PDA LOCK

Abstract: A locking apparatus (20) and method for attaching to a portable electronic device (16) that has an outer shell (20) defining a cavity (18), such as a stylus cavity in a personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like. The apparatus (10) includes a cavity engagement mechanism (12) having an insert portion (22) for occupying the cavity (18), and a clamping mechanism (15) coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism (12). The clamping mechanism (15) includes a wedge (25) having a clamping surface (26) that compresses against the exterior wall (21) in a direction relative to the insert portion (22) when the insert portion (22) occupies the cavity (18), to maintain the insert portion (22) within the cavity (18) to secure the apparatus (10) to the portable electronic device (16). The locking apparatus (10) attaches to a cable (14) or other securing means to secure the electronic device (16) from theft.

Description: PDA LOCK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inhibiting the theft of small and portable electronic devices. Advancements in the state of the art of electronic devices have led to smaller yet more powerful devices. For example, computers have evolved from very large machines to relatively small, portable, or even hand-held machines. The use of many different types of so-called "lap-top" computers and the smaller hand-held "personal digital assistants" (PDAs) has proliferated within personal, educational and business environments. However, an undesirable side effect of ever-shrinking electronic devices is their easy access and asportation by others, especially thieves. One problem is that no viable physical security device exists for some modem portable electronic devices. Compounding the problem is that some portable electronic devices are neither designed for attaching an object to it such as a security device for locking to another article, nor provided with a dedicated security slot, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,381,685, assigned to Kensington Technology Group, a Division of ACCO Brands, and the assignee of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a locking method and apparatus for securing to an appropriate cavity defined in an outer shell of a portable electronic device. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity is a stylus-holding cavity provided in an outer shell of a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, and adjacent to an exterior wall of the PDA device. In alternative embodiments, the present invention may be used to attach to any portable device having an outer shell that defines a similar, generally elongated cavity proximate an exterior wall. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a locking apparatus comprises a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity, and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to thereby maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a locking apparatus further includes a locking member connected to the wedge. The locking member translates the wedge from an unlocked position to a locked position where the clamping surface applies the compressive force to the exterior wall. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the wedge includes a clamping surface that applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force on the cavity engagement mechanism in a direction that is generally away from the cavity. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a locking apparatus includes a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion adapted to occupy the cavity; and a cavity engagement member coupled to the insert portion. The cavity engagement member includes an engagement portion that translates from an unlocked position where the insert portion is removable from the cavity, to a locked position to interact with the interior of the cavity to secure insert portion within the cavity and the apparatus to the electronic device. In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a method for securing a locking apparatus to a portable electronic device comprises the steps of inserting, into the cavity, an insert portion of a cavity engagement mechanism, and compressing, to the exterior wall in a direction relative to the insert portion, a wedge coupled with the cavity engagement mechanism, to inhibit removal of the insert portion from the cavity. In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for securing a locking apparatus to a portable electronic device comprises the steps of inserting, into the cavity, an insert portion of a cavity engagement mechanism, and associating, with the interior of the cavity, an engagement portion of a cavity engagement member coupled to the insert portion to secure the apparatus to the electronic device. The method may further comprise the step of attaching a cable to the cavity engagement mechanism. The cable may be secured to an object other than the portable electronic device to thereby secure the portable electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred embodiments of this invention, illustrating all their features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and nonobvious locking apparatus of this invention shown in the accompanying drawings, which are included for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures, with like numerals indicating like parts: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in association with a portable electronic device; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the locking apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the locking apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the locking apparatus of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS A first preferred embodiment 10 of the locking