Patent Publication Number: US-2007119219-A1

Title: Computer lock and corresponding security hole pattern

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/710,438, filed Aug. 22, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      The present invention relates to computer locks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a computer lock configured for use with a corresponding security hole pattern. As computers and computer-related products have become more and more popular, the issue of protecting these products from tampering and theft has become more and more important. What is needed in the art is a computer lock that is strong, secure and easy to use.  
     SUMMARY  
      The present invention is a useful, novel, and unobvious computer lock which is stronger and more user friendly than current computer locks. The computer lock is configured for use with a corresponding security hole pattern.  
      In one aspect of the present invention, a computer lock is provided comprising: a lock body having a front end, a back end opposite the front end, a first side adjacent to the back end, a second side opposite the first side and adjacent to the back end, a top portion, and a bottom portion opposite the top portion; a top hook disposed on the top portion between the first side and the second side, the top hook protruding outward from the back end; a bottom hook disposed on the bottom portion between the first side and the second side, the bottom hook protruding outward from the back end; a post disposed in between the top hook and the bottom hook and between the first side and the second side, the post configured to protrude outward from the back end either in a fixed position or in an adjustable position; and an opening disposed in between the top hook and the bottom hook and extending from the back end towards the front end, the opening having a security cable slot and a cable trap formed therein, wherein the security cable slot is configured to receive and anchor a security cable having an elongated body and an end that is greater in diameter than the elongated body, and the cable trap is configured to receive cables and trap the cables in between the front end and a surface to which the back end is secured.  
      In another aspect of the present invention, a security hole pattern for a computer chassis is provided comprising: a top slot disposed on the computer chassis, the top slot configured to receive and support a top hook; a hole disposed on the computer chassis in a position below the top slot, the hole configured to receive and support a post; and a bottom slot disposed on the computer chassis in a position below the hole, the bottom slot configured to receive and support a bottom hook, wherein the top slot, the hole and the bottom slot all comprise substantially the same horizontal position on the computer chassis. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view illustrating the structure and operation of an exemplary computer lock and security hole pattern according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 1B  is a side view illustrating the structure and operation of an exemplary computer lock according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 1C  is a back perspective view illustrating the structure and operation of an exemplary computer lock according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a computer chassis having an exemplary security hole pattern according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 3A  is another side view illustrating the structure and measurements of an exemplary computer lock according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 3B  is a front view of illustrating the structure and measurements of an exemplary computer lock according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 4A  is a side view illustrating the structure and operation of a second embodiment of an exemplary computer lock according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 4B  is a back perspective view illustrating the structure and operation of the second embodiment of an exemplary computer lock according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 4C  is a front perspective view illustrating the structure and operation of the second embodiment of an exemplary computer lock according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view illustrating the structure and operation of a third embodiment of an exemplary computer lock and security hole pattern according to the present invention; and  
       FIG. 5B  is a back perspective view illustrating the structure and operation of the third embodiment of an exemplary computer lock according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.  
      The present invention is a device for locking a computer chassis closed in order to protect the computer&#39;s internal components against theft, while also anchoring the entire computer system (including peripheral devices, such as a mouse and keyboard, against theft.  
       FIGS. 1A-5B  illustrate exemplary embodiments of the computer lock and corresponding security hole pattern of the present invention, with like components being numbered alike.  
       FIGS. 1A-1C  and  3 A- 3 B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of computer lock  2  and the security hole pattern of the present invention. Computer lock  2  comprises a body, preferably made out of metal, having top hook  4 , center post  14 , and bottom hook  5 . The two hooks  4  and  5  fit into two specially located and sized corresponding slots, top slot  8  and bottom slot  9 , that are built into computer chassis  10 . Center post  14  fits into a specially located and sized corresponding hole  12  that is built into computer chassis  10 , thereby preventing computer lock  2  from being improperly removed.  
