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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to locks. More particularly, the present invention relates to locks suitable for securing small, portable components, such as desktop or laptop computers or related components.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0004]    Due to the small size of many modern electrical components, such as computers and other electronic devices, a great concern exists for the physical security of such components. For example, in the office or commercial environment, the threat of theft of such electronic devices is high, due to both the relatively high cost of the components, and the ease with which they can be concealed. A need has therefore been present in the art for means to secure the electronic or other components, to prevent theft and/or loss of the components.  
           [0005]    A problem with securing such items, however, is the general lack of a conventional means to secure the components. For example, one approach in the past has been to use a bicycle-type locking device, where a locking cable is passed through a suitable holding means on the electronic component as well as to a suitable solid support, such as a desk. This has the result of effectively “tying down” the device to the solid support. However, this approach has become less suitable, as the size of the electronic components continue to decrease and the demand for more convenient locking systems has increased.  
           [0006]    Many models of portable computers today are equipped with safety means. The safety means usually includes a standardized slot on an outer wall or housing of the computer. A variety of locking devices, generally with steel cables attached to the locking devices, have been developed for the attachment and disengagement thereof to such slots.  
           [0007]    Conventional locking devices use a T-shaped spindle and tumble design. The T-shaped spindle is inserted into a releasable locking element. However, the T-shaped spindle is separately detachable from the locking element, thus increasing the possibility of losing the T-shaped spindle. Furthermore, the attachment of the T-shaped spindle to the locking element can be complicated as two isolated structures must be precisely combined.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention provides a locking arrangement for securing portable computers and the like against theft.  
           [0009]    The invention separately provides a unified and compact locking arrangement equally applicable to both slotted and non-slotted structures.  
           [0010]    In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a laptop lock for securing portable computers and the like against theft with an entrapment for securing one or more cables, wires or the like, which is adaptable to a lock for locking the cable, wire or the like located within the entrapment to a base.  
           [0011]    These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    Various exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable apparatus;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cable plug of FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a plane view of a lock body with cable plug while in the locked state;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a plane view of a lock body and cable plug while in the unlocked state;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cable apparatus;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a side view of a clamp;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a front view of the clamp of FIG. 6;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is a top view of the clamp of FIG. 6;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is a side view of the cable apparatus and clamp;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a front view of the lock body;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a back view of the lock body of FIG. 10;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a plane view of the lock body, clamp and cable apparatus in the locked state;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cable apparatus;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 is a plane view of a lock body with cable plug;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 15 is a plane view of a lock body with cable plug while in the locked state; and  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 16 is a plane view of a lock body with cable plug while in the unlocked state. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]    In general terms, the present invention relates to a lock, or a locking system or locking method, which helps to prevent theft or small components, such as portable or even desktop computers, peripherals, or the like. The lock in embodiments preferably includes a lock, which is adapted to include an entrapment mechanism or entrapment means.  
         [0030]    Any suitable lock can be used in the lock of the present invention. Thus, for example, the lock can be any of the locks separately described herein. Alternatively, particularly when used in conjunction with the entrapment means, the lock can be any of the various known or after-developed locks, suitable for securing portable computers and the like.  
         [0031]    The entrapment mechanism or entrapment means generally provides an adjustable housing or space that can entrap various objects. Thus, for example, the entrapment mechanism or entrapment means provides a housing or void that can be adjusted from a closed position, which provides a restricted space to thereby secure the object, to an open position, which is either completely open (i.e., is unrestricted), or is open to an extent to permit the object to be inserted into the defined housing.  
         [0032]    The entrapment mechanism or entrapment means can, for example, be used to entrap one or more cords, wires and/or cables associated with the equipment to be secured by the lock in general, to thereby provide an added measure of security. Such cords, wires and/or cables can include, for example, but are not limited to, power cords, peripheral connection cords, cables, and/or wires, such as printer cables, speaker wires, mouse cords, joystick cords, lightpen cords, video feed cords, telephone cord, and the like. For ease of reference, these cords, cables, wires and the like are referred to herein generically as “cords” unless otherwise stated. The entrapment mechanism or entrapment means thereby provides increased security by preventing, or at least deterring, theft of the associated components because the respective cord, cable or wire would otherwise have to be cut to remove the component.  