apparatus of the present invention is illustrated generally by way of reference to Fig. 1. A portable electronic device 16, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, has an outer shell 20 which is equipped with a cavity 18 that, in some cases, holds a small pen-shaped writing stylus used with conventional PDA devices such as the Palm Pilot™ line of computers manufactured by 3COM Corporation. The cavity is located adjacent to an exterior wall 21 of the outer shell 20. Locking apparatus 10 includes a cavity engagement mechanism 12 that is designed to associate with the cavity 18 in the portable electronic device 16. The cavity engagement mechanism 12 is insertable into the cavity 18, and a clamping mechanism 15 applies a compressive force to the exterior wall 21, to secure the cavity engagement mechanism 12 within cavity 18, and the locking apparatus 10 to the portable electronic device 16. Referring now to Fig. 2, a locking apparatus 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in greater detail. The locking apparatus 10 includes a cavity engagement mechanism 12 with an insert portion 22 that is sized and shaped to occupy the cavity, and may correspond to the writing stylus that might normally occupy the cavity. Cavity engagement mechanism 12 may be a metal rod or a thick wire having an elongated shape. A cavity engagement member 23 of the cavity engagement mechanism 12 is configured to associate with the interior surface of the cavity when the insert portion 22 occupies the cavity. Cavity engagement mechanism 12 is shown in Fig. 2 as a U-shaped rod having the insert portion 22 as a first arm of the "U" and a second arm 39 angled toward the first arm. Preferably, the first arm and second arm are substantially straight and connected by a straight bridge. A clamping mechanism 15 is coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism 12 and includes a wedge 25 and a clamping member 24. The wedge 25 includes a clamping surface 26 that may be constructed of a high- friction material suitable for resilient application to a metal or plastic outer shell of a portable electronic device. When the insert portion 22 of the cavity engagement mechanism occupies the cavity, the wedge is compressible against the exterior wall. The clamping surface 26 applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force that is generally in a direction away from the cavity, such as when a person attempts to remove the cavity engagement mechanism from the cavity, for example. The embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2 further includes a lock 30 that may be key actuated, or other similar locking mechanism, that is coupled to a threaded rod 32. A threaded nut 34 is coupled with threaded rod 32 and associated with the clamping mechanism 15. A biasing mechanism 29, such as a spring, resides on the second arm 39 and is coupled to the clamping mechanism 15. A housing 36 includes a cable attachment mechanism 31 for attaching a cable 14, and a stylus storage hole 38 for storing a stylus that may be displaced by the locking apparatus in use. An inside edge 37 of the housing 36 is preferably sized to abut, or nearly abut, the exterior wall of the portable electronic device to inhibit lateral movement of the locking apparatus 10. In operation, the insert portion 22 of the cavity engagement mechanism 12 is inserted into a cavity, which is not shown in Fig. 2 for ease of illustration. The cavity engagement member 23 associates with the interior surface of the cavity. Operation of the lock 30 moves the threaded rod 32. The threaded nut 34 is moved by the threaded rod 32 to ultimately translate the wedge 25 of the clamping mechanism 15 from an unlocked position, where the clamping surface 26 is spaced apart from the exterior wall, to a locked position, where the clamping surface 26 is compressed against the exterior wall. In the unlocked position, the insert portion 22 of the cavity engagement mechanism 12 is easily insertable and removable from the cavity. In the locked position, the insert portion 22 is secured within the cavity via the cavity engagement member 23. An increased clamping force may be provided by the clamping surface 26. If the cavity engagement mechanism 12 is biased away from the cavity by either someone pulling the cavity engagement mechanism or the housing 36, the angle of the second arm 39 causes the wedge 25 to slide inwardly, increasing the compressive force against the exterior wall. When the lock is operated in reverse, the biasing mechanism 29 provides a pulling force allowing the clamping mechanism 15 to be easily moved back to the unlocked position. By attaching a cable to cable attachment mechanism 31, the locking apparatus may be locked to an object other than the portable electronic device, which also is not shown, but should be readily understood. With reference to Fig. 3, there is shown another embodiment 200 of the present invention having the cable attachment mechanism 12, insert portion 22, and cavity engagement mechanism 23, as described herein above. A lock 30 is coupled to a threaded rod 32, which is in turn operably coupled to a connector 41, such as a ball nut, or similar connecting mechanism. The clamping mechanism 15 is pivotally coupled onto the second arm 39. In the specific embodiment shown, the wedge is an eccentric cam 40 having the clamping surface 26 on its inside peripheral edge. Other features, such as the housing and the biasing mechanism described above, are not shown here for simplicity of description, but may readily be included with each embodiment of the present invention. The locking apparatus 200 in Fig. 3 operates as follows: upon insertion of the insert portion 22, the lock 30 translates the clamping mechanism from an unlocked position to a locked position by pivoting a major part of the eccentric cam 