      The body of lock  2  comprises a top portion  32 , a bottom portion  34  opposite top portion  32 , a front end  24 , and a back end  26  opposite front end  24 . Lock  2  also comprises first side  28 , which is adjacent and runs substantially perpendicular to front end  24  and back end  26 , and second side  30  opposite first side  28 . Second side  30  also is adjacent and runs substantially perpendicular to front end  24  and back end  26 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, both top hook  4  and bottom hook  5  protrude outwards from back end  26 , with top hook  4  being disposed on top portion  32  and bottom hook  5  being disposed on bottom portion  34 . Preferably, hooks  4  and  5  are positioned at a location about halfway in between first side  28  and second side  30 . While  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  3 A- 3 B show top hook  4  and bottom hook  5  being substantially L-shaped, it is contemplated that top hook  4  and bottom hook  5  may comprise any hook-shape that is curved or bent back at an angle such that it can catch hold of another structure, such as chassis  10 . However, the end of top hook  4  and bottom hook  5  preferably comprise a member that extends downward away from top portion  32 . In a preferred embodiment, hooks  4  and  5  are both disposed in a fixed position and orientation on back end  26 . Additionally, back end  26  preferably only comprises two hooks and is substantially planar with the exception of the two protruding hooks.  
      Computer lock  2  also comprises lock cylinder  6  positioned in between top hook  4  and bottom hook  5 . In a preferred embodiment, lock cylinder  6  is disposed on the lower half of lock  2  proximate bottom portion  34 . When engaged (locked), such as by a key or any other means known in the art, lock cylinder  6  engages hole  12  that is specially located and sized between slots  8  and  9  on chassis  10 . In operation, hooks  4  and  5  are placed into corresponding slots  8  and  9  so that they are hanging on chassis  10 . When locked into place, back end  26  of lock  2  is preferably positioned right next to chassis  10  so that the body of lock  2  protects hooks  4  and  5  against prying and other attacks using various tools. In this fashion, the lock&#39;s body serves to house the hooks against damage when the device is locked into computer chassis  10 . Locking lock cylinder  6  causes center post  14  to emerge from lock cylinder  6  through back end  26  and engage hole  12 , thereby locking hooks  4  and  5  into a position so that they can not be removed or otherwise disengaged from chassis slots  8  and  9 .  
      Lock cylinder  6  may be any locking cylinder known in the art that is configured to have center post  14  emerge from back end  26  when activated from front end  24  and have center post  14  lock into position until unlocked by a key or key-like mechanism. Center post  14  is preferably a movable, spring-loaded pin that extends from back end  24  when engaged. In a preferred embodiment, center post  14  may be activated by the user simply pushing against lock cylinder  6  from front end  24 . Lock cylinder  6  may comprise locking pin  15 , shown in  FIG. 3A , for locking center post  14  in place. In one embodiment, lock  2  comprises key slot  22  configured to receive key  36 , and thereby enable the unlocking of lock cylinder  6  and disengagement of center post  14  from hole  12 . While center post  14  is shown as being substantially cylindrical in shape, it is contemplated that center post  14  may comprise any size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of hole  12  on chassis  10 . In the same spirit, while hole  12  is shown as being substantially circular in shape, it is contemplated that hole  12  may comprise any size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of center post  14 . For example, center post  14  and hole  12  may be configured in shapes including, but not limited to, rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, and the like.  
      Computer lock  2  also includes a security cable slot or channel  16  for attaching a security cable  18 . Security cable  18  comprises an elongated body that terminates in cable end  19  that is larger in diameter than the elongated body of security cable  18 . Lock  2  comprises an opening that is disposed between top hook  4  and bottom hook  5 , preferably near top portion  32  and above lock cylinder  6 . This opening extends from back end  26  to front end  24  and comprises a section proximate front end  24  that is smaller in diameter than cable end  19 , thereby allowing the body of security cable  18  to pass through the body of lock  2  from back end  26  to front end  24 , yet blocking cable end  19 . Security cable slot  16  represents a portion of this opening that is larger in diameter than the rest of the opening and sized to receive cable end  19 . In a preferred embodiment, slot  16  is a channel that has a diameter that is at least slightly greater than the diameter of cable end  19 . Security cable slot  16  preferably is disposed between first side  28  and second side  30  and extends from back end  26  to a location preceding front end  24 . Slot  16  does not extend all the way to front end  24 . In this fashion, cable end  19  may travel through slot  16  from back end  26  to front end  24 , but is blocked from exiting the body of lock  2  by the termination of slot  16  before front end  24  and the decreased size in diameter of the opening at first side  2  and second side  30 . Security cable  18  may first be wrapped around or otherwise anchored to a piece of furniture, such as a desk, then attached to lock  2  as described above so that the computer is anchored against theft.  
