Component securing unit

A component securing unit for mounting to a cooperating surface of a component, including: a component interface defining a first interface surface region and a second interface surface region; a first adhesive material located on the first interface surface region; a second adhesive material having one or more adhesive material properties that are different than adhesive material properties of the first adhesive material, the second adhesive material located on the second interface surface region; the component interface, first adhesive material, and second adhesive material co-operatively configured such that the first adhesive material and second adhesive material can each adhere to respective portions of the cooperating surface to mount the component securing unit to the cooperating surface.

FIELD

This application relates to a component securing unit that can be used for securing a mobile component to prevent theft.

BACKGROUND

Retailers who sell components that are at high risk of theft, such as tablet computers, smart phones, bottled perfume, watches, handbags, and electrical tools for example, typically want to display sample components in a manner that prevents the unauthorized removal while at the same time minimizes interference with the user experience in viewing and interacting with the sample components. Additionally, retailers typically want to avoid permanent damage to or marking of the displayed components that would devalue the components.

An example of a “clamp-style” security device for securing a component is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 10,624,471 B2, assigned to Compucage International Inc. The clamp-style device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 10,624,471 B2 can effectively mitigate theft, however the clamp mechanism can cover substantial surface area of the component that is being secured and thus interfere with a customer's interactive experience with the component. Further, the clamp mechanism must be selected according to device size.

There remains a need for anti-theft product display devices and systems that can be used to securely display a wide range of interactive components while also minimizing the customer's interactive experience with the component.

SUMMARY

According to a first example aspect of the disclosure is a component securing unit for mounting to a cooperating surface of a component. The component securing unit includes a component interface defining a first interface surface region and a second interface surface region; a first adhesive material located on the first interface surface region; and a second adhesive material having one or more adhesive material properties that are different than adhesive material properties of the first adhesive material, the second adhesive material located on the second interface surface region. The component interface, first adhesive material, and second adhesive material co-operatively configured such that the first adhesive material and second adhesive material can each adhere to respective portions of the cooperating surface to mount the component securing unit to the cooperating surface.

According to some examples, the second adhesive material surrounds a periphery of the first adhesive material such that the second adhesive material and component interface provide a protective barrier for the first adhesive material when the component securing unit is mounted to the cooperating surface.

According to one or more example aspects, the first adhesive material has a thicker profile than the second adhesive material and the first interface surface region is set-off relative to the second interface surface region to accommodate the thicker profile.

According to one or more example aspects, the first interface surface region and a second interface surface region are planar regions and parallel to each other.

According to one or more example aspects, the first adhesive material has a thickness profile of greater than 30 mils, the second adhesive material has a thickness profile of less than 10 mils, and the first adhesive material has a greater compressibility than the second adhesive material, and the second adhesive material surrounds a periphery of the first adhesive material.

According to one or more example aspects, the first adhesive material has a thickness profile of greater than 10 mils, the second adhesive material has a thickness profile of less than 8 mils, and the second adhesive material surrounds a periphery of the first adhesive material.

According to one or more example aspects, the component interface includes a first counterpart that defines the first interface surface region and a second counterpart that defines the second interface surface region.

According to one or more example aspects, the component securing unit includes a third counterpart that is removably securable to the component interface, wherein the third counterpart, first counterpart, and second counterpart are co-operatively configured such that the third counterpart, first counterpart, and second counterpart can be locked together using a cooperating locking mechanism.

According to one or more example aspects, the third counterpart, the component interface, first adhesive material, and second adhesive material are co-operatively configured such that, when the component securing unit is mounted to the cooperating surface by the first and second adhesive materials: when the third counterpart, first counterpart, and second counterpart are locked together a first normal tension force or a first shearing force is required to remove the locked together third counterpart, first counterpart, and second counterpart from the cooperating surface; and when the third counterpart, first counterpart, and second counterpart are not locked together by the locking mechanism and the third counterpart is removed from the component interface, the second counterpart can be removed from the cooperating surface discretely of the first component by applying a second normal tension force that is less than the first normal tension force to overcome a bond of the second adhesive material, and the first counterpart can be subsequently removed from the cooperating surface by applying a second shearing force that is less than the first shearing force to overcome a bond of the first adhesive material.

According to one or more example aspects, wherein the component is an electronic component, the third counterpart, the component interface, first adhesive material, and second adhesive material being co-operatively configured such that application of either the first normal tension force or the first shearing force when the third counterpart, first counterpart, and second counterpart are locked together and the component securing unit is mounted to the cooperating surface will destroy the electronic component, but the application of either the second normal tension force or the second shearing force will not destroy the electronic component.

