Patent Publication Number: US-2011072862-A1

Title: Security device for securing portable objects

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/245,825 filed on Sep. 25, 2009, and provisional application No. 61/286,190 filed on Dec. 14, 2009. The contents of both said applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to locks. More particularly, the present invention relates to locks suitable for securing small, portable components, such as desktop or laptop computers, PDAs, music/video players and the like. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Due to the small size of many modern electrical components, such as computers and other electronic devices, a great concern exists for the physical security of such components. For example, in the office or commercial environment, the threat of theft of such electronic devices is high, due to both the relatively high cost of the components, and the ease with which they can be pilfered. A need has therefore been present in the art for means to secure the electronic or other components, to prevent theft and/or loss of the components. 
     A problem with securing such items, however, is the general lack of a conventional means to secure the components. For example, one approach in the past has been to use a bicycle-type locking device, where a locking cable is passed through a suitable holding means on the electronic component as well as to a suitable solid support, such as a desk. This has the result of effectively “tying down” the device to the solid support. However, this approach has become less suitable, as the size of the electronic components continue to decrease and the demand for more convenient locking systems has increased. 
     Many models of portable computers today are equipped with safety means. The safety means usually includes a standardized slot on an outer wall or housing of the computer. A variety of locking devices, generally with steel cables attached to the locking devices, have been developed for the attachment and disengagement thereof to such slots. 
     Because the cable is usually long (in the order of 4 to 6 feet) it is desirable to have an arrangement for convenient storage of the locking device, particularly the long cable. Further, to reduce clutter, particularly desk-top clutter, it is desirable to be able to adjust the cable length. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,685 discloses a locking device with an assembly to retract and house the cable. A drawback of the device shown by U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,685 is that, because the assembly occupies a significant amount of space, in order to realize a reasonably sized and commercially viable device, thinner cable must be used (e.g. cable having less than 4 mm diameter). As a result, such a device is less secure in that the cable can be cut relatively easily with hand tools such as ordinary pliers. Conventional, sturdier cables measure five or more millimeters in diameter and these cannot practically be reeled in by the mechanism of the U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,685. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art cable and lock security facility for electronic equipment incorporating a security slot. 
         FIG. 1B  shows the lock assembly of  FIG. 1  in use. 
         FIG. 1C  shows the lock assembly tethered to the wall of electronic equipment. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a first embodiment of the present invention with a rigid plate incorporating a threading opening for the lock in accordance with the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a first alternative to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 2C  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 2B  in use. 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates a second use of the embodiment of  FIG. 2C . 
         FIG. 2E  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 2B  with an added feature that facilitates stowing of the lock cable. 
         FIG. 2F  shows a blank steel plate for creating another alternative for the embodiment of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2G  illustrates the formed version of  FIG. 2F . 
         FIG. 2H  shows FIG.  2 G&#39;s inside view. 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate another embodiment of the invention in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  5 C and  5 D illustrate the embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  show modifications to  FIGS. 5A-5D . 
         FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D illustrate further embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 C and  8 D illustrate another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is another version of the embodiment of  FIG. 2B , utilizing a flat, H-shaped component for threading the lock assembly cable therethrough and thereon. 
         FIG. 11A  discloses a perspective view of a hub/retainer arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11B  shows a side plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 11A  in which broken lines disclose features hidden from view. 
         FIG. 11C  shows another side plan view of the hub/retainer arrangement of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11D  shows a plan view in the direction of arrows  11 D- 11 D. 
         FIG. 11E  shows a plan view in the direction of arrows  11 E- 11 E. 
         FIG. 11F  shows a plan view in the direction of arrows  11 F- 11 F. 
         FIG. 11G  shows another side plan view of the hub/retainer arrangement of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11H  shows a side plan view in the direction of arrows  11 H. 
         FIG. 11I  shows a plan view in the direction of arrows  11 I. 
         FIG. 11J  shows a cross-sectional view along line  11 J- 11 J viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 11K  shows a cross-sectional view along line  11 K- 11 K viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 11L  shows a perspective view of a portion of a lock/cable assembly using the hub/retainer (rendered transparent) arrangement of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11M  shows a side plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 11L . 
         FIG. 11N  shows another side plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 11L . 
         FIG. 11O  shows yet another plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 11L . 
         FIG. 11P  shows a further plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 11L . 
         FIG. 12A  shows a perspective view of another hub/retainer arrangement for use with a cable and lock assembly. 
         FIG. 12B  shows a side plan view of the hub/retainer of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12C  shows another side plan view of the hub/retainer of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12D  shows a plan view in the direction of arrows  12 D. 
         FIG. 12E  shows a plan view in the direction of arrows  12 E. 
         FIG. 12F  shows a plan view in the direction of the arrows  12 F. 
         FIG. 12G  is a side plan view in the direction of the arrows  12 G. 
         FIG. 12H  is a perspective of the hub/retainer arrangement viewed from a different direction. 
         FIG. 12I  shows a cross-sectional view along line  12 I- 12 I viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 12J  shows another perspective view of the hub/retainer arrangement of  FIG. 12A  viewed from a different angle. 
         FIG. 12K  shows another side plan view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12L  shows a cross-sectional view along line  12 L- 12 L viewed in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 13  shows an accessory and a cable/lock combination according to one aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a top plan view of a locking tab and cable/lock combination according to another aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14B  shows a view in the direction of arrows  14 B- 14 B. 
         FIG. 14C  shows a top plan view of another variation of a locking tab with a lock/cable assembly. 
         FIG. 14D  shows a side plan view in the direction of arrows  14 D. 
         FIG. 15A  shows a plan view of an adapter plate according to another aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15B  shows a side plan view of the adapter plate of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15C  illustrates a method of assembling the adapter plate of  FIG. 15A  to an object. 
         FIG. 15D  shows a lock assembly suitable for use with an adapter plate according to  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16A  shows a box according to the present invention in an open state. 
         FIG. 16B  shows the box of  FIG. 16B  in a closed state. 
         FIG. 16C  shows the box of  FIG. 16B  secured using a lock and cable assembly. 
         FIG. 16D  illustrates a suitable lock assembly for use with the box of  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 17A  shows a lock and cable assembly according to another aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17B  shows a side plan view of the arrangement of  FIG. 17B . 
         FIG. 17C  illustrates the use of the lock and cable assembly of  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 18A  shows a perspective view of an adapter according to the present invention in a disassembled state. 
         FIG. 18B  shows a side plan view of a disassembled adapter as shown by  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 18C  shows a plan view in the direction of arrows  18 C,  FIG. 18B . 
         FIG. 18D  shows a perspective view of an adapter according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18E  shows a side plan view of an adapter according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18F  shows a plan view of a portion of an adapter according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18G  shows a plan view in the direction of arrows  18 G,  FIG. 18E . 