      On second side  30 , the opening extends all the way from back end  26  to front end  24 , thereby allowing the security cable  18  to be placed through second side  30  and pulled towards front end through slot  16 . The configuration of this opening also allows security cable  18  to be rotated or pivoted about lock  2  from front end  24  towards back end  26 , only being blocked by the computer chassis to which lock  2  is attached. In this fashion, the opening allows for a rotation of about 90 degrees from front end  24  to back end  26 . In addition to allowing for easier access to the lock cylinder key slot  22 , this pivoting ability provides more options when space restrictions are limited behind the computer unit. Specifically, this allowance for rotation makes it possible for security cable  18  to point directly out from front end  24  or from either first side  28  or second side  30  of lock  2 .  
      On first side  28 , the opening extends from back end  26  to a location preceding front end  24 . In a preferred embodiment, the opening on first side  28  extends from back end  26  to about halfway between back end  26  and front end  24 . This opening on lock  2  provides a cable trap  20 , which protects peripheral devices (such as mouse and keyboard) against theft. Cable trap  20  is a specifically sized tunnel that runs from first side  28  to second side  30 , allowing for peripheral cables (such as the wire of a mouse or keyboard) to be placed through it. When lock  2  is locked onto computer chassis  10 , cable trap  20  serves to trap the peripheral cables between lock  2  and chassis  10  so that they cannot be removed. For example, the user can slide security cable  18  into security cable slot  16  in a direction away from back end  26 . The user may then place any peripheral cables in cable trap  20 , running them substantially perpendicular to the direction of security cable  18 . Lock  2  would then be placed and locked onto the chassis  10 , thereby securing security cable  18  and the peripheral cables.  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 , the corresponding security hole pattern of the present invention is illustrated as a series of specifically defined holes and slots used for the attachment of a security lock to a computer chassis  10 : The purpose of the security hole pattern is to provide an attachment mechanism that allows a defined security lock to protect a computer, or other equipment bearing the security hole pattern, against theft or tampering. As discussed above, the security hole pattern comprises top slot  8 , bottom slot  9  and central hole  12  configured to receive top hook  4 , bottom hook  4  and center post  14  respectively. Preferably, top slot  8 , bottom slot  9  and hole  12  are aligned in the same horizontal position on chassis  10 , and top hook  4 , bottom hook  5  and center post  14  are similarly aligned in the same horizontal position on lock  2 . Hole  12  is disposed in between top slot  8  and bottom slot  9 , preferably at a location closer to bottom slot  9 .  
      Slots  8  and  9  have a width W S  and a height H s . In a preferred embodiment, W s  is approximately 3+/−0.2 millimeters, while H s , is approximately 7 +/−0.2 millimeters. Hole  12  is approximately 5.5 millimeters in diameter and its center is spaced a distance D TOP  away from the center of top slot  8  and a distance D BOTTOM  away from bottom slot  9 . D TOP  is approximately 25 millimeters, while D BOTTOM  is approximately 9 millimeters. These dimensions represent one embodiment of the present invention. It is contemplated that a variety of other measurements may be used as well. Preferably, any adjustments will be made proportional to the dimensions provided.  
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  provide alternate views of computer lock  2 . Lock  2  comprises a height H L  extending from the end of top portion  32  to the end of bottom portion  34 , an upper lock width W UL , extending from first side  28  to second side  30  at top portion  32 , and a bottom lock width W BL , extending from first side  28  to second side  30  at bottom portion  34 . In a preferred embodiment, H L  is approximately 41 millimeters, W UL  is approximately 20 millimeters, and W BL  is approximately 15 millimeters. Computer lock  2  also comprises a lock cylinder distance D L , extending from the end of bottom portion  34  to the center of lock cylinder  6 . In a preferred embodiment, D L  is approximately 16 millimeters. Lock  2  also comprises hook distance D H , extending from back end  26  to the bend in hooks  4  and  5 , and hook length L H , representing the outer length of hooks  4  and  5 . The inner length of hooks  4  and  5 , which is the portion that extends down into corresponding slots  8  and  9 , is preferably about half the size of L H . In a preferred embodiment, D H  is approximately 2.8 millimeters and L H  is approximately 7 millimeters. These dimensions represent one embodiment of the present invention. It is contemplated that a variety of other measurements may be used as well. Preferably, any adjustments will be made proportional to the dimensions provided.  
