Patent Publication Number: US-11649658-B2

Title: Security apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/051,932, filed Oct. 30, 2020, which is a national filing of PCT/US2019/030559, filed on May 3, 2019, which claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/666,931, filed May 4, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/744,735, filed Oct. 12, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/803,978, filed Feb. 11, 2019. The entirety of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a security apparatus that is easily locked and unlocked without the use of tools, and which facilitates functional and secure display of portable, mobile, or handheld electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Retailers sell a wide range of portable or hand held electronic devices that can assist in or perform a multitude of tasks for the a user or customer. Part of the purchasing experience is having the ability to examine and test the device. This is done using floor models that are fitted with some form of security apparatus to prevent theft of the portable electronic device. 
     There are many different types of security apparatuses used in retail settings. Some security apparatuses allow a customer to pick up the electronic device while keeping it attached or tethered to the security apparatus. Other security apparatuses comprise a fixed portion that remains coupled to the display surface and a second portion coupled to the electronic device. These types of security apparatuses allow the customer to freely hold the electronic device while the second portion of the security apparatus remains attached to the electronic device. Unfortunately, these devices are not suitable for all types of electronic devices. 
     In all situations, an employee must use a tool or key to unlock the security apparatus in order to remove the electronic device completely. These keys are proprietary to the particular security apparatus and are frequently lost or even stolen. Consequently, retailers waste money ordering extra keys every year. Other security apparatuses use biometric sensors which allow only certain employees the ability to unlock the security apparatus in order to remove the electronic device. While these devices eliminate the need for a separate key, they are expensive and require frequent updates to the biometric database due to employee turnover. 
     These are just some of the problems associated with current security apparatuses for handheld or portable electronic devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       A more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Thus, for further understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, references can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective front view of an embodiment of a security apparatus: 
         FIG.  2   a    illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  2   b    illustrates a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective rear view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a support member of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  7   a    illustrates a partial top plan view of an embodiment of a support member of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  7   b    illustrates a close up side plan view of area A from  FIG.  7     a;    
         FIG.  8    illustrates a close up view of and embodiment of an arm coupled to a support member of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a lock assembly of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  11   a    illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus securing a laptop computer in a closed position; 
         FIG.  11   b    illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus securing a laptop computer in a closed position; 
         FIG.  12   a    illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus securing a laptop computer in an open position; 
         FIG.  12   b    illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus securing a laptop computer in an open position; 
         FIG.  13   a    illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus securing a laptop computer in a closed position: 
         FIG.  13   b    illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus securing a laptop computer in an open position: 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  15   a    illustrates a right side plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  15   b    illustrates a left side plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  16    is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a side plan view of an embodiment of a holder of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  18   a    illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus securing a Smart Phone; 
         FIG.  18   b    illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus securing a Smart Phone; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  22    illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  23    illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  24    illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates a bottom plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the security apparatus showing a bottom side of the lock assemblies: 
         FIG.  26    illustrates a right side plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the security apparatus: 
         FIG.  28    illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  29    illustrates a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus: 
         FIG.  30    illustrates a left side plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; 
         FIG.  31    illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of the security apparatus; and 
         FIG.  32    illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the security apparatus. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     A security apparatus for a portable electronic device comprises at least one support member extending along an axis. The at least one support member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, wherein one of the top and bottom surfaces defines a plurality of support member surface features, at least one elongated opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the at least one support member, and opposing side surfaces. At least one of the opposing side surfaces comprises a recess. At least two arms are coupled to the at least one support member and configured to hold a portable electronic device. At least one of the at least two arms comprises a protrusion configured to slidably engage the recess of the at least one opposing side of the at least one support member allowing movement of the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in a first direction and a second direction opposite of the first direction along the at least one support member. At least one locking assembly is positioned on at least one of the at least two arms and comprises a depression plate, an engagement plate comprising a plurality of lock surface features and configured to engage with the support member surface features, and an extension coupled to the depression plate at one end and coupled to the engagement plate at an opposing end. The extension further configured to traverse the at least one elongated opening. The locking assembly is configured that when in a locked position, the support member surface features and the lock surface features are coupled enabling the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the first direction along the at least one support member but preventing the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the first direction along the at least one support member. The locking assembly is further configured in an unlocked position by pressing on the depression plate such that the engagement plate is moved away from the at least one support member and the support member surface features and the lock surface features are decoupled enabling the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the second direction along the at least one support member. 