         [0033]    Thus, while the present invention is illustrated with respect to the following specifically described locks and locking mechanisms, the present invention is in no way limited to the structures described below.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the cable apparatus  100  according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable apparatus  100  includes a cable  102 . The cable apparatus  100  also includes a cable box  104 . The cable box  104  is designed such that one end of the cable  102  is attached to the cable box  104  with the cable  102  extended so as to form a loop at one end of the cable box  104 . The cable  102  thereafter extends through the cable box  104  to another side of the cable box  104 .  
         [0035]    Although depicted and referred to as a cable box, the cable box  104  need not be a solid box. Rather, in embodiments of the present invention, the cable box  104  can be any suitable means for securing one end of the cable  102  to another portion of the cable  102  so as to form a loop in the cable  102 . Thus, for example, the cable box  104  can include any suitable means for connecting the cable portions, including a welded joint, a rivet, a taped or adhesively joined connection, or the like. The cable box  104  should, however, be a joining or connection mechanism that cannot be readily disengaged, as this would compromise the safety features of the lock in general.  
         [0036]    The cable wire apparatus  100  further includes a cable plug  110  attached to the other end of the cable  102 . The cable  102  can be attached to the cable plug  110  by any conventional means currently available or later developed.  
         [0037]    As shown in FIG. 2, the cable  102  is attached to a head  120  of the cable plug  110 . The head  120  further comprises a surface  122 . Attached to or integral with the surface  122  is a collar  130 . The collar  130  has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the head  120 . The collar  130  further comprises a surface  132 . Attached to or integral with the surface  132  is a stem  150 . The stem  150  has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the collar  130 . Attached to or integral with the stem  150  is a collar  160 . The collar  160  has a surface  162  attached to the stem  150  and a surface  164 . The collar  160  has an outside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the stem  150 . Included between the surface  122  of the head  120  and the surface  162  of the collar  160  is a spring  140 . The spring  140  has an inside diameter larger than both the outside diameter of the collar  130  and stem  150 , but smaller than the outside diameter of the head  120  and collar  160 . Further attached to or integral with the surface  164  of the collar  160  is a stem  170 . The stem  170  has an outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the collar  160 .  
         [0038]    While the cable plug  110  has been described as having a circular shape, it should be appreciated that the cable plug  110  can be of any desired shape with the proportional dimensioning as described above.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIGS. 3 and 4 show a laptop lock  100  with the cable plug  110  inserted into the lock body  200 . FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the cable plug  110  and lock body  200  in a locked position with lock  300 . FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the cable plug  110  and lock body  200  in an unlocked position with lock  300 .  
         [0040]    The lock body  200  includes a first body  210 , a second body  220  and a third body  230 . The first body  210  and second body  220  surrounding the cable plug  110  with the third body surrounding the lock  300 .  
         [0041]    The first body  210  has an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the head  120 . In various exemplary embodiments, a head  204  is attached to or integral with a surface  124  of the head  120  so as to prevent the first body  210  from extending beyond the cable plug  110 . Head  204  has an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the first body  210 . The first body  210  further comprises a first arm  212 . The first arm  212  extending away from the inside diameter of the first body  210 . The first body  210  further comprises a second arm  214  attached to the outside diameter of the first arm  212 . The second arm  214  extending toward the second body  220 .  
         [0042]    The second body  220  of the lock body  200  has a first inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the head  120 . The second body  220  also has an arm  222 . The arm  222  extending away from the first inside diameter of the second body  220 . The second body  220  also has a second inside diameter larger than the collar  130  and collar  160 , but smaller than the first diameter. The diameter difference between the first diameter and second diameter forming a lip  224 . The second body  220  also has a third diameter larger than the outside diameter of stem  170  and smaller than the second diameter. The diameter difference between the second diameter and third diameter forming a surface  226 . The second body  220  further comprises an arm  228 . The arm  228  extending away from the interior of the second body  220 . The arm  228  capable of being inserted into a standard slot in the outer wall of a computer (not shown).  
