Patent Abstract:
A security device for portable computer is disclosed. The security device comprises an anchor attached securely to the portable computer. The device also includes a lock box that makes use of a channel, wherein the channel is open at each end and is selectively openable laterally. The device further includes a cord that couples the anchor and the lock box.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to locking and security devices, and particularly to a locking and security device for preventing theft of portable computers. 
     Portable computers by their nature are used in a variety of locations. Most typically, a portable computer user sets up a temporary work site and makes use of the portable computer. For example, the user may sit in a library or cafe at a table and chair and set up a portable computer. Unfortunately, the user often finds need to move from the temporary work site for brief times. For example, to visit a restroom, purchase a beverage, or retrieve reference items in a library. Given the portable and compact nature of such valuable computing devices, leaving such a device unattended for even the briefest time presents significant risk of theft. Nevertheless, some portable computer users will risk such theft due to the inconvenience of carrying with them at all times their portable computing device. 
     Once the portable computing device is set up at a selected temporary work site, some portable computer users tend to leave the portable computer in place even while leaving the work site for brief times. Other users may take the time and trouble to break down their temporary work site and carry with them their portable computing device to avoid any risk of theft. Preferably, however, portable computer users have a mechanism for securing their portable computing device against theft even while unattended at a temporary work site. Accordingly, a variety of devices have evolved with the general purpose of protecting against or impeding theft while unattended at a temporary work site. 
     A common security device for portable computers is known as a Kensington lock. Generally, the Kensington lock is a cable having at one end a preformed small loop formation and at the other end a lug attachable to a preformed mounting site on the portable computer. In use, the cable attaches to an object by passing the lug portion around the object and through the small preformed loop at the distal end of the cable. This forms a loop about the object and leaves the lug element available for attachment to the computer. The preformed mounting site on the computer lockably receives the lug and thereby secures the portable computer to the larger object. The preformed loop provided at the distal end of the cable need only be large enough to allow passage of the lug therethrough. The relatively larger loop formation created at the distal end of the cable, i.e., a length portion of the cable adjacent the preformed loop and passing through the preformed loop, remains coupled to the object so long as the lug remains attached to the portable computer and so long as the preformed loop is smaller than the computer itself. 
     It would be preferable, however, to provide a portable computer security device more conveniently carried with the portable computing device and used to prevent or impede theft thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A security device under the present invention as applied to a portable computer includes an anchor attached securely to the portable computer. A lockbox includes an open ended channel having a lateral or side wall selectively openable and lockably closed. A cord couples the anchor and the lock box. The cord attaches to an immobile or relatively immobile object by passing the lock box around the object and opening the channel to laterally receive and capture the cord therein. This creates a selectively lockable loop formation about the object and secures the portable computer to the object. 
     The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention, a portable computer security device coupling in secure fashion a portable computer to, for example, a chair. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a lock box of the security device of FIG.  1  and loop structure formed thereby. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the lock box of FIG. 2 as taken along lines  3 — 3  of FIG.  2  and showing the lock box of FIG. 2 in its open or unlocked condition. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the lock box of FIG. 2 as taken along lines  3 — 3  of FIG. 2 but illustrating the lock box in its closed or locked condition. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention including a retractable form of portable computer security device. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates operation of the retractable security device of FIG. 5 including a variable length cord extending between a lock box and anchor thereof. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates in more detail the loop structure feature of the lock box of FIG. 5 
     FIG. 8 illustrates retraction of a cord portion of the security device of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 illustrates the retractable security device of FIG. 5 prior to forming a loop structure and as anchored to a portable computer. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates the retractable security device of FIG. 5 as coupled to a relatively larger object. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a portable computer security device  10  according to the first embodiment of present invention as applied to a notebook computer  12  to secure notebook computer  12  relative to an object, e.g., chair  14 . Security device  10  includes an anchor  20  securely attached to computer  12 , a cord  22  extending therefrom, and a loop-forming lock box  24  at a distal end of cord  22 . As discussed more fully hereafter, loop-forming lock box  24  creates a loop structure  26  at the distal end of cord  22 . By forming loop structure  26  about a relatively larger object, e.g., chair  14 , security device  10  prevents, or at least hinders, the unauthorized taking of computer  12  without also taking chair  14 . As may be appreciated, loop structure  26  may be coupled to a variety of objects, such as chair  14 , including relatively immobile objects, e.g., a table leg, building post, building pillar, or other such structures which may be captured within loop structure  26  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     As used herein, reference to chair  14 , or other relatively immobile object, refers to a structure selected by the user for attaching to the portable computer by way of the security device that accords with the present invention. Thus, chair  14 , or other selected object may be in fact immovable or merely a relatively larger object that significantly impedes the theft of a portable computer attached thereto. 