     A security apparatus for a portable electronic device comprises at least one support member extending along an axis. The at least one support member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, wherein one of the top and bottom surfaces defines a plurality of support member surface features, and opposing side surfaces. At least one of the opposing side surfaces comprises a first engagement structure. At least two arms are coupled to the at least one support member and configured to hold a portable electronic device. At least one of the at least two arms comprises a second engagement structure configured to slidably engage the first engagement structure of the at least one opposing side of the at least one support member allowing movement of the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in a first direction and a second direction opposite of the first direction along the at least one support member. At least one locking assembly is positioned on at least one of the at least two arms and comprises a plurality of lock surface features configured to couple to the plurality of support member surface features. The locking assembly is configured that when in a locked position, the support member surface features and the lock surface features are coupled enabling the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the first direction along the at least one support member but preventing the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the first direction along the at least one support member. The locking assembly is further configured that when configured in an unlocked position by pressing on the locking assembly, the support member surface features and the lock surface features are decoupled enabling the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the second direction along the at least one support member. 
     A security apparatus for a portable electronic device comprises at least one support member extending along an axis. The at least one support member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, wherein one of the top and bottom surfaces defines a plurality of support member surface features, at least one elongated opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the at least one support member, and opposing side surfaces. At least one of the opposing side surfaces comprises a first engagement structure. At least two arms are coupled to the at least one support member and configured to hold a portable electronic device. At least one of the at least two arms comprises a second engagement structure configured to slidably engage the first engagement structure of the at least one opposing side of the at least one support member allowing movement of the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in a first direction and a second direction opposite of the first direction along the at least one support member. At least one locking assembly is positioned on at least one of the at least two arms and configured to traverse the at least one elongated opening. The at least one locking assembly comprises a plurality of lock surface features configured to couple to the plurality of support member surface features. The locking assembly is configured that when in a locked position, the support member surface features and the lock surface features are coupled enabling the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the first direction along the at least one support member but preventing the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the first direction along the at least one support member. The locking assembly is configured that when in an unlocked position by pressing on the locking assembly, the support member surface features and the lock surface features are decoupled enabling the at least one of the at least two arms to slide in the second direction along the at least one support member. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1 - 9    illustrate an embodiment of a tool-less detachable security apparatus (“security apparatus”)  100 , which generally comprises a first support member  101  and a second support member  110 . The first support member  101  and the second support member  110  each extend along an axis L 1 , L 2 , ( FIGS.  1  and  2     a ) respectively. The first and second support members  101 ,  110  are fastened together using one or more fasteners  111  such that their axes L 1 , L 2  ( FIGS.  1  and  2     a ) intersect each other at an angle α ( FIG.  2   a   ) that may be about 90°. In other embodiments, the security apparatus  100  may comprise additional support members depending on the electronic device being secured. The first support member  101  may further comprise a notch  105  or other feature ( FIG.  6   ) that is configured to engage the second support member  110  in order to add additional strength at their junction. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2   a   - 3 , the first support member  101  comprises a top surface  102  ( FIG.  2   a   ), a bottom surface  103  ( FIG.  2   b   ), and side surfaces  104  ( FIG.  3   ). Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , one end of the first support member  101  is coupled to an arm  120  and the opposing end is coupled to a stop member  140 . As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 5   , the stop member  140  comprises a brace  142  that extends from a base member  144 . The base member  144  is configured to couple to the first support member  101 . As show in  FIG.  4   , the base member  144  defines an interior space  145  that is configured to at least partially house the first support member  101 . In an embodiment, the base member  144  fixedly couples to the first support member  101 . The brace  142  may further comprise one or more resilient members  146  configured to engage a portion of a portable electronic device being secured in the security apparatus  100 . Similar to the first support member  101 , the second support member  110  also comprises a top surface  112 , a bottom surface  113  ( FIG.  2   b   ), and opposing side surfaces  114 . Each end of the second support member  110  may be coupled to an arm  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , each arm  120  generally comprises a top surface  126  and two (2) opposing side surfaces  128 . The proximal end  122  of the arm  120  may be positioned closer to the junction of the first support member  101  and the second support member  110 . The distal end  124  of the arm  120  comprises a holder  130 . The holder  130  comprises a distal end surface  133  that extends above the top surface  126  and is coupled to a cap  132 . The cap  132  extends from the top of the distal end surface  133  towards the proximal end  122  of the arm  120  to form a lip  134 . The holder may further comprise an end cap  131  ( FIG.  5   ) that also acts to limit the retraction of the arm  120 . The holder  130  may be formed as a single unitary component or may be comprised of two (2) or more components joined together using one or more welded joints, fasteners, or any other suitable means to join the components. As shown specifically in  FIG.  2   b   , the arms  120  may be open at the bottom such that a cavity is formed that is defined by the inner surfaces of the top surface  126  and the opposing side surfaces  128 . The cavity may be configured to at least partially house a portion of one of the first or the second support members  101 ,  110 . The cavity may also serve to decrease the overall weight of the security apparatus  100 . 