         FIG. 18H  illustrates an adapter as received in a conventional lock slot. 
         FIG. 18I  shows a lock assembly suitable for use with one example of an adapter according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18J  shows a perspective view of a sleeve suitable for use with an adapter according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19A  illustrates a clamp according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19B  illustrates another example of a clamp according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 20 ,  20 A,  20 B,  20 C and  20 D show an alternate adapter embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  and  FIG. 21A  are drawings showing a lock suitable to be used with the adapter of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  shows a lock similar to that of  FIG. 21 , but with a triangular locking member. 
         FIG. 23  shows the lock of  FIG. 21  inserted into the adapter of  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Although the present invention is hereinafter described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims. Thus, while the present invention is illustrated with respect to the following specifically described locks and locking mechanisms, the present invention is in no way limited to the structures described below. 
     In general terms, the present invention relates to a lock, or a locking system or locking method, which helps to prevent theft of small components, such as portable or even desktop computers, peripherals, telephones, purses, suitcases, or the like. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an example of a locking device  100  according to the prior art. As shown in  FIG. 1A , device  100  includes a cable  102  connected at one end via a sleeve  112  to a lock assembly  110 . The other end  101  of cable  102  is folded into itself to form a loop  105 , which is secured by a crimping ring  103  and covered with a plastic cap  104 . 
     Lock assembly  110  has a lock body  111  suitable for locking cable  102  to a portable object such as a portable laptop computer. Examples of such lock assemblies are shown by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,705,133, 7,013,685, and 7,111,479, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein as background. As is well known, to secure a laptop or the like portable object, lock assembly  110  is passed inside loop  105  to form a noose around a portion of a body whereby cable  102  becomes tethered to the body. Thereafter, lock assembly  110  is locked to the portable object, whereby the portable object is secured to the closed body. For example, a noose may be formed around the arm rest  98  of a chair  96  as illustrated by  FIG. 1B . Note that the lock assembly  110  includes a T-shaped latch or bar  113  and slot holding pins  115 . T-shaped latch  113  is rotatable and is configured to be received in a rectangularly-shaped through slot  117  in the body (casing)  119  of a portable object, for example, a laptop, a monitor or the like. A standardized dimension for such a slot is 3 mm×7 mm, but the slot can be formed at other sizes, including 3.5 mm×8 mm or any other desirable size. To secure lock assembly  110  (and thus cable  102 ) to the portable object, T-shaped latch  113  is longitudinally aligned with rectangular slot  117  and inserted therein from one side of body  119  until it reaches the other, opposite side thereof. Thereafter, T-shaped latch  113  is rotated until the head of T-shaped latch  113  is longitudinally transverse to the longitudinal axis of slot  117 , whereby body  119  catches T-shaped latch  113  and prevents its removal thus locking lock assembly  110  in place as is known in the art (see  FIG. 1C ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , according to one aspect of the present invention, loop  105  is replaced with a plate assembly  200 . Plate assembly  200  includes a joint  202  having an anchor  204  that is attached to a hub  202  by welding or the like suitable method. Anchor  204  is mechanically coupled to an end  111  of cable  102 . In part, plate assembly  200  serves at least the same function as loop  105  in the prior art. That is, plate  200  includes a large opening  107  to receive lock assembly  110  therein, whereby a noose can be realized in order to secure cable  102  to another object, e.g. a chair, a table, a desk or the like. Note that in order to perform its intended function, plate  200  is made from a material that cannot be easily cut, for example, from steel or the like material. 
     In the embodiment shown by  FIG. 2A , plate  200  may be a steel plate one or several millimeters in thickness (preferably plastic covered) and anchor  204  may be a steel body which is welded to the exterior surface of plate  200 . Note that plate assembly  200  may also be made from thick plastic through injection molding or the like method. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, plate assembly  200  may be provided with one (or more) slot  109  that extends therethrough. Slot  109  may be rectangular and sized to receive T-shaped latch  113  whereby lock assembly  110  can be locked to plate  200  in the same manner as being locked to the body  119  of a portable object as described above. Thus, an arrangement according to the present invention can be used to tether and secure a portable object that includes a slot  117  as described, or, alternatively, it can form a closed loop so that it may be used to secure other types of portable objects such as brief cases, luggage, clothing and the like to chairs, tables, etc. Specifically, for example, a loop may be formed by locking lock assembly  110  to plate  200  in order to secure the armrest  98  of a chair  96  to the handle  94  of a brief case as shown by  FIG. 2D . 
     In an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 2B , plate arrangement  200  is replaced by an elongate, stretched ring  200 A made from flat steel or a plastic sheet and having an opening  107 A for passing the lock assembly  110  therethrough as described earlier. The ring body  201  may further include one slot  109  or several security slots  109  to serve the same function as described above. An anchor  204   a  may be welded to one edge of ring  200 A, for example a blind metal sleeve, to receive therein an end of cable  102 . 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 2B  is advantageous in several respects, owing to the following features thereof. Its central opening  107   a  may have width of 2½ to 6 cm in a length with the general dimensions of 5 to 10 cm. The thickness of the ring is preferably 1.5 to 5 mm and the width of the wall preferably measures less than 1 cm in order to easily accommodate the security slots  109  measuring 3.5×8 mm to be formed therein. Also, the joint  204   a  of the cable to ring may be a swivel joint. Since the outer diameter of a typical security table  102  is on the order of about half a centimeter, in prior art of computer security devices it is typically difficult to store away the cable, as it tended to be difficult and unwieldy to neatly roll it up in one&#39;s hand into a nice package. 
     However, with the embodiment of  FIG. 2B , it is contemplated that one can simply place his or her fingers through the opening  107 A, grasp the cable and roll it up in a dimension approximating the shape of the ring  200   a . The cable  102  can be woven inside and outside of the ring as shown in  FIG. 2C  to any desired length, which not only allows adjustment of the cable length, but also allows its neat stowage. 
     To further facilitate the rolling up of the stiff cable  102 ,  FIGS. 2B and 2E  show L-shaped winding lugs  89  which protrude from the plane of the ring and which allow the cable to be rolled up thereon, as illustrated in  FIG. 2E . Preferably, these winding lugs would be made of smoothed, and preferably plastic covered, steel and to similarly allow the length of the cable to be easily adjusted. Of course, the added benefit is that the length of the cable which is now rendered quite adjustable can be continued to be used so that the lock assembly  110  can be connected either to computers or back to the ring  200   a  itself to secure luggage, or even clothing (by snaking the lock end of the cable through a sleeve of a fur coat, etc., which may be left on a bench at an airport waiting area. 
