Patent Publication Number: US-8967577-B2

Title: Cable lock system and method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Description of the Related Art 
     The security of personal computers and computer peripherals is of primary importance in a commercial environment. Many personal computers and peripherals are supplied with various slots, notches, and/or adapters for accommodating security devices such as cable locks which can be used to secure the computer or peripheral to an immovable object such as furniture. These locking devices, often referred to as “Kensington” locks after the primary supplier of locking hardware, are generally intended for use on personal computers and peripherals that are not routinely “unlocked.” The increasing frequency of “portable” personal computers and peripherals requires the use of alternative security methods that comport with the portable nature of the personal computer or peripheral device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A cable locking system is provided. The cable lock system can include a base member having at least one aperture, a device latch, a cable latch, and a lock assembly that is operably connected to the device latch and a cable latch. A device can be detachably attached to the device latch. A cable can be detachably attached to the cable latch. The cable latch can be disposed proximate the at least one aperture. The lock assembly can have at least three modes. 
     A cable locking method is also provided. A lock assembly having at least three modes can be disposed within a base member. The base member can comprise at least one aperture; a device latch adapted for the detachable attachment of a device; a cable latch adapted for the detachable attachment of a cable, disposed proximate the at least one aperture; and, an operable connection between the lock assembly and the device latch and the cable latch. A first end of a cable can be attached to the cable latch. A device can be attached to the device latch. When the lock assembly is in the first mode, the cable can be detachably attached to the cable latch. When the lock assembly is in the second or third modes, the cable cannot be detached from the cable latch. When the lock assembly is in the first or second modes, the device can be detachably attached to the device latch. When the lock assembly is in the third position, the device cannot be detached from the device latch. 
     Another cable locking system is also provided. At least one aperture, a device latch, a cable latch and a lock assembly having at least three modes can be disposed within a base member. The lock assembly can be operably connected to the device latch and the cable latch. The device latch is adapted for the detachable attachment of a device. The cable latch can be disposed proximate the at least one aperture and can be adapted for the detachable attachment of a cable. The system can also include a cable comprising a flexible member, a first end, and a second end. The first end can comprise a cylindrical first portion having a first diameter, a cylindrical second portion, disposed coaxially proximate the first portion, having a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a cylindrical third portion, disposed coaxially proximate the second portion, having a diameter greater than the second diameter. The second end can comprise a closed loop. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Advantages of one or more disclosed embodiments may become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper-front perspective view of an exemplary cable lock system, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 1A  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system depicted in  FIG. 1 , along line  1 A- 1 A, with the system disposed in an illustrative first mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 1B  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system depicted in  FIG. 1 , along line  1 B- 1 B, with the system disposed in an illustrative second mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 1C  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system depicted in  FIG. 1 , along line  1 C- 1 C, with the system disposed in an illustrative third mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 2  is an upper-front perspective view of another exemplary cable lock system, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 2A  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system depicted in  FIG. 2 , along line  2 A- 2 A, with the system disposed in an illustrative first mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 2B  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system depicted in  FIG. 2 , along line  2 B- 2 B, with the system disposed in an illustrative second mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 2C  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system depicted in  FIG. 1 , along line  2 C- 2 C, with the system disposed in an illustrative third mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 3A  is an elevation of an exemplary cable having an illustrative first end, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 3B  is an elevation of an exemplary cable having another illustrative first end, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 3C  is an elevation of an exemplary cable having a first end and a second end forming a loop, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system depicted in  FIG. 1 , depicting illustrative connecting members, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system depicted in  FIG. 2 , depicting an illustrative friction member, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 6A  is a partial sectional view of an exemplary cable lock system depicting the attachment of a device and a cable while the system is disposed in an illustrative first mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 6B  is a partial sectional view of an exemplary cable lock system depicting the attachment of a device and a cable while the system is disposed in an illustrative second mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein; and 
         FIG. 6C  is a partial sectional view of an exemplary cable lock system depicting the attachment of a device and a cable while the system is disposed in an illustrative third mode, according to one or more embodiments described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is an upper-front perspective view of an exemplary cable lock system  100 , according to one or more embodiments. The exemplary cable lock system  100  can include, but is not limited to, the base member  110  having at least one aperture  120  disposed thereupon. One or more device latches  130  can be disposed partially or completely in, on, or about the base member  110 . One or more cable latches  140  can be disposed partially or completely in, on, or about the base member  110 . A lock assembly  150  can be partially or completely disposed in, on, or about the base member  110 . In one or more embodiments, a cable latch  140  can be disposed proximate the aperture  120 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the base member  110  can be any system, device, or combination of systems and/or devices in any number or frequency, suitable for the detachable attachment or docking and undocking of the one or more devices and one or more cables. In one or more embodiments, the base member  110  can be adapted to provide a docking station for one or more portable computing devices, for example one or more portable computers, one or more laptop computers, one or more “netbook” computers, or one or more ultraportable computers. In one or more embodiments, the base member  110  can be a hollow member or combination of hollow members suitable for providing a void space therein surrounded by or otherwise enclosed within a rigid, exterior, shell. In one or more embodiments, the base member  110  can be fabricated using any durable metallic or non-metallic material, for example plastic polymers, plastic co-polymers, or metallic or metal containing plastic polymers or co-polymers. 