     As shown, the security apparatus  100  comprises three (3) identical or nearly identical arms  120 , however in other embodiments, one or more of the arms  120  may vary in its size and/or shape. The arms  120  may be configured to be completely removed or detached from the corresponding first and second support members  101 ,  110 . In this manner, arms  120  of different sizes and shapes may be attached to the support members to fully customize the security apparatus  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2   a ,  2   b   ,  4  and  7   a - 8 , the first support member and the second support member  101 ,  110  each define one or more elongated openings  106 ,  116  that extend between the top surface  102 ,  112  and the bottom surface  103 ,  113  ( FIGS.  2   a - 2   b   ) of each of the first and second support member  101 ,  110 . The one or more elongated openings  106 ,  116  extend a distance along the length of the first support member  101  and the second support member  110 . A depression or recess  109 ,  119  is defined around the perimeter of each elongated opening  106 ,  116  on the bottom surface  103 ,  113  of the first and second support members  101 ,  110 . 
     The top surfaces  102 ,  112  of the first support member  101  and the second support member  110  may further comprise a plurality of support member surface features  107  such as teeth  50 . Referring to  FIGS.  7   a - 7   b   , the teeth  195  may be angled with respect to the axis L 1  of the first support member  101  at an angle β that is less than 90°. The teeth  195  of the second support member  110  may also be positioned with respect to the axis L 2  ( FIG.  2   a   ) of the second support member  110  at an angle equal to β. As shown specifically in  FIGS.  6 - 8   , the side surfaces  104  of the first support member  101  and the side surfaces  114  of the second support member  110  comprise a first engagement structure  108 ,  118 . The first engagement structure  108 ,  118  extends substantially along the length of the first support member  101  and second support member  110 . As shown, the first engagement structure  108 ,  118  may be broken into two or more segments on each side of the first and second support members  101 ,  110  and may not extend continuously from one end of the first and second support members  101 ,  110  to the opposing end. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the arms  120  further comprise a second engagement structure  123  that is configured to fit at least partially within the first engagement structure  108 ,  118  of the first support member  101 . As shown, the first engagement structure  108 ,  118  is a channel or recess and the second engagement structure  123  is protrusion, however in other embodiments, the first engagement structure  108 ,  118  is a protrusion and the second engagement structure  123  is channel or recess. As shown with regard to the first support member  101 , the second engagement structure  123  is formed on an inner surface of each opposing side surface  128  and may extend along the length of the arm  120 . The end of each arm  120  opposing the distal end surface  133  may be open to allow the arm  120  to slide along the length of the first support member  101 . The interaction of the first engagement structure  108  and the second engagement structure  123  aid in coupling the arm  120  to the first support member  101  as well as assisting in the sliding action and stability of the arm  120  when coupled to the first support member  101 . It will be understood that the second support member  110  also comprises a first engagement structure  118  that is also configured to engage the second engagement structure  123  that is formed on the inner surface of each opposing side surface  128  of the arm  120 . The interaction of the second engagement structure  123  and the first engagement structure  118  of the second support member  110  may have similar advantages to those described above with regard to the first support member  101 . 
     The arms  120  may further be coupled to the first and second support members  101 ,  110  using one or more lock assemblies  170  ( FIGS.  2   b   ,  4 , and  9 ). Each lock assembly  170  is configured to restrain or prevent the sliding movement of the arm  120  in one direction when in a locked position and allow the arm  120  to slide freely along the first and second support member  101 ,  110  when in an unlocked position. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the lock assembly  170  is a push-button assembly, however in other embodiments the lock assembly  170  may not be a push-button assembly. The lock assembly  170  will be described with regards to its interaction with the first support member  101  as shown in  FIG.  9   , however it will be understood that the lock assembly  170  would also interact in a similar manner with the second support member  110  as it has been described above. As shown in  FIGS.  7   a - b   , and  9 , the lock assembly  170  comprises a depression plate  172  coupled to one end of a push rod  177  and a backing  179  that engages an opposing end of the push rod  177 . An engagement plate  174  is positioned between the backing  179  and the first support member  101 . In an embodiment, the backing  179  and the push rod  177  may be formed as a single component. As shown, the push rod  177  traverses the arm  120  and extends through the elongated opening  106  of the first support member  101 . The engagement plate  174  comprises a plurality of lock surface features  175  that are complimentary to the support member surface features  107 . As shown, the lock surface features  175  are complimentary teeth  197  that are configured to engage or interact with the teeth  195  on the top surface  102  of the first support member  101 . A spring or resilient member  178  may surround part of and/or contact a portion of the depression plate  172  and be positioned between the depression plate  172  and the recess  109  to prevent over-depression of the depression plate. In an embodiment, the resilient member or spring  178  may be housed within the push rod  177 . In the resting or decompressed state, the spring  178  may act to exert a force F 1  against the depression plate  172 , which in turn acts to bring the lock surface features  175  of the engagement plate  174  into engagement with the support member surface features  107  of the second support member  110 . When the support member surface features  107  and the lock surface features  175  are engaged, the sliding movement of the arm  120  along the first support member  101  is permitted in a first direction S, but not in a second direction. As shown in  FIG.  7   b   , when the support member surface features  107  and the lock surface features  175  are teeth, the angle β of the teeth  195  allows the arm  120  to slide in a first direction S toward the proximal end  122  when engaged with the complimentary teeth  197 , but prevents the arm  120  from sliding in a second direction N toward the distal end  124 . Applying a force F 2  ( FIG.  9   ) to depress the depression plate  172  results in the disengagement of the lock surface features  175  from the support member surface features  107 . This disengagement allows the arm  120  slide freely along the first support member  101  in both the first S and second directions N. 