         [0043]    The third body  230  of the lock body  200  is attached to the second body  220 . The third body  230  having a first inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the lock  300 .  
         [0044]    The lock  300  includes a body  304  with a push button  302  located at one end of the body  304  and a detent  306  located at another side of the body  304 . The lock  300  is located such that the push button  302  appears from the outside of the third body  230  and the body  304  and detent  306  extend into the second diameter of the second body  220 . The lock  300  is a standard locking device with a push button  302  capable of moving the detent  306  along the B axis. In various exemplary embodiments, the third body  230  has a second inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the body  304  and greater than the outside diameter of the detent  306 . The difference between the first diameter and the second diameter of the third body  230  thus forming a lip  232  in which the body  304  of the lock  300  rests.  
         [0045]    As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cable plug  110  is inserted into the lock body  200 . The cable plug  100  is restricted in its movement along the A axis by the surface  164  of the collar  160  coming into contact with the surface  226  of the second body  220 . The cable plug  110  is also restricted along the A axis by the surface  162  of the collar  160  coming into contact with the body  304  extending into the second diameter of the second body  220 .  
         [0046]    As shown in FIG. 4, the laptop lock  100  is in an unlocked state. The body  304  is in contact with the surface  162  of the collar  160  and the detent  306  is in contact with the surface  164  of the collar  160  so as to restrict axial movement of the cable plug  110  along the A axis. Also, the first body  210  is off-set from the second body  220 .  
         [0047]    When moving into a locked state as shown in FIG. 3, the lock  300  is unlocked such that the push button  302  is moved away from the cable plug  110 . Consequently, the detent  306  also moves away from the cable plug  110  so that the collar  160  can move within the second diameter of the second body  220 . The first body  210  is then moved toward the second body  220  along the A axis until the surface  164  of the collar  160  comes into contact with the surface  226  of the second body  220 . As should be appreciated, the arm  214  of the first body  210  comes into close proximity with the arm  222  of the second body so as to create an area  202 . The area  202  thus created is such that objects placed within the area  202  when in the unlocked state are prevented from escaping while the laptop lock  10  is in the locked state. It should also be appreciated that as the first body  210  moves toward the second body  220 , the spring  140  contracts as the movement of the spring  140  is limited by the lip  224  and the surface  122  of the head  120  so as to create potential energy within the spring  140 .  
         [0048]    By forming the area  202 , the laptop lock of the present invention can be used not only to secure the cable to the laptop housing, but it can also be used to entrap cables, wires, or the like, as discussed above. Thus, for example, the laptop lock can be used to further secure computer equipment by entrapping a power cord or peripheral cable, such as a monitor cable, mouse cable, printer cable, telephone cord or the like, within the space  202 . Preferably, the area  202  should be sized so that it is big enough to permit entrapment of the cable or wire therein, while still permitting proper locking of the lock. At the same time, the area  202  should also be sized so that it is small enough to prevent an end of the entrapped cable or wire from being pulled through the area  202 . Thus, for example, the area  202  should be big enough to allow free entrapment of a power cord, but should be small enough that the plug cannot be pulled through the area when the lock is in the locked state.  
         [0049]    Once the surface  164  of the collar  160  comes in contact with the surface  226  of the second body  220 , the push button  302  is moved along the B axis such that the detent  306  comes into contact with the surface  162  of the collar  160 . Once the detent  306  comes into contact with the surface  162  of the collar  160 , the lock  300  locks the detent  306  in position such that the detent  306  prevents the cable plug  110  from moving along the A axis.  
