus out of a conventional security slot. Thus, embodiments of the invention provide for improved security over conventional security systems.

The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claims along with their full scope or equivalents.

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.

A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more” unless specifically indicated to the contrary.

All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptions mentioned above are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.