     In order to secure a portable electronic device (not shown), such as a laptop computer, the depression plate  172  of each arm  120  is depressed and the arms  120  are moved in a second direction N toward their distal ends  124  ( FIG.  4   ). The portable electronic device (not shown) may be placed onto the security apparatus  100  such that it at least partially contacts the top surfaces  102 ,  112  of the first support member  101  and the second support member  110 , respectively. The arms  120  are slid in a first direction S ( FIG.  7   b   ) toward the portable electronic device (not shown) until a portion of the portable electronic device (not shown) is positioned under the lip  134  of each arm  120  and/or the inner side of the distal end surface  133  is proximate to or in contact with the portable electronic device (not shown). The security apparatus  100  containing the portable electronic device is then secured to a display surface (not shown) using one or more anchors  117 . As shown, the one or more anchors  117  are threaded bolts or screws that may be secured to the display surface (not shown) using a nut, however in other embodiments the one or more anchors  117  may be any hardware suitable to securely fasten the security apparatus  100  to the display surface (not shown). 
     When the security apparatus  100  is anchored to the display surface (not shown), the lock assemblies  170 , and specifically the depression plates  172  are not accessible and the lock surface features  175  of the engagement plate  174  remain engaged with the support member surface features  107  of the first and second support members  101 ,  110 . In this state, the arms  120  can only be advanced in the first direction S ( FIG.  7   b   ) toward the portable electronic device (not shown). When the portable electronic device (not shown) is locked into the security apparatus  100 , the restricted movement of the arms  120  and the holders  130 , as well as the stop member  140  act to prevent removal of the portable electronic device (not shown) from the security apparatus  100 . In order to release the portable electronic device (not shown) from the security apparatus  100 , the security apparatus  100  must be detached from the display surface (not shown) so that the push-button assemblies  170  become accessible. The depression plate  172  can then be pushed down by a force F 2  to disengage the engagement plate  174  (and thereby, the lock surface features  175 ) from the support member surface features  107 . The arm(s)  120  may then be slid away from the portable electronic device or in the second direction N away from the portable electronic device (not shown). The portable electronic device (not shown) may then be removed and another portable electronic device may be placed in the security apparatus  100 . In an embodiment, a wireless charger may be coupled to the top surfaces  102 ,  112  of the first and second support members  101 ,  110 . 
     In another embodiment, the stop member  140  may be configured to accept a supplemental security piece comprising one or more additional support members that have similar features to the previously described first and second support members  101 ,  110 . In this embodiment, the security apparatus  100  would be capable is securing the keyboard portion and the display portion of a laptop computer. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 - 17   , another embodiment of the security apparatus  200  comprises a support member  201  coupled to a first arm  220  at one end and a second arm  240  at the opposing end. Similar to the embodiment of the security apparatus  100  previously described, the support member  201  comprises a top surface  202 , opposing side surfaces  204 , and a bottom surface  203  ( FIG.  16   ). At least one of the opposing side surfaces  204  defines a first engagement structure  223 . As shown, the first engagement structure  208  is a channel or recess and the second engagement structure  223  is protrusion, however in other embodiments, the first engagement structure  208  is a protrusion and the second engagement structure  223  is channel or recess. The support member  201  may generally extend from one end to an opposing end along an axis. At least one end of the support member  201  defines a plurality of support member surface features  207  and an elongated opening  206  extending from the top surface  202  of the support member  201  to the bottom surface  203  ( FIG.  16   ). As shown, the support member surface features may be teeth  295  that are configured to function similar to those previously described, however in other embodiments the support member surface features  107  may be any other suitable surface feature such as grooves, ridges, or depressions. 
     The first arm  220  and the second arm  240  generally comprise a top surface  226 ,  246  and two (2) opposing side surfaces  228 ,  248  where at least one of the two (2) opposing side surfaces  228 ,  248  defines a second engagement structure  223  that is configured to slidably engage the first engagement structure  208 . The proximal ends  222 ,  242  of each arm  220 ,  240  face each other. The distal ends  224 ,  244  of each of the first arm  220  and the second arm  240  comprise a holder  230 ,  250 . The first holder  230  comprises a distal end surface  233  that extends above the top surface  226  of the first arm  220  and is coupled to a cap  232 . The cap  232  extends from the top of the distal end surface  233  towards the proximal end  222  of the arm  220  to form a lip  234 . Similarly, and as shown in  FIG.  17   , the second holder  250  comprises a distal end surface  253  that extends above the top surface  246  of the second arm  240  and is coupled to a cap  252 . The cap  252  extends from the top of the distal end surface  253  towards the proximal end  242  of the second arm  240  to form a lip  254 . One or more components of the holders  230 ,  250  may be formed as a single component. As shown, the holder  250  of the second arm  240  extends a greater distance between opposing ends than does the holder  230  of the first arm  220 . The first arm  220  and the second arm  240  may be open at the bottom such that a cavity is formed that is defined by the inner surfaces of the top surface  226 ,  246  and the opposing side surfaces  228 ,  248 . The cavity may be configured to at least partially house a portion of the support member  201 . The cavity may also serve to decrease the overall weight of the security apparatus  200 . 