     Note that in  FIG. 2E , the L-shaped lugs have been positioned so that they accommodate six turns of the cable, in two rows of three cable turns each. However, these winding lugs can be formed so that they project down into the opening  107   a  and have greater depths, so that only two or only a single turn of cable is accommodated and the cable is taken up by having three or four or even seven cable layers, one on top of the other. Although only two such lugs  89  are shown, additional such lugs may be provided on the other sides of the ring. In addition, a clip may be provided on the ring itself or any of these winding lugs, in which the very end of the cable, where it is connected to the lock assembly  110 , may be snapped into, to provide a neater and flatter assembly package. It should be noted that the winding lugs  89  may also be provided on the plate  200  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2A  by being mounted to the periphery of the plate  200 . Further note that the lateral width of the ring in  FIG. 2B , including its length-wise extending wall, may be made especially narrow, for example, less than 4-5 cm, so that it will allow itself to be slipped through a very narrow opening in a piece of furniture; for example, the handle of a desk drawer. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2F ,  2 G and  2 H, another embodiment utilizes a flat stock of metal which can be steel, aluminum or a metallic alloy which is generally rectangular, with jutting tabs  75   a ,  75   b ,  75   c  and  75   d  along the long sides thereof. The metallic web  199  also has jutting tabs  69   a  and  67   a  and the figure also illustrates score lines  59   a  and  59   b . The basic metallic stamping  199  is intended to form the end plate  200 B which is shown in  FIG. 2G . This is done by bending up on the tabs  75   a - 75   d  to get cable retainer tabs that jut out perpendicularly to the plane of the web  200 B, as shown in  FIG. 2G . Further, the tabs  69   a  and  67   a  are cut along the longitudinal score lines  59   a ,  59   b  and bend 90° up and then re-enterantly at 90° to form the retaining lugs  69  and  67  shown in  FIG. 2G . Still further, at the center, the cable threading opening  107  for the lock assembly  110  is formed. 
     This unitary piece, made from a single stock of metallic stamping includes a jutting portion at the lower left-hand corner to which the end  101  of the cable  102  is attached by a crimped clamp  79 . The cable terminates in the lock assembly  110 . In use, the lock can be threaded through an opening in the handle of a door or to an chair arm handle and then threaded through the opening  107  and then attached to the security slot  117  in electronic equipment. 
     However, during initial assembly  1  and thereafter for stowage and normal use, the cable  102  is wound on the winding lugs  67 ,  69 , as illustrated in the side view of  FIG. 2H . Thus, rather than having the typical cluttered look and feel, the cable  107  of the present invention is delivered to customers in a neat, uncluttered package and only so much of the cable is unwound as is needed for a particular use. 
     Normally, the wrapped cable may tend to bulge out of the sides, but the tabs  7   a - 75   b  retain it within the confines of the basic web  200 B. It should also be noted that the embodiment of  FIG. 2G  can be formed from a plastic material in an injection molding machine. Note also, the standardized security slots  109  formed on the web  200 B, which allow the lock to be threaded through the handle of a piece of luggage or to clothing and then locked to the web  200 B. Even when the lock assembly  110  is connected to a security slot in a laptop, other lock assemblies  110  can be connected to the web  200 B for purposes later described. As noted, it is preferred that the security slot be formed as a rectangular slot with a width of at least 3.5 mm plus 5% and a length of 8 mm plus 5%. The edges of the basic web can be rounded, as can be the corners of the tabs  75   a - 75   d  or the edges of the winding lugs  67  and  69 . 
     In  FIG. 2H , elements  71 ,  73  and  75  represent a Velcro® strip with  71  being a release sheet covering an adhesive layer. Thus, the device can be glued to one surface of a laptop computer and selectively attached/detached to or therefrom. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , instead of a tab  200 A, a hub  200 B is provided which may be a cylindrical steel body having a generally circular or oval cross section and a cylindrical/oval outer surface  206 . In this embodiment, anchor  204  may be welded to the outer surface  206 . Exterior surface  206  extends several centimeters in the axial direction to allow several turns of the cable  102  to be wound thereon for storage. Note that anchor  204  may be oriented so that the central axis of cable  102 , when cable  102  is stretched into a straight line, will be oriented in a direction transverse to the direction of the central axis of hub  202  to allow for better winding of cable  102  around hub  202 . Several stops  80   a ,  80   b ,  80   c , etc. (see also  FIG. 4 ) are provided to prevent the cable from slipping off the hub. 
     In  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the oval cross-section transverse to the central axis advantageously reduces the thickness of hub  202  in one direction. Thus, when cable  102  is wound around hub  202 , the arrangement will have a reduced profile allowing for easier storage in carrying cases such as brief cases. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5D , according to another embodiment of the present invention, hub assembly  200  may include a hub  202  that is made from a plurality of wires arranged and coupled to one another to form a bobbin-like structure. Specifically, a hub  202  in this embodiment includes two rings  208  (e.g. steel rings) that are spaced from and coupled to one another using a plurality of metallic rods (e.g. steel rods)  210 . Each rod  210  is coupled (e.g. by welding) at one end thereof to one ring  208  and coupled (e.g. by welding) at another opposite end thereof to another ring  208 , whereby rings  208  are spaced from and coupled to one another to realize a hub  202  for use in a hub assembly  200  according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown by  FIGS. 5A-5D , anchor  204  may not be immovably coupled (e.g. by welding or the like method) to one rod  208 , or, according to another aspect of the present invention, anchor  204  may be slidably coupled to a respective rod. Specifically, anchor  204  may be coupled to a sleeve  212 . Sleeve  212  be a cylindrical body configured to receive a rod  208  in the interior  214  thereof. Consequently, sleeve  212  can slide along the direction of the central axis thereof parallel to the central axis of rod  208  to which it is slidably coupled. 