     In one or more embodiments, one or more apertures  120  can be disposed in, on, or about the base member  110  thereby providing a fluid connection or passage between the interior and exterior of the hollow base member  110 . The one or more apertures  120  can be of any shape, size geometry or orientation. In one or more embodiments, the one or more apertures  120  can provide access or communicative coupling capabilities with one or more systems, devices, or combinations of systems and/or devices disposed within the base member  110 , for example one or more power inputs, input/output (“I/O”) ports, network connections, peripheral connections, or the like. 
     The one or more device latches  130  can include any number of devices, systems, or combination of systems and devices suitable for temporarily or permanently attaching, affixing, engaging, or otherwise securing a device to the base member  110 . In one or more specific embodiments, the device latch  130  can be hook-shaped, “J”-shaped, or “T”-shaped member suitable for disposal within a mating or complimentary receptacle or aperture disposed in, on, or about the device. Other shapes, styles and configurations can be equally employed to provide the one or more device latches  130 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the one or more device latches  130  can be disposed in at least two positions, a first position  180  corresponding to an “unlocked” condition, and a second position  185 , corresponding to a “locked” condition. In one or more embodiments, when the one or more device latches  130  are disposed in the first “unlocked” position  180 , the device can be freely attached and detached, i.e. “detachably attached,” from the base member  110 . In one or more embodiments, when the one or more device latches  130  are disposed in the second “locked” position  185 , the device cannot be detached from the base member  110 . In one or more embodiments, one or more releases  160 , for example one or more buttons, latch releases, or similar, can be used to effectuate the detachment of the device from the base member  110  when the one or more device latches  130  are disposed in the first “unlocked” position. 
     The one or more cable latches  140  can include any number of devices, systems, or combinations of systems and devices suitable for attaching, affixing, engaging, or otherwise securing a cable to the base member  110 . In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the cable latch  140  can be disposed proximate at least a portion of the aperture  120 . In one or more specific embodiments, all or a portion of the cable latch  140  can be a metallic or non-metallic, single or multi-part, member having a notch, slot, groove, or other indentation suitable for disposal proximate the cable. 
     In one or more embodiments, the one or more cable latches  140  can be disposed in at least two positions, a first position  190  corresponding to an “unlocked” condition, and a second position  195 , corresponding to a “locked” condition. In one or more embodiments, when the one or more cable latches  140  are disposed in the first “unlocked” position  190 , the cable can be freely attached and detached from the base member  110 . In one or more embodiments, when the one or more cable latches  140  are disposed in the second “locked” position  195 , the cable cannot be detached from the base member  110 . 
     The lock assembly  150  can include any number of devices, systems, or combination of systems and devices suitable for manipulating or otherwise alternating the one or more device latches  130  and the one or more cable latches  140  between at least the first, “unlocked” position  180 ,  190  (respectively) and the second, “locked” position  185 ,  195  (respectively). In one or more embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can include one or more electronic locks having a plurality of modes or positions, for example one or more locks using a keypad or similar data entry method to alternate between at least a first, second, and third mode or position. In one or more embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can include one or more physical, mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical devices or locks having at least three (3) or more modes or positions. 