     Each of the first arm  220  and the second arm  240  is configured to engage and slide along one or more first engagement structures  208  ( FIG.  16   ) that extend along the opposing side surfaces  204  of the support member  201 . The first arm  220  may further comprise an end cap  225  configured to limit the retraction of the second arm  220 . The second arm  240  may further comprise an end cap  245  configured to limit the retraction of the second arm  240 . Similar to the previously disclosed embodiments, at least one arm may further be coupled to the support members  201  using one or more lock assemblies  270 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the second arm  240  is coupled to the support member  201  via a lock assembly  270 . The lock assembly  270  comprises a plurality of lock surface features that are configured to prevent sliding movement of the second arm  240  in the second direction N when in a locked position, and to allow the second arm  240  to slide freely along the support member  201  when in an unlocked position. The lock assembly  270  and the interaction of the lock surface features with the support member surface features  207  operates in a similar manner to the embodiments of the lock assembly previously described. 
     Referring to  FIG.  16   , the support member  201  is coupled to a rod  22  at a connection point  21 . The support member  201  with the arms  220 ,  240  coupled to it is seated within a housing  280  that is positioned on a pedestal  260 . The pedestal  260  comprises a central bore (not shown) that is configured to accept the rod  22  when the support member  201  is seated in the housing  280 . The housing  280  may further comprise one or more stabilizing elements  216  configured to support the portable electronic device being secured in the security apparatus  200 . Placing the support member  201  within the housing  280  prevents the unlocking of the locking assembly  270 . 
     The pedestal  260  further comprises a base portion  262  ( FIGS.  13   a - 13   b   ) and a stem portion  264  ( FIGS.  13   a - 13   b   ). The stem portion  264  may further comprise one or more additional stabilizing elements  266 ,  268  ( FIGS.  10 ,  14   ) and may also define an opening  269  ( FIG.  14   ) configured to provide access to electrical components within the pedestal  260  or an additional locking mechanism. In an embodiment, the housing  280  and the pedestal  260  may be formed as a single component. In another embodiment, the security apparatus  200  may comprise a wireless charger. 
     In order to assemble the security apparatus  200 , the first arm  220  and the second arm  240  are extended along the support member  201  by unlocking the locking assembly  270 . The support member  201  is then placed into the housing  280  with the rod  22  extending through the pedestal  260 . The security apparatus  200  is then secured to a display surface (not shown) via mounts  217  positioned on the base portion  262  of the pedestal  260 . As shown, the mounts  217  are bolts secured with wing nuts. Referring to  FIGS.  13   a - b  and  15   a - b   , the rod  22  is configured to extend through or traverse the display surface (not shown) and be secured to the underside of the display surface (not shown) so that the support member  201  cannot be separated from the housing  280 . The portable electronic device  290  may be placed against the support member  201  and the stabilizing elements  216 . Referring to  FIGS.  11   a - 13   b   , the portable electronic device  290  may be a laptop, The second arm  240  is then pushed towards the portable electronic device  290  in the first direction S ( FIG.  7   b   ) until it traps a portion of the portable electronic device  290  under the lip  254  and secures the portable electronic device  290  between the first holder  230  and the second holder  250 . As previously described, interaction between the support member surface features  207  and the lock surface features may allow the arms  220 ,  240  to be slid towards each other a first direction S ( FIG.  7   b   ), but prevent them from being able to be moved away from each other in a second direction N ( FIG.  7   b   ) as has been previously described. The housing  280  prevents access to the lock assembly  270  such that the portable electronic device  290  is secured in the security apparatus  200 . Referring to  FIG.  11   b   , the dimensions of the second holder  250  allow it to engage a keyboard portion  292  of the portable electronic device  290  between a pair of hinges  296  that couple the keyboard portion  292  to the display portion  294 . In this manner, the portable electronic device  290  cannot be removed from the security device  200  unless the rod  20  is uncoupled from the display surface (not shown) so that the lock assembly  270  can be unlocked. 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIGS.  18 - 26   , the security apparatus  300  comprises a first support member  301  and a second support member  310 . Referring to  FIGS.  24 - 25   , the first and second support members  301 ,  310  comprise a top surface  302 ,  312 , opposing side surfaces  304 ,  314 , and a bottom surface  303 ,  313 . The top surface  302 ,  312  of the first support member  301  and the second support member  310  define a plurality of support member surface features  307  and two (2) elongated openings  306 ,  316  extending from the top surface  302 ,  312  to the bottom surface  303 ,  313  of the first and second support members  301 ,  310 . As shown, the support member surface features are teeth  395  that are configured and function similar to those previously described in other embodiments. Similar to the embodiments previously described, the opposing side surfaces  304 ,  314  of the first and second support members  301 ,  310  define a first engagement structure  308 ,  318 . 