      The present invention provides many advantages. The specific dimensions and locations of the two hooks and center locking cylinder allow for a very low-profile, compact body, while still accommodating a security cable slot and cable trap. Other locks are either much larger in size or fail to protect peripheral devices against theft. Additionally, the two hooks are positioned on the back end of the lock in such a way that once locked into a computer&#39;s chassis, the hooks are protected against prying and other attacks using various tools. In this fashion, the computer lock&#39;s body serves to house the hooks against damage when the computer lock is locked into a computer chassis. Furthermore, the simple hook, slide and push-button operation of the computer lock makes it considerably more intuitive and user-friendly than other locks. No key and very little manipulation is required in order to lock anchor the computer chassis to a secure object using the lock of the present invention. Moreover, the present invention uses three metal parts, the two hooks and the post of the lock cylinder to lock into a computer&#39;s chassis. Similar computer security devices have only one or two such parts. Therefore, the present invention is stronger than these other devices  
       FIGS. 4A-5C  illustrate alternative embodiments of the computer lock of the present invention, wherein the center post is fixed and one of the two hooks rotates. In these alternative embodiments, a lock cylinder  38  is physically and operationally connected to rotating hook  7 , thereby controlling its rotation. Similar to hooks  4  and  5 , rotating hook  7  may comprise any hook-shape that is curved or bent back at an angle such that it can catch hold of another structure, such as chassis  10 . Such shapes may include the substantially L-shaped design previously discussed. However, in a preferred embodiment, rotating hook  7  is configured in the shape of a T-bar.  
      Unlike center post  14  of computer lock  2 , center post  14  of locks  40  and  42  in  FIGS. 4A-5B  is not operated by a lock cylinder. Instead, in these alternative embodiments, center post  14  maintains a fixed position. Only rotating hook  7  may be adjusted. Lock cylinder  38  is configured to rotate rotating hook  7  from a position capable of entering the corresponding slot on chassis  10  to a position incapable of exiting the corresponding slot upon the use of key  36  or some other suitable means for controlling lock cylinder  38 . In a preferred embodiment, lock cylinder  38  is configured to rotate rotating hook  7  approximately 90 degrees about the lengthwise axis of lock cylinder  38 . However, it is contemplated that the degree of rotation employed may vary.  
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate computer lock  40  having rotating hook  7  as the top hook and a fixed bottom hook  5 . In this configuration, bottom hook  5  is first placed at an angle in bottom slot  9  so that it is resting on the bottom shelf of bottom slot  9  and top portion  32  of lock  40  is angled away from chassis  10 . Top portion  32  is then brought towards chassis  10 , with center post  14  entering hole  12  and rotating hook  7  finally entering top slot  8 . Key  36  may then be used to engage lock cylinder  38  and turn rotating hook  7  to a position where it rests next to the interior wall of chassis  10  (not shown), thereby preventing computer lock  40  from being pulled away from chassis  10 . In order to detach lock  40  from chassis  10 , key  36  may be used to engage lock cylinder  38  and turn rotating hook  7  back to its original position capable of passing through top slot  8 . Top portion  32  may then be pulled away from chassis  10 , with rotating hook exiting top slot  8  and center post  14  exiting hole  12 . Finally, lock  40  may be lifted up so that bottom hook  5  no longer rests on the bottom shelf of bottom slot  9  and is capable of exiting bottom slot  9 .  
       FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate computer lock  42  having rotating hook  7  as the bottom hook and a fixed top hook  4 . In this configuration, top hook  4  is first placed at an angle in top slot  8  so that it is resting on the bottom shelf of top slot  8  and bottom portion  34  of lock  42  is angled away from chassis  10 . Bottom portion  34  is then brought towards chassis  10 , with center post  14  entering hole  12  and rotating hook  7  finally entering bottom slot  9 . Key  36  may then be used to engage lock cylinder  38  and turn rotating hook  7  to a position where it rests next to the interior wall of chassis  10  (not shown), thereby preventing computer lock  42  from being pulled away from chassis  10 . In order to detach lock  42  from chassis  10 , key  36  may be used to engage lock cylinder  38  and turn rotating hook  7  back to its original position capable of passing through bottom slot  9 . Bottom portion  34  may then be pulled away from chassis  10 , with rotating hook exiting bottom slot  9  and center post  14  exiting hole  12 . Finally, lock  42  may be lifted up so that top hook  4  no longer rests on the bottom shelf of top slot  8  and is capable of exiting top slot  8 .  
      The present invention may be applied to any type of computer, whether it be a desktop or laptop. In fact, it is contemplated that the present invention may be applied to any product, computer or non-computer related, that comprises a surface capable of supporting the security hole pattern disclosed herein.  
      While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.