According to one or more example aspects, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a threaded fastener extending through a hole through the third counterpart and into a correspondingly threaded hole of the first counterpart.

According to one or more example aspects, wherein the third counterpart comprises a protruding anchor interface for securing to an anchoring structure.

According to one or more example aspects, wherein the first counterpart includes a first section that defines the first interface surface region and a second section that extends from the first section, and the second counterpart includes a central opening through which the second section extends when the component securing unit is mounted to the cooperating surface, one or more surfaces being defined at the central opening for interacting with cooperating surfaces of the first section to block the first section from passing through central opening.

According to one or more example aspects, wherein the first adhesive material comprises a double sided acrylic foam carrier with an acrylic adhesive located on both sides thereof, and the second adhesive material comprises a double sided polyethylene terephthalate (PET) carrier with a rubber based adhesive located on both sides thereof.

According to one or more example aspects, the component interface, first adhesive material, and second adhesive material being co-operatively configured such that the first adhesive material has a greater normal stress resistance than the second adhesive material and the second adhesive material has a greater shear stress resistance than the first adhesive material.

According to one or more example aspects, wherein the component interface, first adhesive material, and second adhesive material are co-operatively configured such that the component interface and the second adhesive material provide a physical barrier against external access to the first adhesive material when the component securing unit is mounted to the cooperating surface.

According to a second example aspect, a component securing unit for mounting to a component surface is disclosed that includes a first counterpart having a first section defining a first interface surface region; a second counterpart defining a second interface surface region; a first adhesive material located on the first interface surface region; a second adhesive material located on the second interface surface region; the first counterpart and second counterpart co-operatively configured such that the first counterpart can be secured to the component surface with the first adhesive material, and the second counterpart can be secured to the component surface with the second adhesive material with the second adhesive material extending about a periphery of the first adhesive material and the second counterpart blocking removal of the first counterpart from the component surface.

According to one or more examples of the second aspect, the first counterpart has a second section that protrudes from the first section, and the second counterpart defines a central opening through which the second section of the first counterpart can extend, the second counterpart defining one or more surfaces about the central opening for interacting with the first section of the first counterpart, the first counterpart and second counterpart co-operatively configured such that the first counterpart and second counterpart can be secured to the component surface with the first section of the first counterpart extending through the central opening of the second counterpart and the one or more surfaces about the central opening interacting with the first section of the first counterpart to block the removal of the first counterpart from the component surface in a direction normal to the component surface.

According to one or more examples of the second aspect, the first adhesive material has a thicker profile than the second adhesive material and the first interface surface region is set-off relative to the second interface surface region to accommodate the thicker profile.

According to one or more examples of the second aspect, the first interface surface region and a second interface surface region are planar regions and parallel to each other.

According to one or more examples of the second aspect, the component securing unit includes a third counterpart that is removably securable to the first counterpart to lock the first counterpart, second counterpart and third counterpart together.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This document describes example embodiments of a component securing unit that is configured to be mounted to a movable component. In at least some embodiments, the component securing unit can be used to secure a mobile component while minimizing interference with access to and viewing of the component and interface elements of the component such as display screens, touch screens and keyboards. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the component securing unit does not interfere with venting air paths and/or component power or control buttons, and/or ports of the component. The component securing unit can, in some implementations, mitigate against multiple types of removal attracts, including for example prying attacks, wire sawing attacks and chemical solvent attacks. The component securing unit can, in some implementations, be configured to be installed on and removed from the component with little or no residual damage or marking to the component. The component securing unit is configured to be used with many different types and sizes of components without modification to or adjustment of the component securing unit. By way of non-limiting example, the component that is being secured can be any mobile or interactive electronic or non-electronic component that is at risk of unauthorized removal from a location, such as a tablet or laptop computer, a smart phone, bottled perfume, electrical tool, a watch, a fitness tracker, a keyboard, a computer component, a camera, a drone, a tool box, a handbag, and the like.