     In one or more embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be a keyed lock having a plurality of positions. In one or more specific embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be a tubular pin tumbler lock using a tubular or barrel key to open. In one or more specific embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can have at least three positions, corresponding to a first, second, and third mode of operation. In one or more embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can have at least three modes or positions, where the key cannot be removed from the lock assembly  150  when the lock assembly  150  is disposed in one or more modes, for example when the lock assembly  150  is disposed in the first, “unlocked” mode. In one or more embodiments, the various lock assembly  150  modes can provide differing combinations of positions for the one or more device latches  130  and the one or more cable latches  140 , for example the positions as depicted in  FIGS. 1A through 1C . 
       FIG. 1A  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , along line  1 A- 1 A, with the system  100  disposed in an illustrative first mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more specific embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can have a first mode or position disposing the one or more device latches  130  and the one or more cable latches  140  in the first, “unlocked” position  180 ,  190  as depicted in  FIG. 1A . When the one or more device latches  130  are in the first “unlocked” position  180 , a device can be freely attached and detached from the one or more device latches  130 . When the one or more cable latches  140  are in the first “unlocked” position  190 , a cable can be freely attached and detached from the one or more cable latches  140 , for example by passage through the one or more apertures  120 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , along line  1 B- 1 B, with the system  100  disposed in an illustrative second mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more specific embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be rotated or otherwise displaced  170  into the second mode or position, disposing the one or more cable latches  140  into a second, “locked” position  195  while maintaining the one or more device latches  130  in the first, “unlocked” position  180 , as depicted in  FIG. 1B . When the one or more cable latches  140  are disposed in the second “locked” position  195 , a cable attached to the one or more cable latches  140  cannot be detached or otherwise removed from the one or more cable latches  140 . Additionally, in one or more specific embodiments, while the one or more cable latches  140  are in the second “locked” position  195 , a cable cannot be attached or otherwise introduced to the one or more cable latches  140 . 
       FIG. 1C  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , along line  1 C- 1 C, with the system disposed in an illustrative third mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more specific embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be further rotated or otherwise displaced  175  into the third mode or position thereby disposing the one or more device latches  130  into the second, “locked” position  185  while maintaining the one or more cable latches  140  in the second, “locked” position  195 , as depicted in  FIG. 1C . When the one or more device latches  130  are disposed in the second “locked” position  185 , a device attached to the one or more device latches  130  cannot be detached or otherwise removed from the one or more device latches  130 . Additionally, in one or more specific embodiments, when the one or more device latches  130  are in the second “locked” position  185 , a device cannot be attached or otherwise introduced to the one or more device latches  130 . 
       FIG. 2  is an upper-front perspective view of another exemplary cable lock system  200 , according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the system  200  can include a device latch tension member  210  and a cable latch tension member  220 . In one or more embodiments, the device latch tension member  210  and the cable latch tension member  220  can be anchored or otherwise attached to the base member  110 . In one or more embodiments, the device latch tension member  210  can be used to bias the device latch to the second, “locked” position  185 . In one or more embodiments, the cable latch tension member  220  can be used to bias the cable latch to the second “locked” position  195 . 
     The device latch tension member and the cable latch tension member  210 ,  220 , can be any number of systems, devices, or combination systems and devices suitable for providing a restorative force to the device latch  130  and the cable latch  140 , respectively. In one or more embodiments, the device latch tension member and the cable latch tension member  210 ,  220 , can be a spring, for example a tension coil spring anchored to the latch at a first end and to an anchor affixed to the base member  110  at the second end. 