     As shown, the first support member  301  is coupled to an arm  320  at one end and a split arm  340  at an opposing end. The second support member  310  is coupled to an arm  320  at each end. As shown specifically in  FIG.  19   , the arms  320  may be of a different size, however their configuration is otherwise identical. The arms  320  and the split arm  340  generally comprise a top surface  326 ,  346  and two (2) opposing side surfaces  328 ,  348 . Referring to  FIG.  20   , the opposing side surfaces  328  of the arm  320  further define a second engagement structure  323 . As shown, the first engagement structure  308 ,  318  is a channel or recess and the second engagement structure  323  is protrusion, however in other embodiments, the first engagement structure  308 ,  318  is a protrusion and the second engagement structure  323  is channel or recess. It will be understood that one or more of the other arms  320  and the split arm  340  may also comprise a similar second engagement structure  323 . The distal ends of each arm  320 ,  340  comprise a holder  330 ,  350 . Referring specifically to  FIG.  26   , the holders  330 ,  350  comprise a distal end surface  333 ,  353  that extends above the top surface  326 ,  346  of the arm  320 ,  340  and is coupled to a cap  332 ,  352 . The cap  332 ,  352  extends from the top of the distal end surface  333 ,  353  towards the opposing end of the arm  320 ,  340  to form a lip  334 ,  354 . As shown in  FIGS.  18 - 19  and  22 - 24   , the split arm  340  comprises two identical holders  350 . The arms  320  and the split arm  340  may be open at the bottom such that a cavity is formed that is defined by the inner surfaces of the top surface  326 ,  346  and the opposing side surfaces  328 ,  348 . The cavity may be configured to at least partially house a portion of the first and second support members  301 ,  310 , respectively. The cavity may also serve to decrease the overall weight of the security apparatus  300 . 
     The second engagement structure  323  of each arm  320 ,  340  is configured to engage and slide along the first engagement structures  308 ,  318  that extend along the opposing side surfaces  304 ,  314  of the first and second support members  301 ,  310 . Similar to the previous embodiments described and as shown in  FIGS.  24 - 25    the arms  320  and the split arm  340  may further be coupled to their corresponding support member using one or more lock assemblies  370 . Still referring to  FIGS.  24 - 25   , the lock assembly  370  is a push-button assembly, however in other embodiments, the lock assembly  370  may not be a push-button assembly. The lock assembly  370  operates in a similar manner to previously described embodiments of a lock assembly. The lock assembly  370  will be additionally described with regards to its interaction with the second support member  310  as shown in  FIGS.  24 - 25   , however it will be understood that the lock assembly  370  would also interact in a similar manner with the first support member  301 . 
     The lock assembly  370  comprises a depression plate  372  and an engagement plate  374 . A push rod  377  is coupled to the depression plate  372  at one end and the engagement plate  374  is positioned between the push rod  377  and the second support member  310 . As shown, the push rod  377  traverses the arm  320  and extends through the opening  316  of the second support member  310 . The engagement plate  374  comprises a plurality of lock surface features that are complimentary to the support member surface features  307 . The lock surface features are configured to engage with the support member surface features  307  on the top surface  312  of the second support member  310 . A spring or resilient member  378  may surround part or and/or contact a portion of the depression plate  372  and be positioned between the depression plate  372  and the recess  319  to prevent over-depression of the depression plate  372 . As described, the lock assembly  370  functions in a manner similar to that of the previously discussed embodiments ( 100 ,  200 ). When support member surface features  307  and the lock surface features are engaged, the sliding movement of the arm  320  with respect to the second support member  310  is permitted in the first direction S ( FIG.  7   b   ), but not in the second direction N ( FIG.  7   b   ). 
     Still referring specifically to  FIGS.  24 - 25   , the first support member  301  and the second support member  310  are coupled together at area  30 . A rod  32  is coupled to area  30  at a connection point  31 . In an embodiment, the first and second support members  301 ,  310  may be formed as a single component. As shown specifically in  FIGS.  18 - 19  and  24   , the first and second support members  301 ,  310  are coupled to the arms  320  and the split arm  340  and seated or positioned within a housing  380 . The housing  380  is further positioned on a pedestal  360  and is configured to obscure or otherwise make inaccessible the depression plates  372  of the locking assembly  370 . The pedestal  360  comprises a central bore  388  that is configured to accept the rod  32  when the first and second support members  301 ,  310  are seated in the housing  380 . The housing  380  further comprises one or more security tabs  389  configured to further prevent access to the components of the locking assemblies  370  while the first and second support members  301 ,  310  are positioned within the housing  380 . Referring to  FIG.  20   , the pedestal  360  further comprises a base portion  362  and a stem portion  364 . The stem portion  364  may further define an opening  369  configured to provide access to electrical components within the pedestal or an additional locking mechanism  386  ( FIG.  18   ). The housing  380  and the pedestal  360  may be formed as a single unitary component. In and embodiment, the security apparatus  300  may further comprise a wireless charger. 