FIG.1shows a top perspective view of a component securing unit100of an anti-theft device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. InFIG.1, the securing unit100is mounted to a cooperating surface region of a mobile component102. In the illustrated examples, mobile component102is illustrated as a smart phone although, as noted above, the mobile component could be any component that needs to be secured.FIG.2is a bottom view of the component securing unit100,FIG.3is an end view of the component securing unit100, andFIG.4Ais a sectional side view taken along the line F-F ofFIG.3. The component securing unit100is a rigid structure and includes a component interface50for mounting the component securing unit100to the cooperating surface region of mobile component102, and an anchor interface164for securing the component securing unit100to an anchoring structure. The component interface50defines a first interface surface region52(e.g., a central surface region) and a second interface surface region54(e.g., a peripheral surface region). In the illustrated example, as best illustrated in the bottom plan view ofFIG.2, second interface surface region54extends around a perimeter of the first interface surface region52, thereby surrounding a periphery of the first interface surface region52.

In the illustrated example, second interface surface region54and first interface surface region52are each planar surfaces and are parallel to each other. A first adhesive material16is located on the first interface surface region52and a second adhesive material18is located on the second interface surface region54.

The component interface50, first adhesive material16, and second adhesive material18are co-operatively configured such that the first adhesive material16and second adhesive material18can each adhere to respective portions of the cooperating surface region of mobile component102to mount the component securing unit100to the mobile component102. When the component interface50is mounted to the mobile component102, the second adhesive material18surrounds a periphery of the first adhesive material16such that the second adhesive material18can, together with the component interface50, provide a protective barrier for the first adhesive material16. The protective barrier can for example protect the first adhesive material16from chemical attacks (for example from an acrylic defeating solvent) solvent, and from physical attacks (for example against a saw wire attack parallel to the cooperating surface of the mobile component102, or a prying attack).

In example embodiments, the first adhesive material16and the second adhesive material18each have a respective set of adhesive material properties. By way of example,FIG.5illustrate end views of first adhesive material16and second adhesive material18, respectively, as respective double sided tape structures. The first adhesive material16includes a central carrier56that supports an adhesive58on opposite sides thereof. The second adhesive material16includes a central carrier60that supports an adhesive62on opposite sides thereof. Prior to use, a removable liner (not shown) can be located on the outer surfaces of adhesives58,62.

In example embodiments, the adhesive58and the adhesive62have different physical and/or chemical properties, the carrier56and carrier60have different physical and/or chemical properties, and the first adhesive material16has a thickness profile TPathat is larger than a thickness profile TPbof the second adhesive material18. By way of non-limiting example, in an example implementation: (i) the first adhesive material16includes a double sided acrylic foam carrier56with an acrylic adhesive58located on both sides thereof, and the second adhesive material18includes a double sided polyethylene terephthalate (PET) carrier60with a rubber based adhesive62located on both sides thereof; (ii) the first adhesive material16can have a thickness profile TP of greater than 30 mils (i.e., 0.03 inches) and second adhesive material18can have a thickness profile TP of less than 10 mils (i.e., 0.01 inches); and (iii) the first adhesive material16has a greater compressibility than the second adhesive material18. In one or more examples, the first adhesive material16can be more porous than the second adhesive material18. In some implementations, the higher compressibility of the first adhesive material16can enable it to better adhere to a rougher cooperating surface than the second adhesive material18, whereas the less porous structure of second adhesive material18can make it less absorbent of (and thus less susceptible to damage by) chemical liquids. In another example, the first adhesive material16can have a thickness profile TP of greater than 10 mils and second adhesive material18can have a thickness profile TP of less than 8 mils. In another example, the first adhesive material16can be a double side tape such as 3M™ VHB mounting tape.

In one or more examples, the first adhesive material16can be more resistant to normal tension forces than the second adhesive material18. In one or more examples, the second adhesive material18can be more resistant to shearing forces than the first adhesive material16.

By way of non-limiting example, in an illustrative implementation the first adhesive material16can be DURACO™ HIGH BOND34double side tape, and the second adhesive material18can be one of DURACO™ DK Film™ LSE or 2.0. In such case, the first adhesive material16can have a thickness profile TPaof 40 mils (i.e., 0.04 inches) and second adhesive material18can have a thickness profile TPbof 6.5 mils (in the case of DURACO™ DK Film™ LSE) or 4.5 mils (in the case of DURACO™ DK Film™ 2.0).

With reference toFIG.4A, in the case where the first adhesive material16has a thicker profile than the second adhesive material18, the first interface surface region52can be set-off rearward from a front of the component interface50relative to the second interface surface region54to at least partially accommodate the thicker profile. As used herein, the “front” of the component interface50refers to the face of the component interface50that is facing the component102when the component security unit100is mounted to the component102. From the perspective of the component securing unit100, “forward” refers to a direction that is towards the front of the component interface, and “rearward” refers to a direction that is the opposite of forward.