     In the embodiments described above, the interior space  107  of hub  202  is selected to be large enough to allow at least the passage of lock assembly  110 . According to another aspect of the present invention, the interior space of hub  202  may be selected to allow passage of at least one finger and preferably two or more fingers of a human hand. Thus, a hub  202  can be supported by a person&#39;s hand while cable  102  is being wound. In the preferred embodiment, two or more fingers may be inserted in the interior space  107  of hub  202  and pressed against the interior walls of hub  202  in order to prevent the rotation thereof during the winding of cable  102 . Note that, in the embodiment illustrated by  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the long axis of the oval interior may be selected to allow for the passage of two fingers (i.e. it may be as wide as the total diameters of two to four fingers) while the short axis may be selected to be about the diameter of the lock assembly  110 . Consequently, when two fingers are received in the interior of the oval-shaped hub  202 , the rotation of hub  202  may be prevented when the interior wall of hub  202  abuts the fingers that are received in the interior thereof. For example, the long axis of the oval interior may be 1.5-2.0 inches, while its short axis may be 0.75-1.00 inch. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A , according to another aspect of the present invention, a hub  202  according to the present invention is provided with an insert  216 . Insert  216  may be made from plastic and may include a cylindrical body  218  that is coupled to the interior of hub  202  by glue or the like. Insert  216  may further include a divider wall  220  disposed in and coupled to the interior surface thereof to divide its interior space into two adjacent spaces each space being wide enough to receive a human finger. Thus, once a human finger is received in each space, divider wall  220  would abut the fingers and prevent hub  202  from axial rotation during the winding of cable  102  over the outer surface  206  thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6B , in an alternative embodiment, cylindrical body  218  may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth  222  disposed on the interior surface thereof. In this embodiment, the interior of insert  216  may be selected to receive one finger or two or more fingers of a human hand. In this embodiment, the spacing and the size of teeth  222  are selected so that a human finger (or fingers) fits inside cylindrical body  218  and is received in two directly opposite spaces between teeth  222  (e.g. spaces  224 , or spaces  226 ). Consequently, the rotation of hub  202  may be prevented during the winding of cable  102  as teeth  222  abut the finger (or fingers) received in the interior of insert  216 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7A , according to another aspect of the present invention, any one of the hubs according to the present invention may be provided with retainers  228 . The primary purpose of retainers  228  is to retain cable  102  on hub  202  by preventing the lateral movement of the same beyond the ends of hub  202 . Thus, as illustrated by  FIG. 7A , each retainer  228  can be located at a respective end of a hub  202 .  FIG. 7B  (partly peeled away at a section  85 ) illustrates how cable  102  is retained between retainers  228  after it has been wound around a hub  202 , with four layers and two to three cable widths in each layer. 
     A retainer  228  can be a flat circular or oval disk  230  as illustrated by  FIG. 8A , or an arm  232  extending radially away from hub  202  as illustrated by  FIG. 8B . Note that, when arms  232  are used, more than one pair of spaced arms  232  may be arranged circumferentially around the outer surface of hub  202  as illustrated by  FIG. 8C . Note further that, as illustrated by  FIG. 8D , when a disk  230  is used as a retainer, the disk may be provided with openings  234  to resemble a wheel with spokes. Alternatively, wire or the like may be used to fabricate retainers. Such retainers may be particularly suitable for use with the embodiment shown by  FIGS. 5A-5D . 
     Retainers  228  (disks  230  and also arms  232 ) may be made from metals such as steel and welded directly to the exterior surface  206  of a hub  202 , or, alternatively, retainers  228  may be made from plastic and either glued directly to exterior surface  206  of a hub  202 , or coupled to the exterior surface of a plastic sleeve which receives a hub  202  in the interior thereof and is secured to said hub  202  by glue or the like adhesive. 
       FIG. 7B  shows cable  102  (rendered transparent for illustrative purposes) wound around a hub  202 . According to another aspect of the present invention, one of the retainers  228  (see right retainer) is provided with a protrusion  234  that extends toward to other retainer  228 . Protrusion  234  is preferably wider than the diameter of cable  102 . In order to prevent the wound cable from unraveling, cable  102  is tucked under protrusion  234  over a portion of one of the cable&#39;s windings. Naturally, because the length of the cable is known, protrusion  234  is located so that, upon proper winding, that portion of the cable  102  that is spaced close to (e.g. 1 cm or so) cable plug  110  is received under protrusion  234 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7C , instead of protrusion  234 , a cable clip  236  may be secured to a retainer and used to retain the end of cable  102  when it has been wound around hub  202 . Note that cable clip  236  includes two flexible leaf spring arms  237  each having one end integral with a spine portion  239  and another end free to move. Further note that preferably each arm includes a cradle portion shaped to receive cable  102 . Thus, arms  237  can be spread apart to receive cable  102  inside the cradle portions thereof, whereby the unraveling of cable  102  can be prevented. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7D , in another alternative embodiment, when, for example, a disk is used as a retainer, a notch  238  may be provided on one of the disk retainers  228  to receive the end of cable  102  as illustrated. Note that the open side of notch  238  is less wide than the diameter of cable  102 . Thus, when cable  102  is received in notch  238 , it cannot readily escape. Alternatively, a strap can be used to prevent the unraveling of the wound cable  102 . The strap, for example, can be extended between retainers  228  and over the wound cable  102 . One end of the strap may be secured to one retainer  228 , and the other end may be removably securable to the other retainer using snaps or the like in order to bridge over the wound cable and prevent the same from unwinding. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 8A , one of the retainers  228  in  FIG. 8A  may have a so-called Velcro® (hook and loop) circular strip applied to one side thereof with the facing separable side being covered with an outer adhesive material with a release sheet applied thereto. This Velcro® covering is indicated by reference numeral  83 . When a user purchases the product of the present invention, she or he may remove the release sheet and apply the adhesive to the top surface of his laptop. Thereafter, the hub  202  could be attached or detached from the computer through this hook and loop arrangement, allowing the one cable to always be attached to the computer, except when needed to secure the laptop computer. See also  FIG. 2H . 
     Note generally, that similar hubs and retainers may be affixed to the top of the computer by means of Velcro® to enable the cables of the mouse and the power cord to be wound on respective similar spools with the mouse itself and the power supply being similarly fixable to the top of the laptop. In a typical application, it would no longer be necessary to stow the mouse, the cable, the power cord or the security lock in a separate laptop case. All the typical accessories would be simply attached by Velcro® to the openable display of the laptop. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9A , according to another aspect of the present invention, spaced ridges  240  may be provided on exterior surface  206  of a hub  202 . Ridges  240  are preferably spaced laterally by a distance that is about equal to the diameter of cable  102 , whereby, when cable  102  is directly wound on exterior surface  206 , the lateral spacing of the windings of cable  102  that directly reside on hub  202  is proper. As a result, the subsequent winding should also become properly spaced and aligned. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9B , the exterior surface  206  of hub  202  may be convex according to another aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, retainers  228  may have convex surfaces facing one another. As a result, as cable  102  is wound around hub  202 , the number of windings that are lateral to one another can be increased relative to the number of windings residing directly on exterior surface  206  of hub  202 . For example, the number of lateral windings residing directly on surface  206  may be four, and the subsequent layer of lateral windings may be five and so on. Note that such an arrangement may reduce the number of layers of lateral windings and thus render the arrangement more compact. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10A , an arrangement according to the present invention is not restricted to circular or cylindrically shaped hubs. Rather, other shapes may be employed to realize the objectives of the present invention. Thus, as shown by  FIG. 10A , a flat metallic web  300  may be provided with a center opening  107  to serve the same function of receiving lock assembly  115  therein. Flat metallic web  300  may be made from a thick (e.g. 1-3 mm thick) sheet of steel or aluminum (preferably plastic-coated), and may include an anchor  204  coupled to a surface thereof by welding or any suitable method. As in the previous embodiments, anchor  204  receives an end of cable  204  and is oriented to align cable  102  in the proper winding direction around web  300 . Web  300  may be provided with retainers  228  which may be unitarily integrated arms that are spaced from one another and extend from opposite sides of web  300 . Note that one (or more) of the retainers may be provided with a protrusion  234 , serving the same function as the protrusion discussed above (see  FIG. 7B ). Note that retainers  228  and web  300  may be stamped out of a sheet of metal and thus constitute a unitary body. Further note that while opening  302  and H-shaped web  300  are generally rectangular in the embodiment shown by  FIG. 10A , the rectangular shape is provided as an example only. Further, one (or several) securing slot(s)  109  may be provided on a retainer arm  228  for the same reasons set forth above. Slot  109  may be positioned on web  300  in an alternative arrangement. 