     In order to assemble the security apparatus  300 , the arms  320  and the split arm  340  are fully extended along the first and second support members  301 ,  310  by depressing or pressing down on the depression plate  372  of each lock assembly  370 . The first and second support members  301 ,  310  are placed into the housing with the rod  32  extending through the central bore  388  of the pedestal  360 . The security apparatus  300  is then secured to a display surface (not shown) via mounts  317  positioned on a bracket  399  ( FIG.  24   ) positioned within the base portion  362  of the pedestal  360 . As shown, the mounts  317  are bolts secured with wing nuts. The rod  32  is configured to extend through or traverse the display surface (not shown) and be secured on the underside of the display surface (not shown) so that the first and second support members  301 ,  310  cannot be separated from the housing  380 . 
     The portable electronic device  390  may be placed against the first and second support members  301 ,  310 . Referring to  FIGS.  18   a - 18   b   , the portable electronic device  390  is a Smart Phone, such as an iPhone® The arms  320  and the split arm  340  are then pushed towards the portable electronic device  390  until they trap a portion of the portable electronic device  390  under each holder lip  334 ,  354 . As described in other embodiments, the configuration of the support member surface features  307  on the first and second support members  301 ,  310  and the lock surface features the lock assembly  370  allow the arms  320 , and the split arm  340  to slide towards each other in the first direction S ( FIG.  7   b   ), but prevent them from being moved away from each other in the second direction N ( FIG.  7   b   ) unless the depression plate  372  is depressed. The housing  380  prevents access to the depression plates  372  of the lock assembly  370  such that the portable electronic device  390  is secured in the security apparatus  300 . In this manner, the portable electronic device  390  cannot be removed from the security apparatus  300  unless the rod  32  is uncoupled from the display surface (not shown) so that the depression plates  372  of the lock assembly  370  can be accessed. In other embodiments, it is possible that only the arms  320  are configured to slide along the first and second support members  301 ,  310  while the split arm  340  remains in a fixed position. In still another embodiment, a split arm  340  may not be included and all four (4) of the arms  320  may be identical. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  27 - 32   , another embodiment of the security apparatus  400  generally comprises a first support member  401  and a second support member  410 . The first and second support members  401 ,  410  each extend along an axis and are fastened together using one or more fasteners  411  such that the axes intersect each other at an angle that may be about 90°. In other embodiments, the security apparatus  400  may comprise additional support members depending on the portable electronic device being secured. The first support member  401  may further comprise a notch  405  ( FIG.  32   ) or other feature that is configured to engage the second support member  410  in order to add additional strength at their junction. 
     As shown, the first and second support members  401 ,  410  comprise a top surface  402 ,  412 , a bottom or rear surface  403 ,  413  ( FIG.  28   ), and opposing side surfaces  404 ,  414 . The opposing side surfaces  404 ,  414  further comprise a first engagement structure  408 ,  418  that extends or at least partially along a length of the opposing side surfaces  404 ,  414 . Referring to  FIG.  28   , the rear surfaces  403 ,  413  of the first and second support members  401 ,  410  define a plurality of support member surface features and one or more elongated openings  406 ,  416  that extend from the rear surface  403 ,  413  to the top surface  402 ,  412 . As shown, and described further below, the plurality of support member surface features  407  are a plurality of teeth similar to those described in previous embodiments, however in other embodiments the plurality of support member surface features may be ridges, depressions, grooves, or any other suitable surface feature. A depression or recess  409 ,  419  is defined around the perimeter of each elongated opening  406 ,  416  on the top surface  402 ,  412  of the first and second support members  401 ,  410 . One end of the first support member  401  is coupled to an arm  420  and the opposing end is coupled to the base  462 . A brace  464  extends between the base  462  and the intersection of the first and second support members  401 ,  410  to provide further support to the security apparatus  400 . The second support member  410  is coupled to two (2) arms  420 , each positioned at opposing ends of the second support member  410 . As shown, the arms  420  are identical, however in other embodiments, the arms  420  may not be identical and may be configured to secure a specific object or portable electronic device. 