       FIG. 2A  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system  200  depicted in  FIG. 2 , along line  2 A- 2 A, with the system  200  disposed in an illustrative first mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more specific embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be disposed in the first mode or position, disposing the one or more device latches  130  and the one or more cable latches  140  into the first, “unlocked” position  180 ,  190  as depicted in  FIG. 2A . Placing the one or more device latches  130  and the one or more cable latches  140  into the first “unlocked” position  180 ,  190  can extend the tension members  210 ,  220 , thereby imposing a restorative force biasing or otherwise driving the one or more device latches  130  and the one or more cable latches  140  back to the second, “locked” position  185 ,  195 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system  200  depicted in  FIG. 2 , along line  2 B- 2 B, with the system  200  disposed in an illustrative second mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more specific embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be rotated or otherwise displaced  170  to the second mode or position, disposing the one or more cable latches  140  into the second, “locked” position  195  while maintaining the one or more device latches  130  in the first, “unlocked” position  185  as depicted in  FIG. 2A . The cable latch tension member  220  can provide all or a portion of the restorative force necessary to place the one or more cable latches  140  in the second, “locked” position depicted in  FIG. 2B . In one or more specific embodiments, the tension member  220  can permit the non-detachable attachment of the cable to the one or more cable latches  140  by permitting the temporary displacement from, and return to, the second, “locked” position  195  of the one or more cable latches  140  when the cable is mated with or otherwise attached to the one or more cable latches  140 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system  200  depicted in  FIG. 1 , along line  2 C- 2 C, with the system  200  disposed in an illustrative third mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more specific embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be rotated or otherwise displaced  175  to the third mode or position, thereby placing the one or more device latches  130  into the second, “locked” position  185 , while maintaining the one or more cable latches  140  into the second, “locked” position  195  as depicted in  FIG. 2B . The device latch tension member  210  can provide all or a portion of the restorative force necessary to place the one or more device latches  130  in the second, “locked” position  185  depicted in  FIG. 2C . In one or more specific embodiments, the tension member  210  can permit the non-detachable attachment of the device to the one or more device latches  130  by permitting the temporary displacement and return to the second, “locked” position  185  of the one or more device latches  130  when the device is mated with or otherwise attached to the one or more device latches  130 . 
       FIG. 3A  is an elevation of an exemplary cable  300  having an illustrative first end  320 , according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the cable  300  can include a flexible member  310  having all or a portion of the first end  320  permanently or temporarily attached thereto. In one or more embodiments, the first end  320  can include a first, generally cylindrical, section  330  having a first diameter; a second, generally cylindrical, section  340  having a second diameter; and a third, generally cylindrical, section  350  having a third diameter. In one or more specific embodiments, the second diameter can be less than both the first diameter and the third diameter as depicted in  FIG. 3A . In one or more specific embodiments, the third diameter can be similar to, or the same as, the first diameter. 
     In one or more embodiments, the flexible member  310  can be a flexible, metallic or non-metallic, member. In one or more embodiments, the flexible member  310  can be a metallic cable having a second end. In one or more specific embodiments, the second end of the flexible member  310  can be formed into a closed loop, for example through the use of a permanent clamping means to affix or otherwise attach the second end of the cable to itself. In one or more embodiments, the flexible member  310  can be a metallic cable having a resilient polymeric coating disposed about the circumference of all or a portion of flexible member  310 . In one or more embodiments, the flexible member  310  can be a continuous member, for example a metallic cable. In one or more embodiments, the flexible member  310  can be a plurality of linked or interconnected members, for example a chain formed from a plurality of individual links. In one or more embodiments, the flexible member  310  can be a metallic cable having a diameter of from about 0.25 mm to about 10 mm; about 0.50 mm to about 8 mm; or about 0.75 mm to about 6 mm. 
     In one or more embodiments, the first section  330 , second section  340 , and third section  350  of the first end  320  can be a metallic or a non-metallic material. In one or more embodiments, the first end  320  can include a plurality of individual components providing the first  330 , second  340 , and third  350  sections. In one or more embodiments, the first end  320  can include a single component machined, cast, or otherwise fabricated to provide the first  330 , second  340 , and third  350  sections. In one or more embodiments, the first section  330  can have a diameter of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm; about 3 mm to about 18 mm; or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In one or more embodiments, the second diameter of the second section  340  can be less than the first diameter, of from about 1 mm to about 20 mm; about 3 mm to about 18 mm; or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. In one or more embodiments, the third diameter of the third section  350  can be greater than the second diameter. In one or more embodiments, the third diameter can be about 1 mm to about 20 mm; about 3 mm to about 18 mm; or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. 
       FIG. 3B  is an elevation of an exemplary cable  300  having another illustrative first end  320 , according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the third section  350  can have any geometry or shape having a circular cross section. For example, the third section  350  can be spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoidal, conical, or frustoconical. In one or more specific embodiments, the third section  350  can have a frustoconical shape, with the smaller diameter disposed distal from the second section  340  and the larger diameter disposed proximate the second section  340 . In one or more embodiments, the third section  350  can have a frustoconical shape as depicted in  FIG. 3B , with the larger diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the first section  330 . In one or more specific embodiments, the third section  350  can have a frustoconical shape, having a smaller diameter of from about 2 mm to about 15 mm; from about 3 mm to about 12 mm, or about 4 mm to about 10 mm. In one or more specific embodiments, the third section  350  can have a frustoconical shape, having a larger diameter of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm; about 5 mm to about 18 mm; or about 5 mm to about 15 mm. 