     A second cable  102  having a lock assembly  110  at one end thereof can be coupled to this embodiment or the other embodiments using another anchor. A second cable  102  would allow for securing of portable object having a security slot  117  on the one hand, and the securing of a portable object without a securing slot  117  on the other hand using the slot  109  (in one of the retainer  228  as shown or in the web  300 ) as earlier described. 
     It should be noted that while the examples herein show several windings of a cable  102  arranged lateral to one another, a hub  202  can be devised that includes only one winding or two windings per layer without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Thus, the width W and height H of the web  300  are fully selectable to obtain the device product dimensions. 
     By eliminating a retraction mechanism, a hub arrangement having a commercially acceptable size may be realized, which would allow the use of thicker and stronger and more secure cables (e.g. diameters larger than 4 mm). 
     Furthermore, the ability to wind a cable around a hub advantageously allows the user to tether the cable to a chair or the like object first (as explained above), and wind a portion of the cable around the hub (i.e. take up a portion of its slack) before locking the locking arrangement to the portable object. 
     Furthermore, using a flat, web for a hub (e.g. embodiment of  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B) allows the user to select narrower regions for tethering cable  102 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , an arrangement according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes retainers  228  and a hub  202  similar to the embodiments described above (see, e.g.  FIG. 7A ). In this embodiment, hub  202  may be an oval cylindrical body with an exterior surface  202   a . Thus, the exterior surface  202   a  of hub  202  can provide the same external surface to accommodate the winding of a cable  102 , but with a narrower profile in one direction. The interior surface  202   b  of hub  202  may also be oval (or nearly oval with a medial rectangular section). According to one aspect of the present invention, at least one locking tab  1100  is disposed in the interior of hub  202 . Locking tab  1100  is preferably a web-shaped body (i.e. a flat body) that is integrated with hub  202  and extends from interior surface  202   b  of  202  into the interior of hub  202 . Locking tab  1100  includes a through-opening  1102  therein which is sized and shaped to receive a locking head such as a T-shaped latch  113  of a conventional lock assembly  110  as described above (see  FIG. 1A ). Note that hub  202  may be provided with two locking tabs  1100  as described without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Note further that the interior surface  202   b  of hub  202  and the exterior surface  202   a  of hub  202  are not coaxial. Consequently, the thickness of hub  202  varies as seen in  FIG. 11B . Thus, as illustrated by  FIG. 11B , hub  202  may be thicker at one side  1104  (see left side of hub) thereof. An anchoring blind hole  1106 , which extends from the exterior surface  202   a  of hub  202  into its thicker  1104  side may be provided to receive an end of a cable  102 . Once received in hole  1106 , the end of cable  102  may be secured to hub  202  by any appropriate means. For example, a pin or the like may be inserted through hub  202  via a pin hole  1108  into the end of cable  102  in order to secure the same to hub  202 . To align the lock assembly  110  (coupled to the other end of cable  102  as seen, for example, in  FIG. 1A ) and a latch/bar  113  thereof with a respective locking slot  1102  of a respective locking tab  1102 , one or both of the retainers  228  may be provided with a cut-away  1110  which extends into and is aligned with a groove  1112  in the body of hub  202 . Each cut-away  1110  and groove  1112  is wide enough to receive a portion of cable  102  therein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11C-11E , in which like numerals identify like features, optionally, laterally positioned guiding grooves  1114  may be formed on the exterior surface  202   a  of hub  202  in order laterally position each winding of cable  102  along exterior surface  202   a  as it is wound around hub  202 . In  FIG. 11E , note the optional dimensions of the hub and its retainers, including the length of 97 mm, width of 61 mm, the slot size of about 4×9 mm, thickness of 28 mm and cut-way of 5 mm for holding a similarly sized cable diameter. The slot size may measure 3×7 mm when used with a lock having a T-bar made to fit that slot size. 
       FIGS. 11G-11K , in which like numerals identify like features, disclose cross-sectional views (see specifically  FIGS. 11J and 11K ) that more clearly illustrate the features described above. Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, locking tabs  1100  are not directly opposite one another. Moreover, each tab  1100  is positioned a different distance from respective openings of hub  202 . That is, neither tab  1100  is equidistant from respective opposite openings of hub  202 . Note that in the preferred embodiment, each tab  1100  is spaced far enough from a respective opening of hub  202 , in order to provide enough space for receiving a lock assembly  110 , whereby, after cable  102  is wrapped around hub  202 , a lock assembly  110  which is coupled to the other end of a cable  102  received in hole  1106 , can be received in the interior of hub  202  as illustrated by  FIGS. 11L-11P . Thus, lock assembly  110  can be locked to a respective tab  1100  (e.g. by inserting the latch thereof in slot  1102  of tab  1100 ) in order to retain cable  102  in the wound condition around hub  202 . Actually, providing a single tab is preferred, to allow forming a larger lock threading path through the interior of the hub. Also, although not shown, additional slots may be formed in and through the walls of the retainers  228 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B, in which like numerals identify like features, an arrangement according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes at least one locking tab  1100  having a locking slot  1102  positioned at the peripheral edge of a respective retainer  228  and extending substantially parallel to the exterior surface  202   a  of hub  202 . Furthermore, one or both retainers  228  may be provided with notch  1200  in the body thereof which is sized to receive a cable  102  that is connected to hub  202  in the same manner described above. Note that in this embodiment, interior surface  202   b  and exterior surface  202   a  of hub  202  are coaxial, whereby hub  202  may include two opposite thickened sides  1104  as illustrated by  FIG. 12B . 
       FIGS. 12C-12F , in which like numerals identify like features, further illustrate the feature of the embodiment shown by  FIGS. 12A and 12B . As shown by  FIGS. 12D ,  12 E, a retainer  228  may include two locking tabs  1100  each on an opposite side of the retainer. 