The set-off (e.g., distance “SO” inFIGS.4A and4C) of the first interface surface region52relative to the second interface surface region54can for example a distance that is no greater than the difference in thickness profiles TPaand TPb. In some examples, the set-off distance “SO” can be less than the difference in thickness profiles TPaand TPbvalue to account for the higher compressibility of the first adhesive material16than the second adhesive material18. For example, in a case where profile TPais 40 mils TPbis 6.5 mils, set-off distance “SO” can be in the range of 15 mils to 30 mils, depending on the relative compressibility of the first adhesive material16than the second adhesive material18, so long as the two adhesive materials16and18can each simultaneously adhere to respective portions of the cooperating surface of the mobile component102.

In the illustrated examples, the first interface surface region52is a rectangular, planar surface. The second interface surface region54is a planar surface that is parallel to and surrounds the periphery of the first interface surface region52. A rectangular shaped section of first adhesive material16that corresponds to the size and shape of first interface surface region52can be secured to the first interface surface region52by removing a tape liner from the adhesive58one side of the first adhesive material16and pressing the exposed adhesive onto the first interface surface region52. Similarly, a rectangular-with-a rectangular-opening-shaped second adhesive material18that corresponds to the size and shape of second interface surface region54can be secured to the second interface surface region54by removing a tape liner from the adhesive62one side of the second adhesive material18and pressing the exposed adhesive onto the second interface surface region54.

In example implementations, the mobile component102can only accommodate up to a maximum shear force or maximum normal tension force being applied between the component securing unit100and the mobile component102without causing permanent damage to the mobile component102. Thus, in example embodiments, the component interface50, first adhesive material16, and second adhesive material18are co-operatively configured such that when the component securing unit100is mounted to the mobile component102, application of either a normal tension force that is beyond the maximum normal tension force or application of a shearing force that is beyond the maximum shearing force are required to overcome the adhesive bond securing the component securing unit100to the mobile component102. Thus, an unauthorized brute-force attack to attempt removal of the component securing unit100from the mobile component will render the mobile component102useless for its intended task, thereby providing a determent against such a brute force attack.

In at least some example implementations, the first peripheral interface surface region54has a surface area that is large enough to allow a sufficient amount of first adhesive material16for securing engaging the mobile component102. In a first non-limiting example, the one first peripheral interface surface region54has a surface area of 2.5 square inches or greater for receiving first adhesive material16of a similar surface area. In one example, the first peripheral interface surface region54has a dimension of 1.6 inches by 2.5 inches, and a surface area of 4 square inches. In other non-limiting example embodiments, surface region54has a surface area of between 3 square inches 8 square inches. In at least some non-limiting example implementations, the second peripheral interface surface region extends at least ¼ inches from an inner edge to and outer edge thereof, such that a minimum of ¼ inch of second adhesive18surrounds the perimeter of the outer edge of the first adhesive16when mounted to mobile component102.

In at least some example embodiments, in order to facilitate removal of the component securing unit100from the mobile component102, the component securing unit100is made up of a set of discrete counterparts that can be cooperatively locked together for mounting the component securing unit100to mobile component102, and subsequently unlocked to facilitate removal of the component securing unit100without causing damage to the mobile component102.

In this regard,FIG.6shows a perspective view of the discrete counterparts of component securing unit100according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.7is a perspective exploded view of counterparts of the component securing unit100ofFIG.6in combination with the mobile component102.

As noted above, component securing unit100is configured to be mounted to a planar surface region of the mobile component102using two different types of adhesive materials16,18, each of which have different adhesive properties. In the illustrated example, the component interface50includes a first counterpart12that defines the first interface surface region52on which the first adhesive16is located, and a cooperating second counterpart14that defines the second interface surface region54on which the second adhesive18is located. Component securing unit100further includes a third counterpart (also referred to as the “base counterpart”)150that can be releasably coupled to first counterpart12and second counterpart14using a locking mechanism. In the illustrated example, the locking mechanism includes one or more screw-type fasteners154that can be extended through holes26located in the base counterpart150and be screwed into corresponding threaded holes24that are provided on a back surface of the first counterpart12. In example implementations, the heads of screw-type fasteners154are keyed such that a specially keyed screw driver tool155is required to tighten and remove the screw-type fasteners154.