         [0050]    When moving back to the unlocked state as shown in FIG. 3, an unlocking mechanism is applied to the lock  300  such that the push button  302  moves along the B axis. As the push button  302  moves along the B axis, the detent  306  moves away from the surface  162  of the collar  160 . Once the detent  306  moves away from the surface  162  of the collar  160 , the potential energy stored in the spring  140  forces the cable plug  110  along the A axis. As the cable plug  110  moves along the A axis, the arms  212  and  214  of the first body  210  move away from the arm  222  of the second body  220 . As such, an open area  202  is created such that objects can be removed from the area  202 . The cable plug  110  moves along the A axis until the surface  162  of the collar  160  comes into contact with the body  304  that extend into the second diameter of the second body  220 . Thereafter, the push button  302  can be moved along the B axis such that the detent  306  comes into contact with the surface  164  of the collar  160  so as to restrict axial movement of the cable plug  110  along the A axis.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 5 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the cable apparatus  500  according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the cable apparatus  500  includes a cable  502 . The cable apparatus  500  also includes a cable box  504 . The cable box  504  is designed such that one end of the cable  502  is attached to the cable box  504  with a cable  502  extended so as to form a loop at one end of the cable box  504 . The cable  502  thereafter extends through the cable box  504  to another side of the cable box  504 .  
         [0052]    Although depicted and referred to as a cable box, the cable box  504  need not be a solid box. Rather, in the embodiments of the present invention, the cable box  504  can be any suitable means for securing one end of the cable  502  to another portion of the cable  502  so as to form a loop in the cable  502 . Thus, for example, the cable box  504  can include any suitable means for connecting the cable portions, including a welded joint, a rivet, a taped or adhesively joined connection, or the like. The cable box  504  should, however, be a joining or connection mechanism that cannot be readily disengaged, as this would compromise the safety features of the lock in general.  
         [0053]    The cable wire apparatus  500  further includes a cable plug  510  attached to the other end of the cable  502 . The cable  502  can be attached to the plug  510  by any conventional means currently available or later developed.  
         [0054]    As shown in FIG. 5, the cable  502  is attached to a head  520  of the cable plug  510 . The head  520  further comprises a first surface  522  and a second surface  524 . Attached to or integral with the second surface  524  is a collar  530 . The collar  530  has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the head  520 . Attached to or integral with the collar  530  is a stem  540 . The stem  540  has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the collar  530 . Attached to or integral with the stem  540  is a collar  550 . The collar  550  has an outside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the stem  540 . Attached to or integral with the collar  550  is a stem  560 . The stem  560  has an outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the collar  550 .  
         [0055]    While the cable plug  510  has been described as having a circular shape, it should be appreciated that the cable plug  510  can be of any desired shape with the proportional dimensioning as described above.  
         [0056]    FIGS.  6 - 8  illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a clamp  600  according to this invention and FIG. 9 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the cable apparatus  500  and clamp  600 . As shown in FIGS.  6 - 8 , the clamp  600  includes a body  610 . Attached to the body  610  is a left ridge  620  and a right ridge  630 . Each of the left ridge  620  and right ridge  630  having a first arm extending away from the interior of the body and a second arm extending from the first arm and away from the outside surface of the body  610 .  
         [0057]    The clamp  600  also includes an opening  640 . The opening  640  having a cylindrical shape through the body  610 . The opening  640  also has a first diameter  644  extending through the entire body  610  with a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the collar  530  but smaller than the head  520  so as to insert the collars  530  and  550  and stems  540  and  560  through the body  610  and to restrict axial movement of the head  520 . The opening  640  further includes a second diameter  646  extending a substantial distance but not entirely through the body  610 . The second diameter  646  having a diameter larger than the first diameter  644  and the outside diameter of the head  520 . The second diameter  644  having a diameter larger than the head  520  so as to insert the head  520  through the opening  640  but unable to pass through the entire body  616 . The diameter difference between the first diameter  644  and second diameter  646  thus creating a ledge  642  so as to rest the second surface  524  of the head  520  against the ledge  642 .  
         [0058]    The clamp  600  further comprises an opening  660 . The opening  660  is provided so as to insert an object through the body  610 .  