       FIGS. 12G-12L , in which like numerals identify like features, show further illustrations of the features described above. In general, in the foregoing embodiments, one end of the cable is affixed to the hub and is preferably oriented to be wound onto the hub. The other dangling end of the cable, to which the lock is attached, is then positioned in the cut-out  1100  and the lock is pushed into the interior of the hub, and its T-bar locking elements is used to lock the lock to the slot in the tab. Thus, the lock and the cable are neatly stowed on and in the hub. This presents a neater product package that can be shipped to users, or which users can store in their briefcases, desk drawers and the like. Preferably the length of the cable is optimized to be neatly wound on the hub without any portion of the cable presenting an unseemly dangling appearance. 
     In use, the lock is first unlocked from the anchoring tab, unwound off the hub to a desired cable length, and then the lock is threaded through an armrest of a chair or the like and then passed through the center opening of the hub. The cable is then secured to a security slot in a computer, display or the like, in the manner well known in the art. 
     Alternatively, the free lock can be passed through the shoulder strap or the hands of a lady&#39;s handbag, or briefcase or the like, and then locked to the slot in the hub, to thus secure against theft items that do not have the standard 3×7 mm security slot. 
     In general, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 2A through 12L , one can discern a basic common structure comprising:
         a. a small lock with a T-bar protruding from one end, the lock being key or combination operated and the like;   b. an anchor assembly;   c. a cable extending between and connecting the lock to the anchor assembly; and   d. an opening passing through the anchor assembly, large enough to thread the lock through that opening to thereby enable the anchor assembly to be passed through a comparatively immovable or very heavy object and thus secure the anchor assembly to the immovable object, with the lock end being available so that its T-bar can be inserted into standardized, typically rectangular security slots provided as a standard feature in equipment such as in laptop or notebook computers and similar electronic devices.       

     Typically, the anchor structure is provided with one or more rectangular slots, whereby the T-bar of the lock can be looped back to the anchor structure and locked therein. This enables locking objects which do not have the built-in security slot, for example, a briefcase, clothing, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , according to another aspect of the present invention, a conventional lock/cable assembly (see  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B) can be provided with an accessory  1300 . Accessory  1300  may be a metallic web having a slot  117  for receiving the T-shaped latch  113  of a lock assembly (see  FIG. 1A ) and another through opening  1302  large enough to allow passage of lock assembly  110  therethrough. Accessory  1300  can be thus used to form a loop around an object  1304  by passing the lock assembly  1100  through opening  1302 , around object  1304 , and then lock assembly  1100  to slot  117 . As can be appreciated, accessory  1300  allows the size of the loop to be adjusted to accommodate loops around a variety of objects. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B and  14 D according to another aspect of the present invention, a locking tab  1400  that includes a slot  117  therein can be irremovably secured to the indicated position on cable  102  as illustrated, for example, about one foot away from the lock. Thus, cable  102  can loop around any object and then lock assembly can be locked to locking tab  1400  by passing T-shaped latch  113  thereof through slot  117  in tab  1400 . Here, the body of the locking tab is aligned lengthwise with the cable  102 , for easier stowage, or winding on the hub. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14C , tab  1400  may include an extension  1302  that extends from one side thereof. Extension  1402  is provided with a slot  117  for receiving a latch  113  of a conventional lock assembly (see  FIG. 1A ). Extension  1402  may be sized narrow enough, e.g., 4-5 mm in width (enough to form a 3×7 mm slot), to enter the openings  1406  at the end of zipper heads  1404 , e.g., of a lady&#39;s handbag (not shown). Thus, extension  1402  may be inserted into openings  1406  of two zipper heads, and then a lock assembly  110  can be locked to slot  117  of extension  1402  in a conventional manner, whereby the zipper heads can be locked in place. This embodiment allows locking the zipper of the handbag to secure the contents inside. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate an adapter plate  1500  which can be used to enlarge the size of a lock assembly having a larger and more robust latch. Plate  1500  is preferably a metallic body having two feet portions  1502  of opposite edges of a center web portion  1504 . Center web portion  1504  includes a slot  117 ′ which is larger than a conventional slot  117  for receiving a larger latch. Web portion  1504  further includes a pin hole  1506 . Adapter plate  1504  is also provided with two catch portions  1510 . Each catch portion  1510  is disposed at one side of pin hole  1506 , includes an enlarged head at its free end, and is capable of cantilever motion. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15C and 15D , in which like numerals identify like features, a lock assembly  110 ′ that includes a T-shaped latch  113 ′ that is larger than a conventional latch  113  capable of reception in a conventional  117  slot, as described above, can be provided with an expansion pin  1508 . 
     In use, feet portions  1502  of adapter plate  1500  abut a body  119  that includes a conventional slot  117 . Catch portions  11 , which extend further than feet portions  1502 , flex and enter slot  117  and the heads thereof pass therethrough as illustrated. When T-shaped latch  113 ′ of lock assembly  110 ′ enters slot  117 ′, expansion pin  1508  is received in hole  1506  between catches  1510 . As illustrated, expansion pin  1508  may be sized and shaped to press against the heads of catches  1510  in order to push the catches against the sidewalls of slot  117  to firmly secure adapter plate  1500  to body  119 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16A-16D , in which like numerals identify like features, in yet another embodiment, a box  1600  can be provided with features so that it may be locked by a conventional lock and cable assembly (see  FIG. 16D ). Specifically, box  1600  includes a locking tab  1602  which can be web-shaped (i.e. a flat) body having a slot  117  formed therein. Locking tab  1602  is connected to a top  1606  which is preferably hingedly coupled to a wall of a five-sided receptacle  1608 . Another wall  1610  of box  1600  may include a through hole  1612  which is positioned to register with slot  117  on tab  1602 . Thus, once top  1606  closes the opening in receptacle  1608 , slot  117  registers behind hole  1612  inside receptacle assembly  110  to tab  1602  through hole  1612  in the conventional manner. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16C , a lock and cable assembly can now be used to secure box  1600  to another object in the conventional manner. For example, as shown by  FIG. 16D , box  1600  can be locked and secured to another cable  102  (which is itself secured to the leg of a table) using a conventional lock and cable assembly. The advantage in  FIG. 16C  is that the same key is used to operate the locks that attach to the laptop computer as to the box  1600 . Sensitive papers, or computer media may be locked within the box during lunch breaks, etc. Computer media may be pushed into the box through the slot  1613  ( FIG. 16B ) while the box is locked. Of course, other valuables such as money, telephones and the like may be safeguarded therein. The cable to the box may be quite short—2-3 feet considering its use as part of a kit. The box may be 9 by 12 inches. Or the box may be sized to also serve as a carrying case for a laptop computer, with additional compartments to share accessories, e.g., power cables, etc., therein, and with a carrying handle. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17A-17C , in which like numerals identify like features, a kit is provided which includes a conventional lock and cable assembly useable with a locking plate  1702 . Locking plate  1702  includes a web  1700 , which is preferably a metallic body and a head portion  1704 . Head portion  1704  preferably forms a unitary integrated body with web portion  1700  and is located along one edge of web portion  1700 . Note that head portion  1700  is thicker than web portion  1700 . 