The counterparts12,14,150and locking mechanism of component securing unit100can take a number of different cooperating configurations in addition to the configurations that are described in this disclosure. The described configurations are representative and not exhaustive. In the illustrated example, the discrete counterparts12,14,150and fasteners154can be respectively formed from rigid and durable materials, for example materials that can include, but are not limited to: a durable metal such as aluminum; a metal alloy such as steel, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy; or a graphite alloy; or a plastic resin.

Referring toFIGS.6,7, and8the first counterpart12includes an enlarged rectangular prism shaped first section20that defines the first interface surface region52that supports the first adhesive16. A rectangular prism shaped second section22extends rigidly rearward from an area of the rectangular prism shaped first section20, such that the first section20provides backward facing surfaces28on at least two sides of the rearward extending second section22. The threaded holes24can be provided on a back surface of the rearward extending second section22.FIG.9shows a front perspective view of the first counterpart12with the first adhesive material16in the process of being applied to the central interface surface region54.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the second counterpart14has a rectangular-frame shape that defines a central opening30that is configured to receive the rearward extending section22of the first counterpart12. A forward face of the second counterpart14defines the second interface surface region54that supports the second adhesive18.FIG.11shows a front perspective view of the second counterpart14with the second adhesive18in the process of being applied to the second interface surface region54.FIG.12is a sectional view taken along the lines XII-XII ofFIG.11. As can be seed inFIG.12, the area of opening30is smaller at a back of the second counterpart14relative to the front of the counterpart. In this regard, the second counterpart14defines forward facing surfaces32along at least two walls of the opening30. As will be described in further detail below, the backward facing surfaces28of the first counterpart12and the forward facing surfaces32of the second counterpart14are co-operatively configured such that the forward facing surfaces32face the backward facing surfaces28to act against removal of the first counterpart12independently of the second counterpart14when the component securing unit100is mounted to the mobile component102.

Referring again toFIGS.6and7, in the illustrated example, the base counterpart150includes a base wall151that is flanked by a pair of forward extending sidewalls152. Base wall151and sidewalls152collectively define a forward opening region146that is configured to snugly slide over and receive the rearward extending second section22of the first counterpart12. Through holes26for receiving fasteners154are provided through the base wall151that can align with the threaded holes24provided on the back surface of the rearward extending second section22. The base counterpart150also includes rearward protruding anchor interface164for securing to an anchoring structure.

A description of mounting the component securing unit100to a cooperating surface of the mobile component102will now be described with reference toFIGS.8to15.

FIG.8is a back perspective view of a first counterpart12andFIG.9is a front perspective view of the first counterpart12. In the case of a double-sided tape adhesive, the first adhesive material16can be applied to the first interface surface region52by removing a liner from the adhesive58located on one side of the carrier56and then pressing the exposed adhesive58against the first interface surface region52. A liner covering the forward facing adhesive58on the other side of the carrier56can then be removed and used to mount the first counterpart12to cooperating surface103of the mobile component102, as shown inFIG.10. Opposing pressures can be applied to the first counterpart12and the mobile component102to ensure the first adhesive material16securely bonds the first interface surface region52of the first counterpart12to the cooperating surface103of the mobile component102.

FIG.11is a front perspective view of a second counterpart14of the component securing unit ofFIG.6, andFIG.12is a sectional view of the second counterpart14, taken along the lines XII-XII ofFIG.11. In the case of a double-sided tape adhesive, the second adhesive material18can be applied to the second interface surface region54by removing a liner from the adhesive62located on one side of the carrier60and then pressing the exposed adhesive62against the second interface surface region54. A liner covering the forward facing adhesive61on the other side of the carrier60can then be removed and the forward facing adhesive61used to mount the second counterpart14to cooperating surface103of the mobile component102, as shown inFIG.13. In particular, the second counterpart14is placed on the mobile component102such that the rearwardy extending section22of the first counterpart12extends through the central opening30of the second the counterpart14. Opposing pressures can be applied to the second counterpart14and the mobile component102to ensure the second adhesive material18securely bonds the second interface surface region54of the second counterpart14to the cooperating surface103of the mobile component102.

As shown inFIG.14, base counterpart150can then be positioned behind the mounted first and second counterparts12,14, and moved towards the mobile component102until the forward opening region146slides over and receives the rearward extending second section22of the first counterpart12with the holes26in the base counterpart150in alignment with the threaded holes24of the first counterpart12. As illustrated inFIG.15, a tool144(which can be a specially keyed screw driver tool in some examples) can then be used to secure screw-type fasteners154through the holes26and into the threaded holes24, placing the component securing unit120in a locked state in which the first, second and base components12,14and150are interlocked together to prevent independent removal of any of the counterparts from the cooperating surface of the mobile component102.

FIG.16is a side view of the component securing unit100secured to the mobile component102.FIG.17is a sectional view taken along the lines XVII-XVII ofFIG.16, showing how the counterparts12,14and150co-operatively engage each other to lock the component securing unit100to the mobile component102.FIG.18is an enlarged section view of the portion XVIII ofFIG.17, shown the interaction of counterparts12,14and150in greater detail. As best seen inFIG.18, when the component securing unit120in its locked state while mounted to the mobile component102, rearward movement of first counterpart12is blocked by forward facing surface32of the second counterpart14, which is located rearward of the rearward facing surface28of the first counterpart12. Lateral movement of first counterpart12is blocked by the inner walls of opening30. Furthermore, rearward movement of second counterpart14is blocked by sidewalls152of the base counterpart150, which are positioned behind portions of the second counterpart14. Movement of the base counterpart150relative to the first counterpart12is prevented by the interaction of sidewalls152with the rearward extending second section22of the first counterpart12and the compressive force of fasteners154.

As noted above, in example implementations the base counterpart150includes an anchor interface164for securing the component securing unit100to an anchoring structure. By way of example, as shown inFIG.19, the component securing unit100can be one part of an anti-theft device that includes an anchor assembly104that is configured to cooperate with the anchor interface164to secure the component securing unit100to an anchoring structure. In this regard, anchor assembly104can be configured to be secured to a stationary support such as a display counter. In some embodiments, a tether108may be used to movably secure the component securing unit100to the anchor assembly104.

As best seen inFIG.19, in one example implementation, the anchor assembly104includes a cylindrical anchor member112that has a radial flange130at a forward end and from which a threaded tube132extends in a rearward direction. In use, the threaded tube132passes through a circular opening in a support member (such as a display counter), with the radial flange112resting on a surface of the support member. A threaded anchor plate or ring nut110can be screwed onto threaded tube132to engage the opposite surface of the support member to secure the cylindrical anchor member112in place. In at least one example embodiment, the anchor assembly104includes an anchor lock assembly118that releasably locks the mount assembly106to the anchor assembly104. The anchor lock assembly118includes a rigid lock housing119that houses a lock device120that is actuated by a key122in the illustrated example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor interface164of base counterpart150is cylindrical and includes internal threads at its rearwardly extending end190for receiving a threaded end172of the tether108. Anchor interface164is configured to be releasably received within a central, cylindrical opening192that is provided through the lock housing119of anchor lock assembly118. In this regard, the anchor interface164defines a radial channel194located forward of enlarged end190. When the anchor interface164is fully inserted into anchor lock assembly118, the radial channel194aligns with a radial opening196that extends from cylindrical opening192. Lock device120can include a retractable lock pin which extends into the radial channel194of anchor interface164when in an extended, locked position. Thus, when in the locked position, the extending end of lock pin198will engage the enlarged anchor interface end190to prevent the component securing unit100from being removed from the anchor lock assembly118. Key122can be used to retract lock pin198from the radial channel194of anchor interface164to release the component securing unit100so it can be removed from the anchor lock assembly118. In some embodiments, the lock pin198is chamfered and spring loaded into the extended position to allow the anchor interface164to be inserted and snapped into a locked position in the central opening192without requiring actuation of key122, while withdrawal of the anchor interface164is prevented until key122is actuated to retract the lock pin198.

In the illustrated embodiment the radial channel194allows the component securing unit100to rotate even when the lock pin198prevents its removal from the anchor lock assembly118. In some example embodiments, the anchor lock assembly118includes an indexing mechanism for controlling rotation of the component securing unit100. For example, anchor lock assembly118can include a pair of opposed spring loaded balls200that extend partially into central opening192to engage the enlarged end190of the anchor interface164. Radial index notches204are provided on the anchor interface164for receiving the spring loaded balls200, allowing the component securing unit100to snap into and out of biased positions as it rotates about the Z axis, with spring loaded balls200acting as cam followers and the notched radial outer surface of the enlarged end190acting as a cam. Such indexing may be used for example to facilitate rotation of component securing unit100ninety degrees between a “landscape” and “portrait” viewing positions for object102. In one example, the balls200are each biased partially into central opening192by a respective spring202that is held in place within the lock housing119by a respective spring retaining member124. In some example embodiments, one or more stop members195are located in radial channel194for cooperating with lock pin198on the anchor interface164in order to prevent the component securing unit100from being rotated beyond a threshold amount, thus protecting any power cord attachment to the mounted device. In one example embodiment, stop members195are positioned to prevent the mount assembly104from being rotated more than 180 degrees. In such an embodiment, the indexing could be used to allow the component securing unit100to “click” into a portrait position, be rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise to “click” into a first landscape position, then be rotated 180 degrees clockwise to “click” into a second landscape position, with the stop members195preventing counter-clockwise rotation beyond the first landscape position and clockwise rotation beyond the second landscape position.

In one example, the anchor assembly104includes a power/data line116that extends internally within the cylindrical anchor member112and which has a connector128at one end for connecting to a power and/or data source and a further connector126at the other end126for connecting to a line to mobile component102. In the illustrated embodiment, lock housing119defines an external opening206that houses connector126. Connectors126,128could for example be USB male or female plug style connectors. In at least one example, connector126is a female connector rigidly secured in place to the lock housing119such that a short power line can be connected from lock housing119to the mobile component102to periodically charge the mobile component102as required.

Tether108can optionally be used. In particular, the tether108can provide a degree of security when the component securing unit100is released from the lock assembly118. The tether108can be used by inserting its threaded end172through the central opening of anchor assembly104, and then screwing the threaded end172into the threaded opening that is provided at the back end of anchor interface164. Enlarged end208of the tether108then prevents removal of the tether108from the anchor assembly104.

In one example embodiment, a universal joint that allows multi-directional swiveling and pivoting of the component securing unit100relative to an anchoring device or structure (for example relative to tether108) can be provided as an integral part of, or as modular part for attachment to, the anchor interface164of the component securing unit100. In this regard,FIGS.20A,20B and20Cshow examples of a universal joint assembly400that can be secured to the back end of anchor interface164. In particular,FIG.20Ais an exploded perspective view showing a universal joint assembly400in combination with the component securing unit100,FIG.20Bis a side view, andFIG.20Cis a sectional view, taken along the line20C-20C ofFIG.20B. As shown in these Figures, the illustrated universal joint assembly400includes a ball component406that includes a protruding ball structure410at a back end and a threaded screw portion402at an opposite, forward end. Threaded screw portion402may for example be secured into the threaded opening at the back end of anchor interface164. The illustrated universal joint assembly400also includes a socket component408that includes a socket412at a forward end that receives the protruding ball structure410of the ball component406. The socket component408can, for example, include a threaded opening404at its back end for receiving the threaded end172of the tether108. The ball structure410and socket410are cooperatively configured to provide a universal joint that will allow multi-directional pivotal movement, and also rotational movement, of the ball component406relative to the socket component408while, at the same time, preventing physical separation of the ball component406from the socket component408.

An example of a procedure for removing the component securing unit100from mobile component102will now be described with reference toFIGS.21to28.

As indicated inFIGS.21and22, base counterpart150can be first be removed from first counterpart12by using tool155to release and remove fasteners154. With reference toFIG.23, a removal plate302is shown that can then be used for removing the second counterpart14of the component securing unit100from the mobile component102. In the illustrated example, planar removal plate302includes a first set of through holes304that are positioned at its four corners to align with respective threaded holes15that are located on second counterpart14(seeFIG.6), as well as a pair of further through holes304that are configured to align with the threaded holes24(seeFIG.6) that are located in the back surface of first counterpart12. As indicated inFIG.24, the removal plate302is secured to the first counterpart12by using fasteners154to secure removal plate302to first counterpart12via through holes306and threaded holes24. When the removal plate302is secured to first counterpart12, the first set of through holes304that are positioned at the four corners of the removal plate align with respective threaded holes15that are located on second counterpart14, and the removal plate302is supported by the first counterpart12spaced apart from the second counterpart14.

With reference toFIGS.24and25A,25B, a set of elongated screws308can then be extended through the through holes304and into the respective threaded holes15that are located on the corners of the second counterpart14. In at least some examples, elongated screws308and a cooperating tool310used to secure them use a keyed interface such that tool310requires a specialized, custom bit end to tighten elongated screws308. Successive tightening of each of the elongated screws308into respective threaded holes15provides a normal tension force onto the respective corners of the second counterpart14, causing the second counterpart14to move towards the removal plate302(which is supported by first counterpart12) and disengage from the cooperating surface of the mobile component102, as illustrated by the arrows inFIGS.25A and25B. Thus, the opposing forces provided by the cooperative interaction of removal plate302with the first counterpart12and the elongated screws308on the four corners of the second counterpart14is sufficient to overcome the normal adhesive force of the second adhesive18. The four elongated fasteners308allow a removal force applied to the removal plate302to be uniformly applied to and distributed across the four corner regions of the second counterpart14, mitigating against possible damage to either the mobile component102or the second counterpart14.

As indicated inFIG.26, the fasteners154can then be removed to release the removal plate302from first counterpart12. As indicated inFIG.27, the removal plate302can then be lifted to remove the second counterpart14from the mobile component102. With reference toFIG.28, a rotating shear force can then be applied to the first counterpart12to overcome the shear adhesive force of first adhesive material16, thereby enabling the first counterpart12to be removed, without damage to the mobile component102or first component12, from the mobile component.

As noted above, in example embodiments, the collective adhesive power and surface areas of adhesive materials16and18are configured such that an attempt to use brute force to remove the component securing unit100as an assembled unit from the mobile component102will require a degree of force that is likely to damage the mobile component102. However, the collective adhesive power and surface areas of adhesive materials16and18are also configured in at least some example embodiments such that in the multi-stage removal process described above, the normal force required to remove the second counterpart14on its own and the shear force required to remove the first counterpart12on its own from the mobile component102are low enough so as to not cause damage to the mobile component102.

In alternative examples features of removal plate302can be integrated into the structure of the first counterpart12such that use of a separate removal plate302is not required to remove the security mount100for mobile device102. However, use of a separate removal plate302can provide extra security in some applications.

As noted above, the component securing unit100can be used, without modification, for securing a variety of sizes and types of mobile components. However, the component securing unit100can take a number of physical configurations that apply the features described herein. By way of example,FIG.29is a perspective view of a further example configuration of a component securing unit100A, secured to a further mobile component102A. The component securing unit100A is the same as component securing unit100described above, with the exception that the first section20of the first counterpart12is circular, rather than rectangular, and as such defines a circular first interface surface region52that supports correspondingly shaped first adhesive material16. The second counterpart14defines an annular second interface surface region54that supports a correspondingly shaped second adhesive material18for surrounding the periphery of the first interface surface region52and first adhesive material16. The second counterpart14also defines forward facing surface32about the periphery of opening30for contacting backward facing surface28of first section20of the first counterpart12.

Although each of component securing unit100and100A as illustrated have first interface surface regions52and second interface surface regions54that are configured to interface with a planar surface of a mobile component102,102A. However, in some examples, the first interface surface region52and second interface surface region54can be contoured to interact with a corresponding shaped surface of the mobile component that is to be secured. In this regard,FIGS.30to32show a further example of component securing unit100B. The component securing unit100B is the same as component securing unit100A described above, with the exception that the first interface surface region52defined by first counterpart12and the second interface surface region54defined by second counterpart14each have curved surfaces (for example, saddle shaped concave surfaces) that are shaped to conform to a curved surface of a mobile component. As in the above described embodiments, the first interface surface region52supports a first adhesive material16, and the second interface surface region54supports a second adhesive material18that, when secured to a mobile component, is adjacent to and surrounds a periphery of the first adhesive material16.FIG.31is a side view of the component securing unit100B ofFIG.30, andFIG.32is a sectional view of the component securing unit100B ofFIG.30, taken along the line32-32ofFIG.31.

Accordingly, the features described above can be applied to different shapes and configurations of component security devices for use in various applications.

Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. In the present disclosure, use of the term “a,” “an”, or “the” is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the term “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “have,” or “having” when used in this disclosure specifies the presence of the stated elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other elements.

As used herein, unless stated otherwise, all measurements are intended to include the stated measurement value together with a surrounding range of values that are within acceptable manufacturing tolerances for the component for which the measurement applies. Similarly, physical property descriptive terms such as “planar” and “parallel” are intended to include variations that fall within acceptable manufacturing tolerances of the physical property for the context in which the term is used. By way of example, in some implementations, manufacturing tolerances may be within (+/−) 10% of a stated value or physical property.

While various example embodiments have been described, it will be understood that certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.