         [0059]    The clamp  600  further includes an opening  650 . The opening  650  extending through the body  610  at the opposite end of opening  640 .  
         [0060]    As should be appreciated in FIG. 9, the cable apparatus  500  is inserted into the clamp  600 . An object is then inserted into the opening  660  so as to extend within the outside diameter of the head  520  along the first surface  522 . The axial movement of the cable apparatus  500  is thus limited by the object inserted through the opening  660  coming into contact with the first surface  522  of the head  520  and the ledge  642  coming into contact with the second surface  524  of the head  520 .  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a lock body  700  according to this invention. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the lock body  700  includes a body  710 . At one surface of the body  710  is a first opening  720  with a cylindrical body  722  extending through the body  710 . The opening  720  and cylindrical body  722  having a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the collar  530 . Thus, it should be appreciated that the collar  530  and  550  and stem  540  and  560  can be inserted through the opening  720  and cylindrical body  722  of the body  710 . At the other surface of the body  710  is a second opening  730 . The second opening  730  having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the stem  560  so as to allow the stem  560  to pass through the second opening  730  but smaller than the outside diameter of the collar  550 . Thus, it should be appreciated that axial movement of the cable apparatus  500  is restricted as the collar  550  comes into contact with the body  710 .  
         [0062]    The lock body  710  further comprises an arm  740 . The arm  740  extending away from the lock body  710  so as to be inserted into a center slot in the outer wall of a computer (not shown).  
         [0063]    The lock body  710  further comprises a lock  750 . The lock  750  includes a push button  752  located at one end of the lock  750  and a detent  754  located at the other end of the lock  750 . The lock  750  is located such that the push button  752  appears from the outside of the lock body  700  and the detent  754  extends into the cylindrical body  722 . The lock  700  is a standard locking device with a push button  752  capable of moving the detent  754 .  
         [0064]    When moving into a locked state as shown in FIG. 12, the lock  700  is unlocked such that the pushbutton  702  is moved away from the lock body  700 . Consequently, the detent  706  moves outside of the cylindrical body  722  so that the collar  530  and  540  and stem  540  and  560  can move throughout the cylindrical body  722 . The cable apparatus is then moved through the cylindrical body  710  until the collar  550  comes into contact with the second opening  730  of the body  710 . As the cable apparatus  500  moves through the cylindrical body  722 , the left ridge  620  and the right ridge  630  of the clamp  600  surrounds the lock body  700  as the body  610  of the clamp  600  comes into contact with the body  710  of the lock body  700 . As should be appreciated, the body  710  closes the opening  650  such that objects placed within the opening  650  are prevented from escaping.  
         [0065]    By closing the opening  650 , the laptop lock of the present invention can be used not only to secure the cable to the laptop housing, but also can be used to trap cables, wires, or the like. Thus, for example, the laptop lock can be used to further secure computer equipment by entrapping a power cord a peripheral cable, such as a monitor cable, mouse cable, printer cable, telephone cord or the like, within the opening  650 .  
         [0066]    Once the collar  550  comes into contact with the second diameter  730 , the push button  702  extends into the cylindrical body  722  such that the detent  704  is between the collar  530  and collar  550 . Once the detent  704  extends between the collar  530  and the collar  550 , the lock  700  locks the detent  704  in position such that the detent  704  prevents the cable plug  510  from moving as it comes into contact with collar  530  and collar  550 .  
         [0067]    When moving back to the unlocked state, a locking mechanism is applied to the lock  700  such that the push button  702  is then moved away from the lock body  700 . As the push button  702  moves, the detent  704  moves away from the cylindrical body  722 . Once the detent  704  moves away from the cylindrical body  722  the cable apparatus  500  is thereafter able to move through the opening  720 . As such, the opening  650  is opened as the clamp  600  moves away from the lock.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 13 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a cable apparatus  800  according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the cable apparatus  800  includes a cable  802 . The cable apparatus  800  also includes a cable box  804 . The cable box  804  is designed such that one end of the cable  802  is attached to the cable box  804  with the cable  802  extended so as to form a loop at one end of the cable box  804 . The cable  802  thereafter extends through the cable box  804  to another side of the cable box  804 .  