     It is known that a conventional laptop computer includes a monitor  1706  hingedly coupled to a keyboard/computer portion  1708 , whereby it can be opened and closed like a folder. Once in the open position, a gap exists between the monitor  1706  and keyboard  1708 . In one embodiment, plate portion  1700  is made thin enough to be received inside the gap between monitor  1706  and keyboard  1708 , while head portion  1704  is thicker so that it may not pass through the gap. Thus, as illustrated by  FIG. 17C , when plate portion is passed through the gap between monitor  1706  and keyboard  1708 , lock assembly  110  can be locked to plate  1700  by passing latch  113  through slot  117  in the conventional manner, whereby the laptop can be secured to another object  1800  by wrapping cable therearound (see  FIG. 1B  for an example of a way of securing a laptop to an object such as a chair). 
     Consequently, no slot need to provided on the casing of a laptop. If needed, the head portion may have an arcuate section  1703  to accommodate the cylindrical hinge or axis of the monitor. See  FIG. 17B . 
     One prevalently used industry standard for a slot  117  (see  FIG. 1B ) calls for a rectangular slot that is 3 mm×7 mm. Such a slot would naturally call for a latch  113  and holding pins  115  which when placed side by side can fit in the 3×7 mm slot. Consequently, a lock assembly  110  that can be locked to a standard 3 mm×7 mm is relatively small, and, therefore less robust and strong. Specifically, the stem portion of the T-shaped latch (about which the T head rotates) is relatively narrow (having a diameter less than about 2 mm) and, therefore, more susceptible to tampering and breaking. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, an adapter is used to allow for the use of a more robust lock assembly. Generally speaking, an adapter according to the present invention allows for the use of larger, and thus stronger latches—and latches shaped other than T-bars—whereby the lock assembly is rendered less susceptible to compromise due to tampering. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18A-18H , an adapter  1800  according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first block  1802  and a second block  1804 . Each block  1802 ,  1804  is preferably a solid metallic body having at one end thereof a catch arrangement  1806 . Each catch arrangement  1806  includes a catch portion  1808  having a hook shaped free end and an opposite end which is coupled to a respective block  1802 ,  1804  for cantilever type motion. In order to facilitate and increase the range of motion of each catch portion  1808 , each catch portion  1808  may be optionally coupled to a respective block via a cantilevered leaf spring  1810 . Each such cantilevered leaf spring  1810  may be formed by cutting around a portion of the top end of a respective block  1802 ,  1804 . To make use of adapter  1800 , first block  1802  and second block  1804  are coupled to one another such that catch portions  1808  thereof are arranged side-by-side as illustrated for example by  FIGS. 18D ,  19 E. Blocks  1802  and  1804  may be permanently coupled to one another by glue or the like. According to one aspect of the present invention, catch portions  1808  are shaped and sized so that they may be received inside a 3 mm by 7 mm slot  117  when blocks  1802 ,  1804  are coupled to one another. Thus, as illustrated by  FIG. 18H , when catch portions  1808  are inserted inside a conventional slot  117 , the hook-shaped free ends  1809  thereof abut the back of body  119  in which slot  117  is formed. Note that because catch portions  1808  are cantilevered, they flex so that the hook-shaped free ends  1809  thereof fit inside slot  117 . However, after hook-shaped free ends  1809  pass through slot  117 , catch portions  1808  return toward their natural positions, whereby hook-shaped free ends  1809  abut body  119  and adapter  1800  cannot be withdrawn, and the blocks naturally burrow deeper into the slot providing a tight and wiggle-free hold. 
     Note that according to as aspect of the present invention, while adapter  1800  is intended to be permanently anchored to body  119 , if necessary, blocks  1802  and  1804  may be separated from another with, for example, a screw driver. That is, the glue joint between blocks  1802  and  1804  provides an intentionally weaker area that can be broken in order to withdraw adapter  1800 . Note that such an action would destroy the adapter  1800 . Thus, adapter  1800  cannot be considered a reinstallable item once installed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18A ,  18 F, and  18 G, each block  1802 ,  1804  includes a cutaway  1803  on a side thereof. Thus, for example, each block  1802  includes a cutaway  1803  on a side opposite to catch arrangements  1806 . Each cutaway  1803  includes a narrow region  1805  which extends into a wider region  1807 . Thus, when blocks  1802  and  1804  are coupled to one another adapter  1800  will include a narrow channel  1811  leading into a wider chamber  1813 . Note that narrow channel  1811  allows for the entry of a T-shaped latch or the like body, while the wider chamber  1813  provides a wall against which the head of the T-shaped latch may be abutted to prevent the lock from being withdrawn. Note that according to the present invention, narrow channel  1811  is wider than a conventional 3 mm×7 mm slot, whereby a larger more robust latch may be used with adapter  1800 , for example, one that is sized to enter a slot of 5×9 mm. 