     In one or more specific embodiments, the cable latch  140  can be a metallic member having a slot, groove, detent, or other indentation of sufficient dimension and having sufficient clearance for disposal about the second section  340  of the first end  320  while having insufficient clearance for disposal about the first  330  and third sections  350  of the first end  320 . In one or more specific embodiments, the cable latch  140  can be a member having a configuration suitable for the passage of a frustoconical third section  350  while being unsuitable for the passage of the cylindrical first section  330 . 
       FIG. 3C  is an elevation of an exemplary cable  300  having a first end  320  and a second end forming a loop  370 , according to one or more embodiments. In one or more specific embodiments, the second end of the cable  300  can be formed into a loop  370  as depicted in  FIG. 3C . The inclusion of the loop  370  on the second end of the cable  300  can facilitate “looping” the first end of the cable about an immovable object and then through the open portion of the loop  370 , thereby anchoring any device attached to the first end  320  of the cable  300  to the immovable object. 
       FIG. 4  is a partial sectional view of an exemplary cable lock system  400  depicting illustrative connecting members  410  and  420 , according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more connecting members  410  can be used to operably connect the one or more device latches  130  to the lock assembly  150 . In one or more embodiments, one or more connecting members  420  can be used to operably connect the one or more cable latches  140  to the lock assembly  150 . 
     The one or more connecting members  410  can be any mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical device, system, or combination of systems and/or devices suitable for operably connecting the lock assembly  150  with the one or more device latches  130 . In one or more embodiments, the one or more connecting members  410  can maintain the one or more device latches  130  in the first, “unlocked” position  180  when the lock assembly  150  is disposed in the first or second modes or positions, previously described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In one or more embodiments, the one or more connecting members  410  can maintain the one or more device latches  130  in the second, “locked” position  185  when the lock assembly  150  is disposed in the third mode or position, previously described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The one or more connecting members  420  can be any mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical device, system, or combination of systems and/or devices suitable for operably connecting the lock assembly  150  with the one or more cable latches  140 . In one or more embodiments, the one or more connecting members  420  can maintain the one or more cable latches  140  in the first, “unlocked” position  190  when the lock assembly  150  is disposed in the first mode or position, previously described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In one or more embodiments, the one or more connecting members  420  can maintain the one or more cable latches  140  in the second, “locked” position  195  when the lock assembly  150  is disposed in the second or third modes or positions, previously described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a partial sectional view of another exemplary cable lock system  500  having an illustrative friction member  510 , according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more friction members  510  can be disposed proximate the one or more apertures  120  used for the insertion of the first end  320  of the cable  300 . In one or more embodiments, the one or more friction members  510  can supply sufficient frictional force to the first end  320  of the cable  300  to prevent the detachment of the cable  300  from the base member  110  when the lock assembly  150  is in the first, “unlocked,” position as previously described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The one or more friction members  510  can include any device, system, or combination of systems and/or devices suitable for providing sufficient frictional force on the first end  320  of the cable  300  thereby preventing the detachment of the cable  300  from the base member  110  when the lock assembly  150  is disposed in the first, “unlocked” position. The one or more friction members  510  can include one or more members disposed proximate all or a portion of the circumference of the first end  320  of the cable  300  when disposed or otherwise attached to the one or more cable latches  140 . The one or more friction members  510  can be any elastomeric compound, for example polypropylene, polyethylene, EPDM, buna rubber, butyl rubber, and the like. 
       FIG. 6A  is a partial sectional view of an exemplary cable lock system  600  depicting the attachment of a device  610  and a cable  300  while the system  600  is disposed in an illustrative first mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, when the lock assembly  150  is disposed in the first mode or position depicted in  FIG. 6A , the one or more device latches  130  and the one or more cable latches  140  can be in a first, “unlocked” position  180 ,  190 . In one or more embodiments, the one or more device latches  130  and the one or more cable latches  140  can be maintained in the in a first, “unlocked” position  180 ,  190  via one or more connecting members  410 ,  420  as described in detail with reference to  FIG. 4 . In one or more embodiments, a user can detachably attach  620  a device  610  to the one or more device latches  130  with the lock assembly  150  disposed in the first mode or position. In one or more embodiments, the user can detachably attach  630  a cable  300  to the one or more cable latches  140 , for example by passing the first end  320  of the cable  300  through one or more apertures  120  disposed in, on, or about the base  110  with the lock assembly  150  disposed in the first mode or position. 