40 in a direction relative to the insert portion 22 where the clamping surface 26 compresses against the exterior wall. If the cavity engagement member 12 is biased away from the cavity by a pulling force, the second arm 39 forces the cam 40 to pivot further, the shape of which increases the compressive force by the clamping surface 26. To unlock the apparatus, the cam 40 must be pivoted back away from the insert portion 22. It should be understood that the lock 30 may translate the clamping mechanism to a locked position from any angle. It should be further understood that the cavity engagement mechanism need not be a pinched-"U" shape, but may be any shape generally conforming to the operation of the locking apparatus as herein described, such as will be demonstrated with reference to Fig. 4. Shown in Fig. 4 is a third embodiment 300 of the present invention, having the cable attachment mechanism 12, insert portion 22, and cavity engagement mechanism 23, as generally described herein above. In the embodiment 300 shown, the second arm 39 of the cavity engagement mechanism is substantially parallel with the insert portion 22. A screw drive 44 is coupled to a threaded rod 15 that is substantially perpendicular to the insert portion 22, to which is coupled a wedge 25. A lock 30 actuates a pin 42 that is adapted to engage a receptacle 43 in the threaded rod 15. In use, the threaded rod 15 translates the wedge 25 from an unlocked position to a locked position. In the locked position, the wedge 25 compresses against the exterior wall of the device in a direction relative to the insert portion 22, and the clamping surface 26 applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force on the cavity engagement mechanism away from the cavity. At a predetermined position of the threaded rod 15, the pin 42, either automatically or by operation of the lock 30, engages the receptacle 43 to secure it into place. To unlock the apparatus 300, the lock removes the pin 42 from the receptacle 43, allowing the wedge 25 to be withdrawn from the exterior wall. Figures 5 through 14 show various alternative embodiments of a locking apparatus having different types of a cavity engagement member 22 of an insert portion 12 according to the present invention. The cavity engagement member 22 includes a cavity engagement portion that translates from an unlocked position where the insert portion 12 is removable from the cavity, to a locked position to associate with the interior of the cavity to secure the apparatus to the electronic device. Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment 50 where the cavity engagement member 22 includes a compressible elastomer 51. In use, the elastomer 51 is elongated in the unlocked position. When the insert portion 12 occupies the cavity, elastomer 51 contracts to widen, and engages the interior surface of the cavity, thereby securing the apparatus to the portable electronic device. In the embodiment of a locking apparatus 60 shown in Fig. 6, the cavity engagement member 22 is shown including an expanding stylus 61 having first and second legs 62 and 63, respectively. In the unlocked position, legs 62 and 63 are in juxtaposition. In the locked position, the legs diverge to expand apart and engage the interior surface of the cavity. Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a locking apparatus 70 of the invention. The cavity engagement member 22 includes a hinged stylus 71 having a stationary leg 72 and a hinged leg 73. In the locked position, the hinged leg 73 diverges from an unlocked position where it is juxtaposed relative to the stationary leg 72 to engage the interior of the cavity. Fig. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a locking apparatus 80 according to the present invention. In the locking apparatus 80, the cavity engagement member 22 includes an offsetting cam stylus 81 that includes a stationary portion 82 and a cam portion 83. In the unlocked position, the cam portion 83 is aligned with the stationary portion 82. When translated to the locked position, the cam portion 83 is misaligned with the stationary portion 82, as shown in Fig. 8. By being misaligned, the cam portion 83 engages the interior of the cavity and secures the cavity engagement member 22 into place. Fig. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a locking apparatus 90, in which the cavity engagement member 22 includes a barbed stylus 91 having at least one 5 retractable barb 92 that is extendible outwards from, and retractable inwards to, the stylus 91. Extending the barb 92 outwards engages the interior of the cavity. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the cavity engagement member 22 includes a diagonally offsetting cam 101 that offsets from a stationary portion 102 at an angle in the locked position. 10 Fig. 11 shows a first leg 111 and a second leg 112 of a cavity engagement member 22 that are juxtaposed in an unlocked position, and thus being shaped generally as a stylus. In a locked position, the first and second legs are axially offset from each other to widen an aspect of their cross sectional dimension, thereby engaging the inner surface of the cavity. 15 Fig. 12 shows another embodiment of a locking apparatus 90. The cavity engagement member 22 coupled to the insert portion 12 includes a spring-loaded ball 122 that is held substantially inside a distal portion 121 of the cavity engagement member. A biasing spring 123 controls recession and extension of the ball 122 into and partially out of the distal portion 121. When the insert portion 12 is inserted into the cavity, the ball 20. recedes into the distal portion 121 of the cavity engagement member 22, allowing full insertion. Once inserted, the spring 123 forces the ball 122 to extend partially outside the distal end 121. The ball 122 engages the inner surface of the cavity, and may be sized and adapted to engage a groove or recess within the cavity. Figs. 13 and 14 show further embodiments of the cavity engagement 25 member 22. In Fig. 13, there is shown a cavity engagement member 22 that has a rod 132 within it. The rod 132 translates in a direction shown, and includes at a distal end an expansion wedge 131. When the rod 132 is translated toward the lower part of the insert portion 12, the wedge expands a first leg 133 and a second leg 134 apart, to engage the inner surface of the cavity. 