     Each block  1802 ,  1804  in an adapter  1800  may further include a recess  1815  along an edge thereof. Recesses  1815  are disposed opposite one another and channel  1811  is disposed between the recesses when blocks  1802 ,  1804  are coupled to another. Referring to  FIG. 18I , according to another aspect of the present invention, a lock assembly  110 ″ includes a T-shaped latch  113 ″ which includes a stem  1817  (the portion of the T-shaped latch that is rotatable about a central axis thereof) that is much thicker than the stem of a conventional latch  113 . For example, step  1817  may have a diameter that is 5 mm or more thick. Lock assembly  110 ″ may further include two walls  115 ″ positioned on respective sides of T-shaped latch  113 ″ opposite one another. In use, walls  115 ″ are received in recesses  1815  when T-shaped latch  113 ″ is inserted through channel  1811 , whereby axial rotation of lock assembly  110 ″ is prevented. Note that instead of walls  115 ″ pins may be used without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, instead of recesses  1815  along opposite edges of adapter  1800 , and open or blind holes may be provided on the adapter  1800  around channel  1811  for receiving the pins in order to prevent lock assembly  110 ″ from rotating. Note that it may not be necessary to use two pins. One pin or more than two pins may be used to prevent lock assembly  110 ″ from rotating without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18J , a sleeve  1817  may be used to further strengthen adapter  1800 . Sleeve  1817  is a body that includes an interior space  1819  defined by interior surfaces arranged to nearly correspond to the exterior surfaces of adapter  1800 . Thus, as can be seen in  FIG. 18J , the interior surfaces of sleeve  1817  defines a generally cubical space for receiving a generally cubical adapter  1800  as seen in  FIG. 18D . Sleeve  1817  includes an opening  1820  at one end that is large enough for the entry of an adapter  1800  into space  1819  and another opening  1821  that registers with channel  1811  so that a latch  113 ″ may be received inside adapter  1800  once it is inside sleeve  1817 . Note that sleeve  1817  may include recesses  1822  opposite one another which perform the same function as recesses  1815  of adapter  1800 . Opening  1821  is disposed between recesses  1822 . Preferably, lock assembly  110 ″ is large enough so that, once latch  113 ″ is received in adapter  1800 , opening  1821  is completely covered and rendered inaccessible, whereby the arrangement is rendered less susceptible to tampering. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19A , a clamp can be used in combination with a lock and cable assembly in order to provide further security to a portable object such as a laptop. Specifically, a clamp  1900  according to the present invention may include two clamping plates  1902  and the body  1904  which extends from one edge of a clamping plate  1902  to an edge of another clamping plate  1902 . Tie body  1904  can clamping plates  1902  are integrated with another and preferably form a unitary body. Note that while the body  1904  extends between the two clamping bodies  1902 , each clamping body  1902  includes a free end. Thus, when a laptop  1906  or the like is in a closed state, clamp  1900  can be slid over laptop  1906 . According to an aspect of the present invention tie body  1904  includes an opening  1908  therein. In use, opening  1908  is registered with a slot  117  in the casing of laptop  1906 . Thus, when a lock assembly  110  is locked to slot  117  in the conventional manner clamp  1900  is rendered immovable, whereby clamp  1900  with prevent the laptop  1906  from being opened. It should be noted that opening  1908  is smaller than the lock assembly  110  in order to prevent clamp  1900  from being removed once the lock assembly  110  is locked to laptop  1906 . Note further that a clamp  1900  according to the present invention can be used with an adapter or without an adapter. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19B , in which like numerals identify like features, opening  1908  is not formed in the body  1904 . Rather, an extension plate  1909  which is integrated with the body  1904  extends from an edge thereof to a lock plate  1920  in which opening  1908  is formed. Note that in the embodiment shown extension  1909  goes around the corner of laptop  1906 . Further note that, in use, extension  1909  can be arranged to cover a CDROM/DVD receptacle to restart access to the same to secure the content therein. 
     Note that the opening  1908  may be sized and shaped to fit and hold onto the adapter  1800 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20 ,  20 A,  20 B,  20 C and  20 D, the differently configured adapter  2002  of this embodiment is comprised of two joinable blocks  2002   a  and  2002   b , each having its respective slot grasping, L-shaped pin  2004   a ,  2004   b . The cross sectional size of the stem of each pin is about 3×3.5 mm, so that when the two blocks are joined, the adjacently placed pins fill and tightly grasp the conventional security slot, measuring 3 by 7 millimeters. See  FIGS. 20A and 20B . The horizontally extending portion of each L-shaped pin is capable of being inserted into the slot by bending each block so that it touches the wall of the device being secured at its respective tapered portion  2006   a ,  2006   b . See  FIGS. 20A and 20B . 
     In effect, the pins are rotated into slot, the shape of the pins being such that they tend to burrow deep and tightly grasp the security slot. When the bodies of the blocks become aligned after their pins have been inserted into the slot, they snap together owing to the beads  2012   a,b  snapping into the detents  2010   a,b , as best seen in  FIG. 20C . To ensure that the two blocks will remain registered with each other, their facing surfaces are covered with an adhesive (normally covered during shipping) which when exposed causes the blocks to become permanently joined. Alternatively (or additionally), the two blocks may be covered by the aforementioned sleeve which is of course shaped to the dimensions and shapes of the blocks  2002   a  and  2002   b . Further, pins or screws  2026  may be inserted to hold blocks. To remove the adapter (assuming some need arises to do so), the adhesive or pins may be broken by a screwdriver being wedged between the blocks. 
     Carved into each of these blocks is one half of a blind hole/slot  2008   a  and  2008   b , which together define a slot of say 5×9 mm, which allows insertion of a much sturdier T-bar locking member. Also, rather than having to insert anti-rotation pins into the security slot proper, the lock  2014  ( FIG. 21 ) having the T-bar  2016  with a stem  2018  of 5 mm diameter and a wing span of 9 mm, may be provided with anti-rotation, juxtaposed walls  2020   a  and  2020   b  which are positioned to the sides of the T-bar locking member and spaced at a distance such that they tightly hold the side walls of the adapter  2002  as shown in  FIG. 23 . Instead of as shown, these walls may be provided above and below the locking member, to aid in holding the blocks together and to prevent tampering. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the lock  2014   a  is designed to have a triangular platform  2022   a  shaped to penetrate a triangular opening formed in the adapter  2002 , and to also include a rotatable triangular block  2022   b  on the platform. When the locking member  2022   b  is turned 90 degrees it defines a star-of-David shape and becomes locked in the adapter  2002 . The embodiments thus described provide a permanent replacement for the standard 3×7 mm slot the adapter being designed to be removed only by breaking the connection between the blocks  2002   a  and  2002   b.    
     As described above, it is desired that the adapter  2002  have a very small footprint and that it be permanently installed in the standard 3×7 mm slot to provide either a larger slot, or a differently shaped slot that is capable of accommodating a sturdier locking member. Further, the adapter  2002  is suited for supporting various brackets which can be utilized to close shut a laptop computer so that, for example during lunch hour, nobody can come over to the computer and operate it to gain access to confidential information. As noted several times, it is important that the adapter have a very small footprint when inserted into a laptop or other type of small equipment. Preferably, therefore, the length and width of the adapter along the sides shown in  FIG. 20C  should be on the order of about 15×20 mm. Its thickness, marked with the letter “t” in  FIG. 20B , should be on the order of 8 to 10 mm. With this dimension, the adapter has a footprint and profile not much different than that of the lock  2014 . Also, it is within the realm of the present disclosure that the pins  2004   a ,  2004   b  might be provided with a leading sharp tapering edge at the leading end thereof, and made of very resilient material, whereby the block  2000   a  and  2000   b  might be preassembled and the assembled block  2002  be simply pushed hard against the standard 3×7 mm security slot, until the adapter snaps into place and holds tightly to the security slot. The adapter may be made of very hard plastic, instead of a metal. 
     With the lock embodiment of  FIGS. 21 and 22 , it is not necessary to have pins that need to be inserted into the security slot on the adapter. The sidewalls  2020  are more suited to quickly align the lock with the slot. Indeed, although two sidewalls  2020  are shown, four of them may be provided and these walls may be made to totally surround the adapter, to prevent tampering with the adapter. 
     Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.