         [0069]    Although depicted and referred to as a cable box, the cable box  804  need not be a solid box. Rather, in embodiments of the present invention, the cable box  804  can be any simple means for securing one end of the cable  802  to another portion of the cable  802  so as to form a loop in the cable  802 . Thus, for example, the cable box  804  can include any suitable means for connecting the cable portions, including a welded joint, a rivet, a taped or adhesively joined connection, or the like. The cable box  804  should, however, be a joining or connection mechanism that cannot be readily disengaged, as this would compromise the safety features of the lock in general.  
         [0070]    The cable apparatus  800  further includes a cable plug  810  attached to the other end of the cable  802 . The cable  802  can be attached to the plug  810  by any conventional means currently available or later developed.  
         [0071]    As shown in FIG. 13, the cable  802  is attached to a head  820  of the cable plug  810 . The head  820  further comprises a surface  822 . Attached to or integral with the surface  822  is a stem  830 . The stem  830  having an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the head  820 . Attached to or integral with the stem  830  is a collar  840 . The collar  840  having an outside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the stem  830 . The collar  840  further comprises a first surface  842  and a second surface  844 . Attached to or integral with the second surface  844  of the collar  840  is a stem  850 . The stem  850  having an outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the collar  840 .  
         [0072]    While the cable plug  810  has been described as having a circular shape, it should be appreciated that the cable plug  810  can have any desired shape with the proportional dimension as described above.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 14 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a lock body  900  according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the lock body  900  includes a body  910 . At one surface of the body  910  is a first opening  920  with a cylindrical body  922  extending through the body  910 . The opening  920  has a cylindrical body  922  having a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the head  820 . Thus, it should be appreciated that the cable plug  810  can be inserted through the opening  920  and the cylindrical body  922  of the body  910 . At the other surface of the body  910  is a second opening  930 , the second opening  930  having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the stem  850  so as to allow the stem  850  to pass through the second opening  930  but smaller than the outside diameter of the collar  840 . Thus, it should be appreciated that the axial movement of the cable apparatus  800  is restricted as the collar  840  comes into contact with the body  910 .  
         [0074]    Lock body  910  further comprises an arm  940 , the arm  940  extending away from the lock body  910  so as to be inserted into a center slot in the outer wall of a computer (not shown).  
         [0075]    The lock body  910  further comprises a lock  950 . The lock  950  includes a push button  952  located at one end of the lock  950  and a detent  954  located at the other end of the lock  950 . The lock  950  is located such that the push button  952  appears from the outside of the lock body  900  and the detent  954  extends into the cylindrical body  922 . The lock  900  is a centered locking device with a push button  952  capable of moving the detent  954 .  
         [0076]    The lock body  900  further comprises an opening  960 . The opening  960  located on the surface of the lock body  910  that includes the second opening  930  and arm  940  with the opening  960  extending through the body  910 .  
         [0077]    When moving into a locked state, the lock  900  is unlocked such that the push button  902  is moved away from the lock body  900 . Consequently, the detent  906  moves outside of the cylindrical body  922  so that the cable plug  810  moves through the cylindrical body  922 . The cable apparatus  810  is then moved through the cylindrical body  910  until the collar  840  comes into contact with second opening  930  of the body  910 .  
         [0078]    As should be appreciated, as the cable apparatus  800  is placed inside of the lock body  900 , the arm  940  is inserted into the center slot and the outer wall of the computer. As the arm  940  is inserted into the center slot in the outer wall of the computer, the outer wall of the computer closes the opening  960  of the lock body  910 . By closing the opening  960 , the laptop lock of the present invention can be used not only to secure the cable to the laptop housing, but also can be used to track cable, wires, and the like. Thus, for example, the laptop lock can be used to further secure computer equipment by entrapping a power cord, a peripheral cable, such as a monitor cable, mouse cable, printer cable, telephone cord or the like, within the opening  960 .  
