Patent Publication Number: US-5836183-A

Title: Security device for laptop computers

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to devices for preventing the theft of small, expensive electronic equipment and particularly to securing laptop computers from theft. 
     2. Background 
     The class of personal computers known as laptop computers or notebook computers, describes a computer which is small in to size, rectangular in shape and designed to open and close like a book. It comprises a flat screen monitor display and a keyboard which also contains the computer electronic circuitry. The monitor is attached by a hinge to the keyboard and also acts as a cover for the device when rotated over the keyboard. This feature makes the device convenient for storage or carrying. However, it also makes it easier to steal. 
     Laptop computers are expensive, typically selling in the range of $2,000 to $3,000. Since they are also small in size, they are an attractive target for thieves. 
     At present, computer equipment stores use elaborate arrays of locked bars to secure displayed laptop computers. These locking arrays are expensive and not portable. However, an individual PC owner has no such securing device available. There is therefore a need for a portable securing device for laptop computers that can be used by individual PC owners or by a store for sales display purposes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a portable device on which a laptop computer may be placed, retained, locked in place and be operated. Provision is made for securing the device to an immovable post either by cable or by padlock. The device comprises a base, a retaining rod fastened across the width of the base and a locking post. After a laptop Computer is placed with its keyboard between the base and the retaining rod, the locking post is inserted vertically through one of three holes in the base, located behind the opened laptop. A securing cable may then be inserted through a hole in the locking post or a chain and padlock may be used instead. While in place, the locking post prevents rearward removal of the laptop computer from the device, while permitting normal operation of the computer. When not in use, the device retaining rod is rotated downwards so that the device becomes flat and readily stored or carried. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a securing device for an individual laptop computer that is simple and portable. 
     Another object is to provide a securing device that could be used for sales displays or for an individual user. 
     Yet another object is to provide a securing device for laptop computers that is inexpensive. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from study of the specification description, the claims and the attached drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laptop computer locked in place on the security device according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is perspective view of the security device according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-section elevation view of the invention base taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2, particularly showing three counter-sunk holes and a post member inserted in one of the holes; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of a grooved bottom plate that is used for holding a rotatable retaining rod to the base; 
     FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the bottom plate, taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4, particularly showing a groove formed for seating and retaining the rod; and 
     FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the post member. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring particularly to the drawings, there is shown respectively in FIGS. 1 and 2, a perspective view of a laptop computer 1 placed in a security device 2 and a perspective view of a security device 2 in accordance with the present invention. 
     The laptop computer 1 is shown with its keyboard inserted under a rotatable retaining rod 3 and pushed forward on the flat surface of the device base 6 until the retaining rod 3 is close to the bottom of the laptop hinged monitor. A post member 4 is inserted through one of three holes 9 in the device base 6 which are located behind the laptop, and the post member 4 projects upwards, preventing rearward removal of the laptop computer 1 from the device 2. A cable 5 or a padlock or other locking means may then be attached to the security device 2 through a hole in the post member 4, and thence to an immovable object. Thus securing the device and the laptop computer from thieves while permitting operation of the laptop computer 1 if so desired. 
     Three post holes 9 in the base 6 are provided, spaced apart in a row and located behind the retaining rod 3 for use by the post member 4. These three holes are provided to allow an inserted post member 4 to avoid obstructing any connector and wires that may be attached to the rear of a laptop computer. 
     As depicted in FIG. 2, the retaining rod 3 is a rectangular shaped, rigid metal rod. It could also be made of thin, rigid tubing. The rod height is selected to provide clearance between the rod 3 and the top of a keyboard when a laptop computer is inserted in the device. A grooved plate member 7 is fastened to the bottom surface of the base 6 and serves as a means for securing the rectangular shaped, retaining rod 3 to the base 6, allowing the rod 3 to be rotated above the base so that it can be stowed flat. 
     Refer now to FIG. 3 which is a cross-section view of the invention taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2. Each of the three post holes 9 in the base 6 are seen to be counter-sunk from the bottom. This is done to provide a ledge for stopping and seating the post member 4, which is shown in one of the post holes 9. 
     Refer to FIG. 4 which is a plan view of a plate member 7. FIG.5 is a cross-section view of the plate member taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4 showing a groove 15 across the width of the plate member 7. The groove 15 is made deep enough to accommodate the diameter of the retaining rod 3 wire or tubing, with clearance allowing the rod to be rotated. Three large holes 17 are cut in the plate member 7 and located to match the location of the post holes 9 in the base 6 when the plate member 7 is placed under the base 6 at its back end. Also shown are a multiple number of smaller holes 23 cut through the plate member 7. These smaller holes 23 are for the purpose of fastening the plate member 7 to the underside of the base 6 using screw fasteners. However, the plate member 7 may be bonded to the base 6 by other means, including for example an adhesive or a weld. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a post member 4 which is a simple, cylindrical metal bolt having a flat capped head 27, and a cable hole 26 bored through it at 90 degrees to its cylinder longitudinal axis. The post member diameter is sized to fit with clearance in any post hole 9 and its head 27 is sized to fit closely into the counter-sunk portion of a post hole 9. 
     Regarding the overall weight of the device, the base 6 and plate member 7 may be constructed of any suitable, rigid, strong material that is light in weight. The retaining rod 3 and the post member 4 should be metal since they are the prime retainers for any laptop computer placed on the device. 
     The resulting device weight is then a little more than one pound, which is a convenient light weight for use by an individual or for carrying. 
     The device is simple in construction and economic to manufacture. It should therefore be relatively low in cost for an individual user. 
     The device retaining rod secures a computer without covering a large part of a laptop computer keyboard as is usually the case when bars are used in a store display. Use of the invention security device can thus enhance store displays of laptop computers as well as being economical. 
     From the foregoing description, it is clear that the objects of the present invention have been met. 
     Alternative embodiments and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. These alternatives and modifications are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.