     As shown specifically in  FIGS.  28  and  31   , each arm  420  generally comprises a top surface  426 , two (2) opposing side surfaces  428 , and a rear surface  425 . The distal end of each arm  420  comprises a holder  430 . Referring to  FIG.  30   , the holder  430  comprises a distal end surface  433  that extends above the top surface  426  of the arm  420  and is coupled to a cap  432 . The cap  432  extends from the top of the distal end surface  433  towards the opposing end of the arm  420  to form a lip  434 . As shown, the top surface  426 , side surfaces  428 , and rear surface  425  of each arm  420  define an inner cavity and the interior surface of the opposing sides  428  further defines a second engagement structure  423  ( FIG.  32   ). As shown, the first engagement structure  408 ,  418  is a channel or recess and the second engagement structure  423  is protrusion, however in other embodiments, the first engagement structure  408 ,  418  is a protrusion and the second engagement structure  423  is channel or recess. The second engagement structure  423  is configured to fit at least partially within the first engagement structure  408 ,  418  of the first and second support member  401 ,  410 . Accordingly, the cavity is configured to at least partially house a portion of one of the first or the second support members  401 ,  410 . 
     The arms  420  may further be coupled to the first and second support members  401 ,  410  using one or more lock assemblies  470  ( FIG.  27   ). The one or more lock assemblies  470  are configured to further couple the arms  420  to the first and second support members  401 ,  410 . Each lock assembly  470  comprises a plurality of lock surface features that are configured to interact with the support member surface features  407  to prevent the sliding movement of the arm  420  with respect to the first and second support member  401 ,  410  in the second direction N ( FIG.  7   b   ) when in a locked position, and allow the arm  420  to slide freely in the first S ( FIG.  7   b   ) and second direction N ( FIG.  7   b   ) along the first or second support member  401 ,  410  when in an unlocked position. The lock surface features are configured and function similar to those previously described in other embodiments. As shown in  FIG.  32   , the lock assembly  470  is a push-button assembly, however in other embodiments, the lock assembly  470  may not be a push-button assembly. The lock assembly  470  is configured to function in a similar manner as in the embodiments of the security apparatus ( 100 ,  200 ,  300 ) previously described. 
     The lock assembly  470  will be described according to its interaction with the first support member  401  as is shown in  FIG.  32   , however it will be understood that the lock assembly  470  interacts with the second support member  410  in a similar manner. The lock assembly  470  generally comprises a depression plate  472  and an engagement plate  474 . A push rod  477  is coupled to the depression plate  472  at one end and a backing  479  at an opposing end. The engagement plate  474  is positioned between the backing  479  and the first support member  401 . As shown, the push rod  477  traverses the arm  420  and extends through the elongated opening  406  of the first support member  401 . The engagement plate  474  comprises a lock surface features  475  that are complimentary to the support surface features  407  and are configured to engage with the support member surface features  407  on the rear surface  403  of the first support member  401 . As shown in  FIG.  32   , the lock surface features  475  may be teeth  497 , however in other embodiments they may be any suitable shape and configuration that are complimentary to the support member surface features  407 . A spring or resilient member  478  may surround part or and/or contact a portion of the depression plate  472  and be positioned between the depression plate  472  and the recess  409  to prevent over-depression of the depression plate  472 . As shown, the depression plate  472  may be obscured by an access portion  429  of the arm  420 . When the support member surface features  407  and the lock surface features of the engagement plate  474  are engaged, the sliding movement of the arm  420  with respect to the first support member  401  is prevented in the second direction N ( FIG.  7   b   ). 
     In order to secure a portable electronic device in the security apparatus  400 , the arms  420  are extended in the second direction N ( FIG.  7   b   ) by depressing or pushing down on the depression plates  472  of the lock assembly  470 . The portable electronic device (not shown) is then placed onto the first and second support members  401 ,  410 , and the arms  420  are advanced towards the portable electronic device (not shown). The arms  420  are advanced in the first direction S ( FIG.  7   b   ) until a portion of the portable electronic device (not shown) is trapped under each holder  430  lip  434 . The portable electronic device blocks (not shown) access to the depression plates  472  of the locking assembly  470 . The security apparatus  400  is then secured to the display surface (not shown) via one or more mounts  417  in the base  462 . As shown, the one or more mounts  417  are bolts secured with nuts. Coupling the security device  400  to the display surface (not shown) acts to secure the free end of the portable electronic device (not shown) by pinning it against the display surface (not shown) such that the portable electronic device (not shown) cannot be removed from the security apparatus  400  without damage to the portable electronic device (not shown). 
     Removal of the security apparatus  400  from the display surface (not shown) by uncoupling the one or more mounts  417 , allows the portable electronic device to be removed or slid out of the security apparatus  400 , thereby allowing access to the depression plates  472  of the lock assembly  470 . Accordingly, the arms  420  can then be re-extended in the second direction N ( FIG.  7   b   ) to accept and secure another portable electronic device. 
     One or more components of the embodiments of security apparatus  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  described above may be comprised of one or more types of metal, such as steel or aluminum, or one or more types of plastic, such as PA6 (Nylon 6). ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), or POM (Polyoxymethylene). In an embodiment, one or more components of the security apparatus  100  may be comprised of a combination of metallic and plastic components. 
     While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements.