Patent Publication Number: US-6216499-B1

Title: Laptop computer security device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to security devices for preventing theft of laptop or notebook type portable computers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The vast majority of theft involving laptop or notebook type computers results from leaving such systems unattended on a desktop. It takes only seconds to close a display, if opened, remove any peripheral connections and other cabling, and walk away with the computer. Due to their relatively small size, they can easily be concealed in a briefcase or under a coat. However, due to their popularity, it is not uncommon to see people walking with these computers underarm. Accordingly, a thief typically encounters no difficulty in leaving even fairly secure buildings with a stolen portable computer. 
     Much of this theft can be avoided simply by employing a visible security device which presents a time consuming task for its defeat and increases the deterrent effect. 
     Many of the security devices employed presently involve various arrangements of cables and locks. Some require modification of the computer system while others have cable lock ports built in. A variety of such devices are known for releasably securing the equipment to substantially immovable surfaces. Such surfaces may, for example, comprise the desk or table top, the floor, the side panel of a desk or cabinet, a wall surface or similar surfaces. The prior art is replete with devices which are affixed to the computer in one way or another and to which an anchored cable is then secured. Such devices provide little real protection other than as a simple deterrent since the cable can readily be severed with a pair of bolt or wire cutters, for example. Many of these devices also require a significant amount of time to engage and disengage the computer. Accordingly, even where available, users are reluctant to take the time to lock up the system when they leave their desk, workstation and/or office, even if only for a brief moment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a security device for such laptop- or notebook-type portable computers which is adapted to quickly engage and disengage the computer and to provide a minimum if inconvenience with respect to the task of locking and unlocking the computer. In general, the device functions to trap the computer against the surface on which the computer rests. When not in use, the device may be moved substantially out of the way so as to minimize obstruction of the surface on which the device is employed. The device presents an evident and significant physical challenge for its defeat 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a security device for securing to a surface a portable computer having a deck and a display pivotably connected thereto, the security device comprising: 
     retaining means comprising front and rear retaining members spaced-apart by a pair of lateral retaining members, the front, rear and lateral retaining members forming an enclosure with respect to front, rear and lateral directions, the display being insertable through the enclosure; 
     positioning means for moving the retaining means from a first position where the retaining means is out of engagement with the display to a second position where the retaining means encloses the display when the computer is resting on the surface, and where the retaining means is positioned in a predetermined orientation above the surface whereby the spatial relationship of the front retaining member with respect to the rear retaining member and the front retaining member with respect to the surface being such that the display, and thereby the portable computer, is incapable of being withdrawn from the retaining means; 
     mounting mews for mounting the positioning means to the surface; and 
     locking means for locking the retaining means in the second position 
     In one embodiment the mounting means comprises an outer cylinder and the positioning means comprises: 
     an inner cylinder positioned coaxially within the outer cylinder and being rotatable therein, the inner cylinder being longer than the outer cylinder so that first and second ends of the inner cylinder extend outside the outer cylinder; and 
     a pair of support arms extending from the first and second ends of the inner cylinder and being rigidly attached to the retaining means. 
     Preferably, the outer cylinder is fastened to the surface by a pair of fasteners whose unfastening elements are contained within the inner cylinder, the outer cylinder having a pair of holes through which the unfastening elements are accessible, and the inner cylinder has a pair of circumferentially-disposed slots through which the fibers extend, the inner cylinder having portions diametrically opposed to the slots, whereby when the retaining means is in the first position, the slots are in registration with the holes in the outer cylinder to permit access to the unfastening elements and when the retaining means is in the second position, the portions of inner cylinder underlie the holes to prevent access to the unfastening elements. 
     In a second embodiment, the mounting means comprises a base and the positioning means comprises a housing pivotally connected to the base and a supporting member rigidly affixed to the retaining means which extends from the housing. The lock means is operable to lock said housing to said base to thereby enclose a space. Preferably, the mounting means is secured to the surface by a plurality of first fasteners whose fastening elements are disposed relative to the base such that when the housing is locked onto the base, the unfastening elements are inaccessibly contained within said space. 
     The device is fabricated from finished high strength steel and utilizes other high strength components so as present an apparent time consuming task for its defeat. The device is easy to use, is relatively unobtrusive, and readily moves into and out of locking engagement with the laptop. The device need not be engaged at all times (i.e. while the computer is in use) due to its quick and automatic locking operation When unlocked, the device conveniently pivots out of the way, thereby permitting use of the work surface for other purposes, i.e. handwriting. However, when the user must leave the system unattended, it is a simple operation to engage the device upon leaving and disengage the system when returning. 
     The invention also provides for mounting the security device to a mini-table which is sized so as to be unable to be concealed easily under garments, coats, etc., or to fit within most briefcases or the like, thereby foiling the snatch, grab and hide techniques of most laptop thieves. 
     These and other objects and advantages of thee present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein: dr 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in its locked and closed position; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laptop computer security apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in its unlocked and open position; 
     FIG. 3 a  is a plan view and FIG. 3 b  is a side elevational view of the security device shown in its locked and closed position; 
     FIG. 4 a  is a plan view and FIG. 4 b  is a side elevational view of the security device shown in its unlocked and open position; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the security device; 
     FIG. 6 a  is a front elevational view shown in cross-section along the lines VI a —VI a  of FIG. 3 a  and enlarged in scales compared with FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 b  is a side elevational view shown in cross-section along the lines VI b —VI b  of FIG. 3 a  and enlarged in scale as compared with FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 7 a  is a front elevational view shown in cross-section along the lines VII a —VII a  of FIG. 4 a  and enlarged in scale as compared with FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 7 b  is a side elevational view shown in cross-section along the lines VII b —VII b  of FIG. 4 a  and enlarged in scale as compared with FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 8 a  is a side elevational view of the security device in its locked position in association with a laptop computer; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but with the laptop computer secured in place; 
     FIGS. 10 a - 10   d  are side elevations illustrating the manner in which a laptop computer can be secured with the preferred embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the computer security apparatus of the present invention in its closed and locked position without the laptop computer; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the computer security apparatus shown in FIG. 11, in its open and unlocked position; 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view of the computer security apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 14 is a plan view of the computer security apparatus as shown in FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the computer security apparatus of FIG. 11 bolted to a desktop showing the housing and desktop in cross-section as seen along lines XV—XV of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the computer security apparatus as shown in FIG. 12 bolted to a desktop showing the base and desktop in cross-section as seen along lines XVI—XVI of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 17 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 11, but with the laptop computer secured in place; 
     FIGS. 18 to  21  are side elevations illustrating the manner in which a laptop computer can be secured with the FIGS. 11 through 17 embodiment of the invention; 
     FIGS. 22 to  27  are various views illustrating another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of this embodiment shown in its locked position; 
     FIG. 23 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22; 
     FIG. 24 is a side elevational and cross-sectional view as seen along lines XXIV—XXIV of FIG. 25 showing this embodiment in its unlocked position; 
     FIG. 25 is a plan view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 26 is a bottom view of this embodiment; 
     FIG. 27 a side elevational view showing this embodiment in its inclined position; and 
     FIGS. 28 and 29 are plan views of the invention showing alternate retaining members. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1,  3   a  and  3   b  illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention denoted generally with reference numeral  10  and shown in its locked position. FIGS. 2,  4   a  and  4   b  show the security device  10  in its unlocked/open position. In general, the device  10  provides a retainer  12  through which the LCD display panel of a laptop computer or similar device is positionable such that when the security device  10  is in it locked position, the computer cannot be removed without at least damaging the display. The retainer  12  itself acts as an enclosure for the display. When the word “enclosure” is used in this application with respect to the function of the retainer, it means that the retainer provides a barrier at the front, sides and rear of the display sufficiently so as to prevent the display from being removed from the retainer in respective frontward, sideward (or lateral) and rearward directions. The retainer  12  is movable into and out of its operative position by way of a support  14  which is attached via a rotating or pivoting mechanism to mounting structure  16 . The mounting structure  16  is rigidly attached to a base or mini-table  18  which provides a surface  20  on which the computer rests. The mounting structure  16  could be attached directly to a substantially immovable s such as a desk top, however, this would require drilling holes or otherwise altering the desk which may not be desirable. The table  18  is sufficiently small such that it can easily rest on most desktops yet is also sufficiently large so as not to be able to be easily concealed under clothing or to be fitted within most briefcases. While the size of the mini-table  18  and the appearance of the security device securing the laptop computer thereto should act as a sufficient deterrent for the majority of potential snatch-and-grab theft situations, for added security, a cable attachment hole  22  may be provided in the mini-table  18  to which a locking cable can be secured, if desired. The table  18  may be made from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, wood, or composite and finished as appropriate for the material and the purpose for which it will be used. Rubber or felt foot pads  24  can be provided on the bottom  26  of the table  18  (see FIG. 5) to prevent damage to the desktop or other surface on which the table  18  might rest. 
     The mounting structure  16  consists generally an outer cylinder  30  which is rigidly attachable to table  18 . An inner cylinder  28 , which is longer than the outer cylinder  30 , is closely fitted but sized so as to be rotatable within the outer cylinder  30  and has first and second ends  28   a,   28   b  to which are each attached one of a pair of arms  32  that form part of support  14 . Thus, the support  14  and, hence, the retainer  12  can be moved or pivoted from the open and unlocked position shown in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  to the closed and locked position shown in FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b.  Preferably, the inner and outer cylinders  28 , 30  are made from high strength steel tubing. 
     Details of the relationship between the inner and outer cylinders and the manner by which the outer cylinder is attached to the table  18  are shown in FIGS. 6 a,    6   b,    7   a  and  7   b.  It is important that the attachment be substantially capable of avoiding ready detachment by a would-be-thief. Depending on the materials used, the attachment can be permanent such as by welding. Preferably, however, the attachment is by means of fasteners whose unfastening elements are inaccessible when the security device  10  is in its locked position. As shown in FIGS. 6 a,    6   b,    7   a  and  7   b,  the fasteners are preferably carriage bolts  34 , which have smooth, rounded heads  36  with no means evident (such as screwdriver slots) for their unfastening, and associated nuts  38 . 
     Outer cylinder  30  has two spaced-apart pairs of parallel, transverse round holes  40  provided therein. A deadbolt hole  41  is provided in axial alignment with the lower two holes  40 . Due to the instability around cylinder has when in contact with a flat surface, mounting structure  16  also includes a C-channel on which the outer cylinder  30  can be stably supported. The outer cylinder  30  is welded or otherwise permanently affixed to the C-channel  42  such that the pairs of holes  40  are each aligned vertically. A pair of spaced-apart holes  45  are provided in C-channel which are in registration with the holes  40  of the outer cylinder  30 . The C-channel  42  provides a bottom flat surface  44  by which outer cylinder  30  can be attached in a stable manner to the upper surface  20  of the table  18 . A pair of holes  46  are also provided in table  18  which coincide with the holes  45  of the C-channel. 
     The inner cylinder  28  is provided with a pair of slots  48  which are spaced-apart (centre to centre) the same distance as the pairs of holes  40  in the outer cylinder  30  and the holes  45  in the C-channel. Slots  48  extend approximately three quarters of the circumference of the inner cylinder  28 . Because the arms  32  of support  14  are rigidly affixed such as by welding to the ends  28   a,   28   b  of the inner cylinder  28 , at least one of the arms  32  will have to be welded after the inner cylinder  28  is positioned within the outer cylinder  30 . A hole  43  is also provided which lies at a corresponding axial location with deadbolt hole  41 . 
     In order to attach mounting structure  16  to the table  18 , the holes  45  of the C-channel are aligned with holes  46  in the table  18 . The retainer  12 , support  14  and inner cylinder  28  are rotated to the substantially upright position as shown in FIGS. 4 a,    4   b,    7   a  and  7   b,  if they are not already in this position, such that both holes  40  of each pair are in registration with a respective slot  48 . Carriage bolts  34  are then inserted through holes  46  in the bottom  26  of table  18 . With the access provided via the registration of holes  40  in the outer cylinder  30  with the slots  48  in the inner cylinder  28 , bushings  50  are placed on carriage bolts  34  followed by nuts  38 . Bushings  50  are of greater diameter than the holes  45  in the C-channel  42  so that by tightening nuts  38 , the bushings  50  and the bolt heads  36  compress the C-channel  42  to the table  18 . The bushing  50  provides a bearing surface for the sides of the slot  48  so that the inner cylinder  28  can be readily rotated but not moved axially relative to the outer cylinder  30 . Conveniently, and  48   a  of slot  48  (see FIG. 7 b ) can be positioned to provide a stop for the rotation of them cylinder  28  such that the retainer  12  is past top dead centre, thereby enabling a stable open/locked position. The actual circumferential lent of the slots  48  is preferably optimized between the shortest possible, so that the inner cylinder  28  is not overly weakened, and sufficiently long so as to ensure access can be had to the nuts  38  through upper holes  40 , as shown in FIG. 7 b.  The upper holes  40  in the outer cylinder  30  are of sufficient diameter to permit a tool such as the socket of a socket wrench (not shown) to be inserted therein to thereby enable tightening and unfastening of nuts  38 . 
     When the retainer  12 , support  14  and inner cylinder  28  are rotated toward a more horizontal position as shown in FIGS. 3 a,    3   b,    6   a  and  6   b,  the slots  48  move out of registration with the upper holes  40  in the outer cylinder  30 . Access to the “unfastening” elements, i.e. nuts  38 , through upper holes  40  is prevented because portions  52  of the inner cylinder  28 , diametrically opposed to slots  48 , underlie the upper holes  40 . For aesthetic purposes, a thin metal plate  54  or label could be applied over the upper holes  40  (see also FIG. 3 a ) to prevent them showing and to prevent visual access to the fastening system when the device  10  is in its open/unlocked position. Although also not necessary (because even with a tool it would not be possible to unfasten either or both nuts  38  through the relatively small inner diameter of the end  28   b  of inner cylinder  28 ), a plug  56  can be inserted and fixed in end  28   b  or the end  28   b  can be closed in other blown ways, again primarily for aesthetics reasons. 
     The security device  10  also includes a lock mechanism  68  for locking the retainer  12  in a predetermined orientation with respect to the surface  20  of the table  18 . The specifics of the locking mechanism  68  are not overly important. However, the lock must be able to fix the relative positions of the inner and outer cylinders  28 , 30  such that the retainer  12  can be positioned in a predetermined orientation above the sure  20 . In addition, it would be desirable that the lock mechanism  68  function automatically to lock the retainer  12  in this orientation without having to specifically operate the lock. The lock mechanism could take the form of an externally positioned device which when operated inserts a pin through respective holes in the outer and inner cylinders. However, in the preferred embodiment, the lock mechanism  68  includes a lock cylinder  70  which is insertable within end  28   a  of inner cylinder  28  and fixed therein by means of a set screw  72 . The lock  68  has a spring-loaded deadbolt  74  operable automatically to extend through hole  43  and engage deadbolt hole  41  in outer cylinder  30  when the rotation of the inner cylinder  28  causes the deadbolt  74  to register with deadbolt hole  41 . The deadbolt  74  is retractable to a position  74 ′ shown in phantom within the lock cylinder  70  upon operation of a key (not shown) in keyhole  76  (see FIG.  8 ). The deadbolt  74  is of sufficient size and is made from suitable material so as to withstand the shear forces which it might encounter if an attempt was made to lift or force the retainer  12  and support  14  away from the surface  20  of the table  18  while the deadbolt  74  is engaged within hole  41  in the outer cylinder  30 . It will be appreciated that the lock mechanism  68  serves a second purpose in preventing access when locked and permitting access when unlocked to the unfastening mechanisms, i.e. the nuts  38 , which are contained within the in cylinder  28 . 
     As mentioned above, the retainer  12  and support  14  are rigidly affixed to the inner cylinder  28  for movement therewith as the inner cylinder rotates within outer cylinder  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the support  14  includes a pair of arm  32  which extend from the ends  28   a,   28   b  of the inner cylinder  28  in a plane which generally coincides with the longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder  28 . The arms  32  diverge outwardly and provide support for the retainer  12 . 
     In general, the purpose of the retainer  12  is to engage the LCD display panel  62  of a laptop computer  60  (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) in such a manner relative to the surface  20  that it cannot be removed or withdrawn from the device  10 . The retainer  12  comprises rear, lateral and front members  12   a,    12   b,    12   c  which are adapted to engage the display  62  of the laptop  60  which is pivotably connected to the deck  64  of the computer  60 . The purpose of the rear, lateral and front members  12   a,    12   b,    12   c  is to prevent the display  62  from being removed in rear, lateral and front directions when the retainer  12  is engaged therewith. The retainer  12  as shown is closed, i.e. completely surrounding the display  62 , however, as will be explained hereinbelow with respect to alternate embodiment, other “open” configurations of the retaining means can be operable to ensure the display  62  cannot be maneuvered out of the retainer except by moving the retainer from its locked position. For case of manufacturing, the rear member  12   a can be formed integrally with the arms  32  from a steel bar of rectangular cross-section, for example, which is bent into the shape as shown and welded to the ends  28   a,   28   b  of the inner cylinder. The remainder of the rear  12  may be constructed of steel rod, which has been bent at the ends to form the lateral and front retaining members  12   b,   12   c.  The lateral members  12   b  are rigidly attached to the rear member  12   a,  for example, by inserting and welding the free ends through commending holes (not shown) provided in the rear member  12   a.  Preferably, the lateral members  12   b  are spaced apart sufficiently so as to accommodate the width of most displays while the rear retaining member  12   a  is spaced apart from the front retaining members  12   c  at least the thickness of the display  62  or greater as will be explained in detail hereinbelow. 
     When the dice  10  is locked, the support  14  serves to maintain the retainer  12   a  distance D above the surface  20  which corresponds roughly to or is slightly greater than the thickness H of the deck  64  of the compute  60 . While the retainer  12  when in the locked position is shown as being generally horizontal i.e. parallel to the surface  20 , its orientation can differ so long as the spatial relationship between the front and tear members  12   c,   12   a  with respect to the surface  20  is such that the computer  60  cannot be maneuvered so as to withdraw display  62  from the space  13  inside retainer  12 . 
     The operation of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 a - 10   d.  FIG. 10 a  shows the security device  10  in its unlocked position. In this position, the retainer  12  and the support  14  obstruct a minimum of the surface  20 . The laptop  60  is positioned on the surface  20  where it can be used in a normal fashion and only secured when it is left unattended or alternately, can be secured at all times. To secure the laptop  60 , retainer  12  and the support  14  are pivoted towards the computer  60  in the direction of arrow R r  and the display  62  is inserted through the space  13  in retainer  12  as shown in FIG. 10 b.  Some manipulation of the computer  60  and/or its position may be required to ensure smooth engagement. Depending on the specific laptop  60 , the display  62  may be sufficiently pivotable but where it is not, the deck  64  of the computer  60  may be lifted slightly as shown in phantom at  64 ′ in FIG. 10 b.  Preferably, however, the sizes of the various elements that constitute the device  10  are made such that the paths of rotation of the front and rear retaining members  12   c,   12   a,  which depends on the distance of each to the longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder  28 , permit the retainer  12  to are down over the display  62  either without movement of the display  62  or with only minor pivoting movement thereof in the directions of arrows R d . 
     The retainer  12  and support  14  and, if applicable, the display  62 , are continued to be pivoted (R r ,R d ) until the deadbolt  74  registers with the deadbolt hole  41  (see FIG. 6 a ) and is automatically actuated so that the device  10  is immovably locked in the position shown in FIG. 10 c.  In the locked position, the front retaining member  12   c  is disposed at a distance D above the surface  20 , which is at or just slightly above the height H of the deck  64 . The support  14  extends from the inner cylinder  28  a predetermined length. This length is primarily a function of the swing arcs of the front and rear retaining members  12   c,   12   a  with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder  28  which will enable the retainer  12  to engage with the display  62  as explained above and as shown in FIG. 10 b.  Having the support  14  extend above the surface  20  to the retainer  12  advantageously results in an unobstructed area A located between the deck  64  and the mounting structure  16  for accommodation of any cabling for modem phone lines, printer and other peripheral communication, power cords, etc. 
     As indicated above, the front and rear retaining members  12   c,   12   a  are spaced apart sufficiently to enable the display  62  to be inserted within the retainer  12  without excessive contact. As additional protection against abrasion, the retainer  12  could be coated with a rubberized material or rubber bumpers (not shown) could be provided. The wider the spacing  13  between the front and rear retaining members  12   c,   12   a,  the easier the engagement step, the greater the ability to accommodate different types and sizes of laptops, and the greater the ability to let the user adjust the angle of the display  62  when the security device  10  is in place in its locked position. The spacing between the front and rear retaining members  12   c,   12   a,  however, must not be sufficiently wide so as to enable the display  62  from being slid out, i.e. withdrawn from, the retainer  12 . In general, the relative positions of the rear retaining member  12   a  and front retaining member  12   c  and the surface  20  which will be operable to prevent withdrawal of the display  62  from the retainer  12  depends on size and configuration of the computer  60 , the thickness of the display  62 , and the shapes of the front and rear retaining members  12   c,   12   a.  As shown in FIG. 10 d,  there is illustrated what would happen if the computer  60  were attempted to be removed from the security device  10 . Due to the positioning of the it retaining member  12   c  at or slightly above the height of the deck  64 , it is not possible to remove the laptop  60  vertically. While it is possible that a combination of movements such as is shown by arrows X and Y may enable the deck  64  to be removed from out under the front retaining member  12   c,  the spacing of the front retaining member  12   c  in relation to the surface  20  along with the position of the rear retaining member  12   a  with retainer to the front retaining member  12   c  do not permit the display  62  to be withdrawn from the retainer  12  without causing serious (and costly) damage to the display  62 , which would significantly diminish the value of the stolen computer. 
     A generally reverse procedure (i.e. from FIGS. 10 c  to  10   a  ) is used to remove the computer  60  from the device  10 . The user simply disengages the lock by operating the key in keyhole  76 , and then rotates retainer  12  and support  14  upwardly and rearwardly while the display  62  is pivoted rearwardly to remove the display  62  from the retainer  12 . 
     In general, the requisite spatial relationship between the front and rear retaining members  12   c,   12   b  and the surface  20  when the retainer  12  is in its locked position which will prevent removal of the display  62  and, hence computer  60 , maybe provided in a number of different ways. To illustrate this principle further, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention denoted generally with reference numeral  110  and shown in its locked and unlocked positions, respectively. In general, the device  110  comprises a housing  112  hingedly attached to a mounting structure or base  114  by way of a pivot or hinge  116 . Details of the device  110  are illustrated in FIGS. 13 to  16 . 
     In this embodiment, base  114  is adapted to be mounted on a substantially immovable surface  118  by means of suitable  120 . The housing  112  provides a space  122  in which elements needed for the disassembly of the apparatus or removal of the apparatus from the surface  18  are enclosed and secured. Both the housing  112  and the base  114  can be fabricated from fairly heavy gauge sheet steel or steel plate which has been cut and welded and pivotably fastened together with an internal hinge  116 . 
     As with the first embodiment, the fastens used should have the “unfastening” element thereof inaccessible at least when the device  110  is in its locked position. In the second embodiment, the fastens are disposed within the housing  112  to prevent removal of the entire security apparatus  110  from the surface  118 . For purposes of illustration, the second embodiment described herein presupposes the surface  118  to be horizontal and of a limited thickness so as to permit through-fasteners to be used. As shown in FIGS. 14 to  16 , the base fasteners  120  comprise carriage bolts  124 , which have smooth, rounded heads  126  with no means evident (such as screwdriver slots) for their unfastening and associated nuts  128 . 
     Holes  130  may be pre-drilled in surface  118  using apertures  132  (see FIG.  12 )in base  114  as a template. The carriage bolts  124  are then inserted upwards through holes  130 , through the corresponding apertures  132  and then bolts  124  are fastened with nuts  128 , thereby securing base  114  to surface  118 . It will be appreciated that where desired, the base fasteners could be of the “blind-type”, such as for example screws, which are screwed directly into the surface  118  through the apertures  132  in the base. As with the through-type fastener mentioned above, the means by which the screws are unfastened, i.e. their heads, would be contained within the space  122  so that access thereto is prevented when the housing  112  is locked in place on base  114  as shown in FIG.  15 . 
     A structure  140  for engaging a laptop computer and securing it to the surface  118  is rigidly affixed to the housing  112  for movement therewith as the housing  112  pivots about the hinge  116 . The structure  140  comprises in general are  142  and a support member  144  therefor. In the embodiment illustrated, the support member  144  is fabricated in a Y-shape having a pair of arms  146  which diverge from an attachment plate  148 . The arms  146  may be made from steel bars which have been bent and welded to the attachment plate  128  formed of steel plate, bar or the like. At their ends distal the attachment plate  148 , the arms  146  are rigidly connected to the retainer  142 , such as by welding. The supporting member is rigidly fastened to the housing  112  by means of a pair of carriage bolts  150  which are inserted through apertures in the attachment plate  148  and corresponding apertures in the housing  112  and fastened by nuts  154 . As with fasteners  120  which fasten the base  114  to the surface  118 , the smooth heads  152  of carriage bolts  150  are disposed externally of the housing  112 , while the “unfastening elements” or nuts  154  therefor are disposed within the housing  112  to present their removal when the housing  112  is locked to the base  114 . 
     In general, the purpose of the retainer  142  is to engage a laptop computer  160  (as shown in FIG. 17) in such a manner relative to the surface  118  that it cannot be removed or withdrawn from the device  110 . To illustrate an “open” form of retainer, the retainer  142  comprises rear, lateral and front members  142   a,    142   b,   142   c  which are adapted to engage the display  162  of laptop  160  which is pivotably connected to the deck  164  of the computer  160 . While the retainer  142  could be closed, such as the retainer  12  shown in FIG. 1, the C-shaped configuration is advantageous as it reduces the chances that a portion thereof will obstruct view of the display  62 . However, the advantage of a closed retainer configuration is its inherent strength and accordingly, the C-shaped retainer  142  would have to be constructed with that in mind. Conveniently, the C-shaped retainer  142  can be constructed of steel rod which has been bent at the ends to form the lateral and front retaining members  142   b,    142   c . The relative spacing between the lateral members  142   b  and between the front and rear members  142   c,   142   a  involve generally the same considerations as the respective spacings of retainer  12 , while the space between the front retaining members  142   c  is such that a display of a minimum anticipated width cannot be maneuvered out of the retaining member  142  through the space. 
     The support member  140  supports the retainer  142 , and in particular the front retaining members  142   c,  a distance D f  above the surface  118  which corresponds generally to the thickness H of the deck  164  of the computer  160 . While it has been found that spacing of about 1½ inches between the front and rear retainer members which are each spaced a distance of about 2 inches above the surface when in the locked position is satisfactory to accommodate the vast majority of laptop computers currently available and prevent their removal, some adjustability would enable the security device to be used with a wider variety of computer devices, such as palmtops, personal electronic organizers, and the like. In this regard, the second embodiment is provided with custom adjustability in the connection of the support member  144  to the housing  112 . In this way, the distance D f  that the front retainer members  142   c  is positioned above the surface  118  can be fine-tuned to be at or just slightly above the height of the deck  164  as is shows in FIG.  17 . Adjustability can also be provided, for example, by varying the effective length of the fasteners  150  used to affix the attachment plate  148  of the support member  144  to the housing  112 . In the second embodiment, a pair of height adjusting nuts  166  are threaded onto the length of the shank portion  167  of each fastener  150  between the attachment plate  148  and the housing  112 . A sleeve  168  is positioned over the nuts  166  to both conceal them and prevent access thereto. Alternately, spacers or a plurality of washers (not shown), for example, could be used to maintain the support member  144 , and hence, the retainer  142 , in a predetermined position. Once the position of the retainer  142  is adjusted appropriately for the specific computer, the nuts  154  are then threaded onto the fasteners  150  and tightened against the inside of the housing  112 . As shown, the effective length given the shank portion of the fastener proximal the retaining member can be made shorter than the other, resulting in the rear retaining member  142   a  being disposed higher above the surface  118  than the front retaining members  142   c.  The advantage of this arrangement is explained hereinbelow. 
     A locking mechanism  170  (see FIG. 15) is provided to control access to the fastening elements  128 , 154  within the space  122  and to enable the retainer  142  to be lockingly engaged and disengaged from the display  162 . The specifics of the lock mechanism  170  are not overly important and any arrangement suitable for locking the housing  112  to the base  114  could be used. The locking mechanism provided in a given configuration is generally a function of the level of convenience and security required. Although not to be considered limiting, typical locks could include a cam lock, push button lock, spring loaded latch type, or could even consist of a an arrangement consisting of a hasp that extends from the base and protrudes through the housing and to which a padlock is attached. For the purposes of illustration, a lock mechanism  170  having a lock cylinder  172  is secured to the housing  112  my means of lock nut  174 , again disposed within space  122 . A pick-resistant, keyed lock operator  178  is used to retract a latch  180  provided in the lock cylinder  172 . Latch  180  is spring loaded to permit the latch to automatically engage and lock with lock flange  182  as the housing  112  is closed toward the base  114 . Since the support member  144  and retainer  142  are substantially rigidly affixed to the housing  112 , when the housing  112  is locked, so are their positions. 
     The operation of the second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 18 to  21 . FIG. 18 shows the security device  110  in its unlocked position with its base  114  being fastened to a surface  118 . In this position, the retainer  142  and the support member  144  obstruct a minimum of the surface  118 . The laptop  160  is positioned on the surface  118  where it can be used in a normal fashion and only secured when it is left unattended or alternately, can be secured at all times. To secure the laptop  160 , retainer  142 , the support member  144  and the housing  112  are pivoted towards the computer  160  in the direction of arrow R r  and the display  162  is inserted through retainer  142  as shown in FIG.  19 . Some manipulation of the computer  160  and/or its position may be required to ensure smooth engagement. Depending on the specific laptop  160 , the display  162  may be sufficiently pivotable but where it is not, the deck  164  of the computer  160  may be lifted slightly as shown in phantom at  164 ′ in FIG.  19 . Preferably, however, the sizes of the various elements that constitute the device  110  are made such that the paths of rotation of the front and rear retaining members  142   c,   142   a,  which depends on the distance of each to the hinge  116 , permit the retainer  142  to are down over the display  162  either without movement of the display  162  or with only minor pivoting movement thereof in the directions of arrows R d . 
     The retainer  142 , supporting member  144 , housing  112  and, if applicable, the display  162 , are continued to be pivoted (R r ,R d ) until the housing  112  closes over the base  114  as illustrated in FIG.  20  and the lock mechanism  170  is actuated. In the locked position, the front retaining member  142   c  is disposed at a distance D f  above the surface I  18 , which is at or just slightly above the height H of the deck  164 . As indicated above, the front and rear retaining members  142   c,   142   a  are spaced apart sufficiently to enable the display  162  to be inserted within the retainer  142  without excessive contact. The wider the spacing between the front and rear retaining members  142   c,   142   a,  the easier the engagement step, the greater the ability to accommodate different types and sizes of laptops, and the greater the ability to let the user adjust the angle of the display  162  when the security device  110  is in place in its locked position. The spacing between the front and rear retaining members  142   c,   142   a,  however, must not be sufficiently wide so as to enable the display  162  (and particularly a display of minimum width) to be angled out of the retainer  142  through the space between the front retainer members  142   c . The distance between the front and rear retainer members  142   c,   142   a  must also be sufficiently small to prevent the display  162  from being slid out i.e. withdrawn from, the retainer  142 . In general, the relative position of the rear retaining member  142   a  with respect to the front retaining member  142   c,  when in the locked position, is dependent on the relative position of the front retaining member  142   c  and the surface, as well as the size and configuration of the computer, the thickness of the display, and the shapes of the front and rear retaining members  142   c,   142   a.  As shown in FIG. 21, there is illustrated what would happen if the computer  160  were attempted to be removed from the security device  110 . Due to the positioning of the front retaining member  142   c  at or slightly above the height of the deck  164 , it is not possible to remove the laptop  160  vertically. While it is possible that a combination of movements such as is shown by arrows X and Y may enable the deck  164  to be removed from out under the front retaining members  142   c,  the spacing of the front retaining members  142   c  in relation to the surface  118  along with the position of the rear retaining member  142   a  with respect to the front retaining members  142   c  do not permit the display  162  to be withdrawn from the retainer  142  without causing serious (and costly) damage to the display  162 , which would significantly diminish the value of the stolen computer. As mentioned above, the support arm  144  can be adjustably attached to the housing  112  in such a manner that the rear retaining member  142   a  is disposed above the front retaining member  142   c.  This further limits the extent to which the display can be withdrawn from the retainer  142  (as shown in FIG. 21) without overly restricting the width of the opening (i.e. the space between the front and rear retaining members  142   c,   142   a ) which, as mentioned before, would detract from the engageability of the retaining  142  with the display  162  as well as potentially limit the adjustability of the angle of the display  162  when the computer  160  is in use with the device  110  in its locked position. 
     As can be seen in FIG. 20, the supporting member  144  extends from the housing  112  a predetermined length. This length is primarily a function of the swing arcs of the front and rear retaining members  142   c,   142   a  with respect to the hinge  116  which will enable the retainer to engage with the display as explained above and as shown in FIG.  19 . Having the supporting member  144  extend above the housing  112  to the retainer  142  advantageously results in an unobstructed area A located between the deck  164  and the housing  112  for accommodation of any cabling for modem phone lines, printer and other peripheral communication, power cords, etc. 
     Since it may not be desirable or feasible to attach the base  114  of the device  110  to a surface  118  such as a desk due to the need for alteration of the surface (i.e. by drilling), a variation of the invention is contemplated in which the base  114  is attached to a mini-table  186  which provides the surface  188  against which the retainer holds the computer. In this case, the device itself is not necessarily affixed to an immovable surface but rather, the mini-table  186  is made sufficiently large enough so as to be substantially incapable of being easily concealed, such as in a briefcase or under a garment. In this regard, a size of about at least 18″(457.2 mm) from front to back and about at least 16″(406.4 mm) wide should serve such a purpose. Conveniently, such a large surface  188  could be employed as the desktop as is the case with table  18  of the first embodiment FIGS. 22 to  27  illustrate this third embodiment of the invention. 
     As with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 21, (The security device  110  includes the housing  112  hingedly connected to the base  114  by way of hinge  116 , and a retainer  142  connected to a supporting member  144  which is adjustably connected to the housing  112 . The lock mechanism employed is the same, having a spring-loaded latch which automatically engages the lock flange  182  when he housing  112  is closed toward the base  114 . As shown in FIG. 24, the base  114  is secured to the mini-table  186  by bolts  124  whose smooth heads  126  are exposed on the undersurface  189  of the mini-table  186  (see FIG. 26) but whose nuts  128  become concealed and inaccessible within the housing  112  when it is closed and locked over the base  114  as shown in FIGS. 22,  23  and  27 . The manner of operation is the same, except that the retainer  142  secures the computer  160  against the upper surface  188  of the mini-table  186 . 
     The mini-table  186  can be provided with front and rear supports  194 , 196 . The mini-table  186  can easily be manufactured from sheet metal which has been cut and folded at the front and rear sides to provide the front and rear supports  194 ,  196 . For strengthening purposes, vertical walls  193  can be folded downwardly from the sides of the mini-table  186  and welded. The front support  194  is provided with a pair of rubber feet while the rear support has a single foot  96  to provide a stable triangular contact with the surface  199  (see FIG. 27) on which the mini-table is supported. The front support  190  may be shorter than the rear support  92  which will allow the mini-table  186  and, hence, the surface  188  to be inclined to provide the user of the computer  160  with an inclined deck  64  which may facilitate keyboarding. While many laptops  160  are provided with flip-out feet or the like to incline the keyboard, utilization of the computer&#39;s feet with any embodiment of the invention is not recommended since, when returned to their position, the height of the deck may be sufficiently below the front retaining member in relation to the surface that the display could be withdrawn from the retainer. 
     While the size of the mini-table  186  and the appearance of the locking device  110  securing the laptop computer thereto should act as a sufficient deterrent for the majority of potential snatch-and-grab theft situations, for added security, a cable attachment hole  198  may be provided in the mini-table  186  to which a locking cable can be secured, if desired. 
     FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate further embodiments of the device  210 ,  310  having alternately configured retainers  242 , 342 , respectably. The principles described throughout this application with respect to the configuration of the retainers are equally applicable to either embodiment of the invention whether they pertain to the “closed” retainers  12  and  242  of FIGS. 1 and 28 or the “open” retainers  142  and  342  of FIGS. 23 and 29, and accordingly, the retainers  12 , 142 , 242 , 342  can be employed generally interchangeably with either embodiment The retainer  242  of device  210  is similar to the retainer  142  of device  110  except that the rear, lateral and front members  242   a,   242   b,   242   c  form a closed loop having an aperture  202  through which the display is inserted. This “closed” configuration of the retainer  142  is advantageous since there is no opening through which the display can be maneuvered which is a consideration of the spacing between the front retaining members  142   c  of the C-shaped retainer  142 . Therefore, like the retainer  12  of the first embodiment, this arrangement can accommodate a wider range of display widths which are at most slightly narrower tan the distance been the two lateral members  242   b.    
     In general, the retainer can be of any shape and configuration which provides the function of preventing the display from being withdrawn once it has been locked in place. The retainer of the present invention does this, in general, by ensuring the display can only be inserted and withdrawn between the enclosing retaining members (and then only when the device has been unlocked) and that it cannot be removed in the direction of the plane in which the retaining members generally lay. As indicated above, the positioning of the retaining members in the locked position is such that the display cannot be withdrawn therefrom due to the spatial relationship between the retaining members and the surface, taking into consideration the size and configuration of the computer and its associated display. The device  310  shown in FIG. 29 further illustrates this principle. The retainer  342  of this device  310  is comprised of a pair of rear retaining members  342   a  which are spaced-apart from a pair of front retaining members  342   c  by lateral members  342   b,  forming in general, a pair of U-shaped, confining members. In this case, a strut  304  is added to the supporting member  344  to resist lateral deformation. Lines  306 , 308 , 310 , 312  represent the dimensional considerations with respect to the minimum display width since a narrower display could be angled out of the retainer  342  through the gap between front members  342   c,   342   c  or between rear members  342   a,   342   a  when there retainer  342  is in its locked position relative to the surface. 
     While there has been described herein and illustrated in the drawings specific embodiments of the laptop computer security apparatus according to the present invention, it is to be understood that various modifications, adaptations and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, while the devices illustrated herein engage and disengage the computer using a pivoting motion, it is contemplated that other forms of articulation or combinations of linkages could be employed to move the retainer from a first, non-engaging, out-of-the-way position to a second and lockable position securing the computer.