     The device  610  can include any number of devices, systems, or combination of systems and devices suitable for detachable attachment to the base member  110 . In one or more specific embodiments, the device  610  can include one or more portable computing devices, one or more laptop computing devices, or one or more ultraportable computing devices. In one or more specific embodiments, the base member  110  can be adapted for the attachment of one or more devices  610  thereto via the one or more device latches  130 . In one or more embodiments, the one or more device latches  130  can be disposed in, on, or about one or more corresponding apertures, indentations, or similar mating devices disposed in, on, or about the device  610  when the device  610  is attached to the one or more device latches  130 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system  600  depicting the attachment of the device  610  and the cable  300  while the system  600  is disposed in an illustrative second mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be rotated or otherwise displaced  170  to the second mode or position depicted in  FIG. 6B , for example by rotating a cylinder or barrel key within the lock assembly  150 . When the lock assembly  150  is disposed in the second mode, the one or more device latches  130  can remain in a first, “unlocked” position, while the one or more cable latches  140  can be disposed in a second, “locked” position  195 . In one or more embodiments, a user can detachably attach  620  a device  610  to the one or more device latches  130  with the lock assembly  150  disposed in the second mode or position. In one or more embodiments, the user cannot attach a cable  300  to the one or more cable latches  140  with the lock assembly  150  disposed in the second mode or position. 
     In one or more embodiments, the user can non-detachably attach a cable  300  to the one or more cable latches  140  with the lock assembly  150  disposed in the second mode or position when the tension member  420  is attached or otherwise affixed to all or a portion of the one or more cable latches  140 . In one or more embodiments, as the first end  320  of the cable  300  strikes the cable latch  140 , the cable latch  140  can be upwardly displaced. As the cable latch  140  is displaced the force applied by the tension member  420  can increase, for example as the length of the helical spring tension member  420  is increased. In one or more embodiments, the force applied by the tension member  420  on the one or more cable latches  140  can be proportionate to the magnitude of the displacement of the one or more cable latches  140  by the first end  320  of the cable  300 . In one or more embodiments, after the third section  350  passes the one or more cable latches  140 , the tension member  420  can displace the one or more cable latches  140  downward partially or completely about the reduced diameter second section  340  of the first end  320 , thereby non-detachably attaching the first end  320  of the cable  300  to the cable latch  140 . 
     The terms “upward,” “downward,” “upwardly,” and “downwardly” and other like terms used herein refer to relative positions to another and are not intended, nor should be interpreted, to denote a particular absolute direction or spatial orientation. For example, a feature described as being on the “bottom” surface of a device could be on the “top” surface or a “side” surface of the device if the device is rotated or inverted; such rotation or inversion is envisioned to be within the scope of one or more claimed embodiments described herein. 
       FIG. 6C  is a partial sectional view of the exemplary cable lock system  600  depicting the attachment of the device  610  and the cable  300  while the system  600  is disposed in an illustrative third mode, according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the lock assembly  150  can be rotated or otherwise displaced  175  to the third mode or position depicted in  FIG. 6C , for example by rotating a cylinder or barrel key within the lock assembly  150 . When the lock assembly  150  is disposed  175  in the second mode, the one or more device latches  130  can be disposed in a second, “locked” position  185 , while the one or more cable latches  140  can remain in the second, “locked” position  195 . In one or more embodiments, a user cannot attach a device  610  to the one or more device latches  130  with the lock assembly  150  disposed in the third mode or position. 
     In one or more embodiments, the user can non-detachably attach a device  610  to the one or more device latches  130  with the lock assembly  150  disposed in the third mode or position when the tension member  410  is attached to the one or more device latches  130 . In one or more embodiments, as the device  610  strikes the one or more device latches  130 , the device latch  130  can be upwardly displaced. As the one or more device latches  130  are displaced, the force applied by the tension member  410  can increase, for example as the length of the helical spring tension member  410  is increased. In one or more embodiments, after the device  610  is attached to the base  110  via the one or more device latches  130 , the tension member  410  can cause the one or more device latches  130  to return partially or completely to the second, “locked” position  185 , thereby non-detachably attaching the device  610  to the one or more device latches  130 . 
     Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.