30 In Fig. 14 a rotating portion 141 is coupled to a stationary portion 142 of the cavity engagement member 22. The rotating portion rotates about a plane of rotation 146. The rotation portion has a first attachment member 143, and the stationary portion has a second attachment member 144. An expanding helix member 145 is attached to both attachment members, and winds around the cavity engagement portion. In use, the rotating portion 141 is rotated in a direction to expand the expanding helix member 145, which thereby engages the inner surface of the cavity. The above-described arrangements of apparatus and methods are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims: ■ WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clamping member is configured to increase the clamping force to the wedge when the cavity engagement mechanism is biased away from the portable electronic device. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cavity engagement mechanism is a U-shaped member, the insert portion is a part of a first arm of the U- shaped member, and the clamping mechanism is coupled to a second arm of the U-shaped member. 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the second arm is angled toward the first arm. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cavity engagement mechanism further includes a locking member coupled to the clamping mechanism and configured to translate the wedge from an unlocked position to a locked position where the wedge compresses against the exterior wall. 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the wedge is an eccentric cam. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wedge includes a clamping surface that applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force applied on the cavity engagement mechanism in a general direction away from cavity when the insert portion occupies the cavity. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cable attachment mechanism coupled with the cavity engagement mechanism for attaching a cable to an object other than the portable electronic device. 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cable attachment mechanism includes a housing defining an aperture. 10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the locking member includes a key-actuated lock for rotating a threaded rod, the threaded rod being coupled to the wedge. 11. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, comprising: a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity; a cavity engagement member, coupled to the insert portion and having a engagement portion that moves from an unlocked position where the insert portion is removable from the cavity, to a locked position where the insert portion is secured within the interior of the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device; and a cable attachment mechanism, coupled with the cavity engagement mechanism, for attaching to a cable that secures to an object other than the portable electronic device. 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion is a compressible elastomer that is elongated in the unlocked position, and contracted in the locked position. 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion further includes an expanding stylus having first and second legs that are juxtaposed in the unlocked position, and diverged in the locked position! 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cavity engagement member is a hinged stylus having a stationary leg, and the engagement portion is a hinged leg that is in juxtaposition with the stationary leg in the unlocked position, and diverged from the , stationary leg in the locked position. 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cavity engagement member further includes an offsetting cam stylus having a stationary portion, and the engagement portion is a cam portion that is aligned with the stationary portion in the unlocked position, and misaligned with the stationary portion in the locked position. 16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cavity engagement member further includes a barbed stylus, and the engagement portion includes at least one retractable barb that is retracted into the stylus in the unlocked position, and extended outward from the stylus in the locked position. 17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the cam portion is misaligned diagonally with the stationary portion in the locked position. 18. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion is a first and second leg that are juxtaposed in the unlocked position, and are axially offset in the locked position. 19. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion is a spring-loaded ball adapted to recede into the cavity engagement member in the unlocked position and partially extend outside the cavity engagement member in the locked position. 20. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cavity engagement member further includes an rod coupled therethrough, the rod having an expansion wedge at a distal end that expands a first leg and a second leg apart in a retracted, locked position, the first and second leg adapted to return to a juxtaposed position in the unlocked position. 21. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion is an expanding helix member coupled between a rotating portion and a stationary portion of the cavity engagement member, wherein rotation of the rotating member in a locked position expands the expanding helix member to engage the inner surface of the cavity. 22. A method for securing a locking apparatus to a portable electronic device equipped with an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising the steps of: inserting, into the cavity, an insert portion of a cavity engagement mechanism; and compressing, to the exterior wall in a direction relative to the insert portion, a wedge coupled with the cavity engagement mechanism, to inhibit removal of the insert portion from the cavity. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of further compressing the wedge to the exterior wall with a clamping member if the insert portion is pulled away from the cavity. 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of attaching a cable to the cavity engagement mechanism, the cable being adapted to secure to an object other than the portable electronic device. 25. A method for securing a locking apparatus to a portable electronic device equipped with an outer shell defining a cavity, comprising the steps of: inserting, into the cavity, an insert portion of a cavity engagement mechanism; and associating, with the interior of the cavity, a cavity engagement member coupled to the insert portion to secure the apparatus to the electronic device. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the engaging step further comprises translating the cavity engagement member from a unlocked position, wherein the insert portion is removable from the cavity, to a locked position, wherein the insert portion is secured within the cavity. 27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of attaching a cable to the cavity engagement mechanism, the cable being adapted to secure to an object other than the portable electronic device. 28. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an exterior wall of an outer shell that defines a cavity, the apparatus comprising: a U-shaped cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion coupled to a first arm, the insert portion being insertable into and removable from the cavity; a clamping mechanism coupled to a second arm of the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge having a clamping surface that applies a compressive force to the exterior wall in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion is inserted into the cavity, to inhibit removal of the first arm from the cavity; the second arm being angled toward the first arm so that if the cavity engagement mechanism is biased away from the cavity the clamping surface increases the compressive force to the exterior wall to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device. 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the clamping mechanism further comprises a locking member coupled to the clamping mechanism, the locking member translating the wedge from an unlocked position to a locked position where the clamping surface applies the compressive force to the exterior wall. 30. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including: a wedge that compress against the exterior wall, the wedge having a clamping surface that applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force applied on the cavity engagement mechanism in a general direction away from cavity when the insert portion occupies the cavity; and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge to generate increased frictional resistance against an increase in the pulling force. 31. The locking apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a cable attachment mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism for attaching a cable to an object other than the portable electronic device. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 18 January 2000 (18.01.00); new claims 32-39 added; remaining claims unchanged (9 pages)] WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: L A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clamping member is configured to increase the clamping force to the wedge when the cavity engagement mechanism is biased away from the portable electronic device. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cavity engagement mechanism is a U-shaped member, the insert portion is a part of a first arm of the U- shaped member, and the clamping mechanism is coupled to a second arm of the U-shaped member. 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the second arm is angled toward the first arm. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cavity engagement mechanism further includes a locking member coupled to the clamping mechanism and configured to translate the wedge from an unlocked position to a locked position where the wedge compresses against the exterior wall. 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the wedge is an eccentric cam. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wedge includes a clamping surface that applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force applied on the cavity engagement mechanism in a general direction away from cavity when the insert portion occupies the cavity. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cable attachment mechanism coupled with the cavity engagement mechanism for attaching a cable to an object other than the portable electronic device. 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the cable attachment mechanism includes a housing defining an aperture. 10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the locking member includes a key-actuated lock for rotating a threaded rod, the threaded rod being coupled to the wedge. 11. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, comprising: a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity; a cavity engagement member, coupled to the insert portion and having a engagement portion that moves from an unlocked position where the insert portion is removable from the cavity, to a locked position where the insert portion is secured within the interior of the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device; and a cable attachment mechanism, coupled with the cavity engagement mechanism, for attaching to a cable that secures to an object other than the portable electronic device. 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion is a compressible elastomer that is elongated in the unlocked position, and contracted in the locked position. 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion further includes an expanding stylus having first and second legs that are juxtaposed in the unlocked position, and diverged in the locked position. 14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cavity engagement member is a hinged stylus having a stationary leg, and the engagement portion is a hinged leg that is in juxtaposition with the stationary leg in the unlocked position, and diverged from the stationary leg in the locked position. 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cavity engagement member further includes an offsetting cam stylus having a stationary portion, and the engagement portion is a cam portion that is aligned with the stationary portion in the unlocked position, and misaligned with the stationary portion in the locked position. 16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cavity engagement member further includes a barbed stylus, and the engagement portion includes at least one retractable barb that is retracted into the stylus in the unlocked position, and extended outward from the stylus in the locked position. 17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the cam portion is misaligned diagonally with the stationary portion in the locked position. 18. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion is a first and second leg that are juxtaposed in the unlocked position, and are axially offset in the locked position. 19. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion is a spring-loaded ball adapted to recede into the cavity engagement member in the unlocked position and partially extend outside the cavity engagement member in the locked position. 20. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cavity engagement member further includes an rod coupled therethrough, the rod having an expansion wedge at a distal end that expands a first leg and a second leg apart in a retracted, locked position, the first and second leg adapted to return to a juxtaposed position in the unlocked position. 21. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the engagement portion is an expanding helix member coupled between a rotating portion and a stationary portion of the cavity engagement member, wherein rotation of the rotating member in a locked position expands the expanding helix member to engage the inner surface of the cavity. 22. A method for securing a locking apparatus to a portable electronic device equipped with an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising the steps of: inserting, into the cavity, an insert portion of a cavity engagement mechanism; and compressing, to the exterior wall in a direction relative to the insert portion, a wedge coupled with the cavity engagement mechanism, to inhibit removal of the insert portion from the cavity. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of further compressing the wedge to the exterior wall with a clamping member if the insert portion is pulled away from the cavity. 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of attaching a cable to the cavity engagement mechanism, the cable being adapted to secure to an object other than the portable electronic device. 25. A method for securing a locking apparatus to a portable electronic device equipped with an outer shell defining a cavity, comprising the steps of: inserting, into the cavity, an insert portion of a cavity engagement mechanism; and associating, with the interior of the cavity, a cavity engagement member coupled to the insert portion to secure the apparatus to the electronic device. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the engaging step further comprises translating the cavity engagement member from a unlocked position, wherein the insert portion is removable from the cavity, to a locked position, wherein the insert portion is secured within the cavity. 27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of attaching a cable to the cavity engagement mechanism, the cable being adapted to secure to an object other than the portable electronic device. 28. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an exterior wall of an outer shell that defines a cavity, the apparatus comprising: a U-shaped cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion coupled to a first arm, the insert portion being insertable into and removable from the cavity; a clamping mechanism coupled to a second arm of the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge having a clamping surface that applies a compressive force to the exterior wall in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion is inserted into the cavity, to inhibit removal of the first arm from the cavity; the second arm being angled toward the first arm so that if the cavity engagement mechanism is biased away from the cavity the clamping surface increases the compressive force to the exterior wall to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device. 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the clamping mechanism further comprises a locking member coupled to the clamping mechanism, the locking member translating the wedge from an unlocked position to a locked position where the clamping surface applies the compressive force to the exterior wall. 30. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including: a wedge that compress against the exterior wall, the wedge having a clamping surface that applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force applied on the cavity engagement mechanism in a general direction away from cavity when the insert portion occupies the cavity; and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge to generate increased frictional resistance against an increase in the pulling force. 31. The locking apparatus of claim 30, further comprising a cable attachment mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism for attaching a cable to an object other than the portable electronic device. 32. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for engaging the cavity and having a peripheral profile that substantially conforms to a peripheral profile of the cavity; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device. 33. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a stylus-sized cavity having a aperture size, the cavity for receiving a stylus for interaction with the portable electronic device, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: a cavity engagement mechanism sized complementary to the aperture size and having an insert portion for engaging the cavity; and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device. 34. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: a housing; a cavity engagement mechanism extending from the housing and having an insert portion for engaging the cavity; a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device; and a tether, coupled to the housing, for securing the housing to an object other than to the portable electronic device. 35. A locking system, comprising: a portable electronic device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell; and a portable apparatus locking attachment for securing the portable electronic device to an object other than the portable electronic device, the locking attachment further comprising: a housing; a cavity engagement mechanism extending from the housing and having an insert portion for engaging the cavity; a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device; and a tether, coupled to the housing, for securing the housing to an object other than to the portable electronic device. 36. A locking system, comprising: a portable electronic device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell; and a portable apparatus locking attachment for securing the portable electronic device to an object other than the portable electronic device, the locking attachment further comprising: a housing; a cavity engagement mechanism extending from the housing and having an insert portion for engaging the cavity; a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity to exert forces orthogonal and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device; and a tether, coupled to the housing, for securing the housing to an object other than to the portable electronic device. 37. A method for locking a portable electronic device having a portion of a wall defining a stylus-receiving cavity, the method comprising the steps of: engaging the cavity with a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion complementary to the cavity opening; clamping a wedge against an outside of the exterior wall proximate the cavity engagement mechanism to apply a clamping force to the exterior wall between the wedge and the cavity engagement mechanism to effectuate retention of the cavity engagement mechanism within said cavity; and tethering said cavity engagement mechanism to an object other than the portable electronic device to inhibit asportation of the portable electronic device. 38. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: means for engaging the cavity with a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion complementary to the cavity opening; means for clamping a wedge against an outside of the exterior wall proximate the cavity engagement mechanism to apply a clamping force to the exterior wall between the wedge and the cavity engagement mechanism to effectuate retention of the cavity engagement mechanism within said cavity; and means for tethering said cavity engagement mechanism to an object other than the portable electronic device to inhibit asportation of the portable electronic device. 39. A locking apparatus for attaching to a portable electronic device, the device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell, comprising: A locking system, comprising: a portable electronic device having an outer shell defining a cavity, and the cavity being adjacent to an exterior wall of the outer shell; and a portable apparatus locking attachment for securing the portable electronic device to an object other than the portable electronic device, the locking attachment further comprising: a housing; a cavity engagement mechanism extending from the housing and having an insert portion for engaging the cavity; a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a cam that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that achieves a clamping force between the cavity engagement mechanism and the cam in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity to exert forces orthogonal and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device; and a tether, coupled to the housing, for securing the housing to an object other than to the portable electronic device.

Inventors: MYERS GARY, ZEREN GREGORY, MYERS, GARY, ZEREN, GREGORY
Applicants: ACCO BRANDS INC, ACCO BRANDS, INC.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: E05B73
IPC codes: E05B73, G06F1