         [0079]    Once the collar  840  comes into contact with the second diameter  930 , the push button  902  extends into the cylindrical body  922  such that the detent  904  is between the head  820  and collar  840 . Once the detent  904  extends between the head  820  and collar  840 , lock  900  locks detent  904  in position such that the detent  904  prevents the cable plug  810  from moving into contact with the head  820  and collar  840 .  
         [0080]    When moving back to the unlocked state, a locking mechanism is applied to the lock  900  such that the push button  902  is then moved away from the lock body  900 . As the push button  902  moves, the detent  904  moves away from the cylindrical body  922 . Once the detent  904  moves away from the cylindrical body  922 , the cable apparatus thereafter able to move through the opening  920 . As such, the opening  960  is open as the lock body  900  is able to move away from the outer wall of the computer.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIGS. 15 and 16 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a laptop lock  1000  with the cable plug  100  as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 inserted into the lock body  1200 . FIG. 15 is an exemplary embodiment of the cable plug  110  and the lock body  1200  in a locked position with lock  1300 . FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the cable plug  110  and lock body  1200  in an unlocked position with lock  1300 .  
         [0082]    The lock body  1200  includes a first body  1220  and a second body  1230 . The first body  1220  surrounds the cable plug  110  with the second body  1230  surrounding the lock  1300 .  
         [0083]    The first body  1220  of the lock body  1200  has a first inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the head  120 . The first body  1220  also has a second inside diameter larger than the collar  130  and collar  160 , but smaller than the first diameter, the diameter difference between the first diameter and the second diameter forming a lip  1224 . The first body  1220  also has a third diameter larger than the outside diameter of stem  170  and smaller than the second diameter, the diameter difference between the second diameter and the third diameter forming a surface  1226 . The first body  1220  further comprises an arm  1228 , the arm  1228  extending away from the interior of the second body  1220  with the arm  1228  capable of being inserted into a standard slot in the outer wall of the computer (not shown). The second body  1220  further comprises an opening  1229 , the opening  1229  extending into the second body  1220  along the same surface as the arm  1228 . The area thus created in the opening  1229  is such that objects can be placed within the opening  1229  when in the unlocked state or prevented from escaping while the laptop lock  1000  is in a locked state.  
         [0084]    The second body  1230  of the lock body  1200  is attached to or integral with the first body  1220 , the second body  1230  having a first inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the lock  1300 .  
         [0085]    The lock  1300  includes a body  1304  with a push button  1302  located at one end of the body  1304  and a detent  1306  located at another side of the body  1304 . The lock  1300  is located such that the push button  1302  appears from the outside of the third body  1230  and the body  1304  and detent  1306  extend into the second diameter of the first body  1220 . The lock  1300  is a standard locking device with a push button  1302  capable of moving in the detent  1306  along the B axis. In various exemplary embodiments, the second body  1230  has a second inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the body  1304  and greater than the outside diameter of the detent  1306 , the difference between the first diameter and second diameter of the second body  1230  thus forming a lip  1232  in which the body  1304  of the lock  1300  rests.  
         [0086]    As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the cable plug  110  is inserted into the lock body  1200 . The cable plug  100  is restricted in its movement along the A axis by the surface  164  of the collar  160  coming into contact with the surface  1226  of the first body  1220 . The cable plug  110  is also restricted along the A axis by the surface  162  of the collar  160  coming into contact with the body  1304  extending into the second diameter of the first body  1220 .  
         [0087]    As shown in FIG. 16, the laptop lock  100  is in an unlocked state. The body  1304  is in contact with the surface  162  of the collar  160  and the detent  1306  is in contact with the surface  164  of the collar  160  so as to restrict axial movement of the cable plug  110  along the A axis.  
         [0088]    When moving into a locked state as shown in FIG. 15, the lock  1300  is unlocked such that the push button  1302  is moved away from the cable plug  110 . Consequently, the detent  1306  also moves away from the cable plug  110  so that the collar  160  can move within the second diameter of the first body  1220 . The arm  1228  is inserted into a slot on the back wall of the computer. The cable plug  110  is then moved toward the first body  1220  along the A axis until the surface  164  of the collar  160  comes in contact with the surface  1226  of the first body  120 . It should be appreciated that as the arm  1228  is inserted into a slot on the back wall of the computer, the opening  1229  is closed by the outer wall of the computer. It should also be appreciated that as the cable plug  110  moves towards the first body  1220 , the spring  140  contracts as the movement of the spring  140  is limited by the lip  1224  and the surface  122  of the head  124  so as to create potential energy within the spring  140 .  
         [0089]    By closing the opening  1229 , the laptop lock of the present invention can be used not only to secure the cables to the laptop housing, but can also be used to entrap cables, wires, and the like. Thus, for example, the laptop lock can be used to further secure computer equipment by entrapping a power cord, a peripheral cable, such as a monitor cable, a mouse cable, a printer cable, telephone cord or the like, within the closed opening  1229 .  
         [0090]    Once the surface  164  of the collar  160  comes in contact with the surface  1226  of the first body  1220 , the push button  1302  is moved along the B axis such that the detent  1306  comes into contact with the surface  162  of the collar  160 . Once the detent  1306  comes into contact with the surface  162  of the collar  160 , the lock  1300  locks the detent  1306  in position such that the detent  1306  prevents the cable plug  110  from moving along the A axis.  
         [0091]    When moving back to the unlocked state as shown in FIG. 16, an unlocking mechanism is applied to the lock  1306  such that the push button  1302  moves along the B axis. As the push button  1302  moves along the B axis, the detent  1306  moves away from the surface  162  of the collar  160 . Once the detent  1306  moves away from the surface  162  of the collar  160 , the potential energy stored in the spring  140  forces the cable plug  110  along the A axis. As the cable plug  110  moves along the A axis, the arm  1228  can be moved from the wall of the computer such that the closed opening  1229  is once again open. As such, the opening  1229  is created such that the objects can be removed from the opening  1229 . The cable plug  110  moves along the A axis until the surface  162  of the collar  160  comes in contact with the body  1304  that extends into the second diameter of the first body  1220 . Thereafter, the push button  1302  can be moved along the B axis such that the detent  1306  comes into contact with the surface of the collar  160  so as to restrict axial movement of the cable plug  110  along the A axis.  
         [0092]    Furthermore, as should be appreciated, the area  202  or opening  650 ,  960  and  1229  found in the exemplary embodiments can be applied to any currently available or later developed locking apparatus that can be attached to a base. Thus, the area  202  or opening  650 ,  960  and  1229  can be applied to, for example, a Kensington type lock body.  
         [0093]    While the present invention has been described with reference to a lock for a laptop computer, the invention is in no way limited to such an embodiment. Rather, the lock of the present invention can be used to secure any type of suitable equipment, whether it be electrical or computer equipment or not. Furthermore, the lock can be used to secure any suitable equipment that has, or can be modified so as to include, a suitable mounting means. Thus, for example, if the desired equipment does not have a security notch for attachment of the lock, it may be possible to create such a notch by appropriately cutting the equipment housing.

Summary:
A laptop lock assembly is provided. The assembly includes a lock body configured to be coupled to a laptop, the lock body having a locking portion; a cable plug slidably coupled to the lock body, the cable plug including an arm; and a lock positioned at the lock body and configured to place the laptop lock assembly into a locked state in which the arm of cable plug and the locking portion of the lock body cooperate with one another to form an enclosed area between the arm of the cable plug and the locking portion of the lock body for constraining an object attached to or part of the laptop within the enclosed area, the lock being further configured to place the laptop lock assembly into an unlocked state in which the arm of the cable plug is slidably positioned away from the locking portion of the lock body, so that the object attached to or part of the laptop may be removed from the area.