     Anchor  20  securely attaches to the body of computer  12  according to a variety of methods and structures. For example, anchor  20  can be coupled to computer  12  by way of a sufficiently durable and strong adhesive. In such configuration, security device  10  may be coupled, i.e., retrofit, to any portable computing device. Alternatively, anchor  20  may be mechanically and selectively lockably coupled to a preformed structure on a given portable computer  12 . In such case, anchor  20  selectively detaches from the portable computer  12 , but securely attaches when security device  10  is in use. Finally, anchor  20  may be integrally formed at a time during the manufacture of portable computer  12 , thus being permanently integrated therewith. In any case, anchor  20  should be sufficiently secured to computer  12  to avoid detachment therefrom. In a preferred form of the present invention, anchor  20  permanently attaches to the device to be secured, e.g., to computer  12 . 
     FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail the distal end of cord  22  including loop structure  26  as established by use of lock box  24 . As illustrated in FIG. 2 lock box  24  is shown in its locked condition including cord channel  28  in which a length portion of cord  22  resides. As described more fully hereafter, lock box  24  includes, along a lateral wall of channel  28 , a tongue  30 . Tongue  30  laterally opens channel  28  when lock box  24  is opened, i.e., taken out of its locked condition. Thus, loop structure  26  forms by opening channel  28 , i.e., moving tongue  30  out of its closed position, thereafter positioning a length portion of cord  22  within channel  28 . Once cord  22  is so positioned, tongue  30  moves into its closed position to capture cord  22  within channel  28 . As may be appreciated, cord  22  cannot be moved laterally from channel  28  when in its locked position, but does enjoy longitudinal freedom of movement along channel  28 . Thus, loop structure  26  assumes a variety of sizes by sliding cord  22  within channel  28 . Thus, loop formation  26  suitably surrounds objects, such as chair  14 , which may be of varying size. 
     To capture an object  14  within a loop structure  26 , one begins with cord  22  outside channel  28 . Lock box  24  moves about an object and comes into position adjacent a length portion of cord  22 . Channel  28  opens, i.e., tongue  30  moves to its open position, to allow a length portion of cord  22  to enter laterally into channel  28 . Once cord  22  is positioned within channel  28 , lock box  24  locks, i.e., tongue  30  moves to its closed position, to capture cord  22  within channel  28  and to also capture an object, e.g., chair  14 , within the loop structure  26  created by lock box  24  and cord  22 . 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate schematically lock box  24  in its unlocked or open state (FIG. 3) and in its locked or closed state (FIG.  4 ). In FIG. 3, lock box  24  is shown in its open condition with channel  28  opened laterally by displacement of tongue  30 . FIG. 4 illustrates lock box  24  in its closed condition with channel  28  laterally closed by suitable placement of tongue  30 . In FIG. 3, with channel  28  laterally open, cord  22  moves laterally, as indicated at reference numeral  40 , into channel  28 . Once so positioned, i.e., as in FIG. 4, tongue  30  moves, as indicated at reference numeral  42 , to its closed position thereby laterally capturing cord  22  within channel  28 . 
     The particular lock mechanism used to permit lateral entry of cord  22  into channel  28  and thereafter to laterally close channel  28  may be according to a variety of structural and mechanical arrangements. In the particular arrangement of lock box  24 , i.e., according to this particular illustrated embodiment of the present invention, lock box  24  includes an inner tube  50  rotatable, under certain allowed conditions, about a central axis  52  of lock box  24 . A set of lock pins  54  couple inner tube  50  and lock box case  56  to prevent rotation of inner tube  50  about axis  52 . A key ( 58 ) suitably positioned within a central key aperture  60  moves pins  54  out of engagement relative to inner tube  50 . Thus, insertion of key  58  into aperture  60  permits rotation of inner tube  50  about central axis  52 . 
     It will be understood, however, that a particular locking mechanism selected for use in conjunction with the present invention may assume a variety of forms according to known locking structures and methods. The schematic illustration shown herein presents a simplified form of one candidate locking mechanism considered suitable under the present invention. Generally, lock box  24  desirably possesses a capability of laterally and lockably capturing cord  22  within an otherwise open ended channel  28 . This allows lock box  24 , when situated at the distal end of cord  22 , to approach a length portion of cord  22  laterally and lockably capture that length portion of cord  22  within its channel and thereafter block lateral escape. 
     An outward facing surface of inner tube  50  carries a gear set  70 . Thus, rotation of inner tube  50  moves gear set  70  relative to the remainder of lock box  24 , i.e., relative to case  56 . Tongue  30  is captured between inner tube  50  at gear set  70  and inner surface  72  of case  56 . Tongue  30  carries gear set  74 , which is matingly compatible and engaged relative to gear set  70 . Thus, rotational movement of inner tube  50  translates into thrusting movement of tongue  30  between its open (FIG. 3) and its closed positions (FIG. 4) as indicated by reference numeral  42 . In other words, rotation of inner tube  50  moves gear set  70  along a path coincident with the allowed path of tongue  30  and, by virtue of mutual engagement between gear set  70  and gear set  74 , tongue  30  moves reciprocally between its open and closed positions by reciprocal rotational movement of inner tube  50 . Because inner tube  50  moves only by use of a suitable key  58 , lock box  24  cannot be changed from its closed to open position without the use of a suitable instrument, such as key  58 . A particular embodiment of the present invention, however, need not necessarily prevent movement of tongue  30  from the closed to open position absent use of key  58 . A preferable security feature is, as may be appreciated, the prevention of movement of tongue  30  from a closed to an open position without use of an appropriate device, such as key  58 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, security device  110  including retractable lock box  124  are shown. As illustrated in FIG. 5, lock box  124  is in its fully retracted position with its cord  122  (shown in FIG. 6) collected within the body of anchor  120 . Anchor  120  securely attaches to the body of a device to be secured, e.g., portable computer  112 . When not in use, cord  122  withdraws for storage within anchor  120  and lock box  124  resides adjacent anchor  120 . 
     Anchor  120  securely can attach to the body of computer  112  according to a variety of methods and structures. For example, anchor  120  can be coupled to computer  112  by use of sufficiently durable and strong adhesive. In such configuration, security device  10  may be coupled, i.e., retrofit, to any portable computing device. Alternatively, anchor  120  may be mechanically and selectively lockably coupled to a preformed structure on a given portable computer  112 . In such case, anchor  120  selectively detaches from the portable computer  112 , but securely attaches when security device  10  is in use. Finally, anchor  120  may be integrally formed at the time of portable computer  10  manufacture and thereby permanently integrated therewith. In any case, during use of portable computer  112 , anchor  120  should be sufficiently secured to the computer to avoid detachment therefrom. In a preferred form of the present invention, anchor  120  permanently attaches to the device it secures, e.g., permanently attaches to computer  112 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates anchor  120  apart from computer  112  and illustrates lock box  124  in its fully retracted position, as indicated at referenced numeral  124 a and similar to that shown in FIG.  5 . FIG. 6 also illustrates lock box  124  in its extended position, as indicated at reference numeral  124   b  in FIG.  6 . Cord  122  extends from the body of anchor  120  as attached to lock box  124  and collects about spool  180  (FIG. 9) within the body of anchor  120 . A hinged or pop up crank knob  182  operates to rotate spool  180  to collect, i.e., wind up, cord  122  on spool  180 . 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a loop formation using lock box  124  and cord  122 . Generally, lock box  124  is identical to lock box  24  and includes an open ended cord channel  128  and tongue  130 . Key  132  engages key aperture  160  of lock box  124  to selectively move tongue  130  into and out of an open and closed position. More particularly, key  132  operates to open laterally channel  128  and allow cord  122  to move laterally into channel  128 . Once cord  122  is so positioned, key  132  operates to close laterally channel  128 , i.e., move tongue  130  into its closed position, and prevent lateral escape of cord  122  from channel  128 . 
     As may be appreciated, lock box  124  may be extended from anchor  120  to a selected distance by merely pulling lock box  124  away from anchor  120  and thereby unspooling or unwinding cord  122  from spool  180 . Spool  180  may be rotated manually to collect, i.e., wind, cord  122  on spool  180  as illustrated in FIG. 8 by grasping knob  182  and rotating spool  180  as indicated at reference numeral  184  in FIG.  8 . 
     Thus, lock box  124  extends a selected distance from anchor  120  as indicated in FIG.  9 . Lock box  124  resides at the distal end of cord  122  and cord  122 , as extended from anchor  120 , may be at a selected distance therefrom. To secure computer  112  relative to an object  114  (of FIG.  10 ), one passes lock box  124  around the relatively larger object and opens channel  128  to laterally receive a length portion of cord  122  within channel  128 . Thereafter, key  132  operates to close laterally channel  128  and thereby laterally and lockably capture cord  122  within channel  128 . FIG. 10 illustrates attachment of computer  112  by way of anchor  120 , cord  122 , and lock box  124  to a chair  114 . 
     While illustrated as being coupled to a chair  114 , it will be understood that the present invention allows a user to couple a portable computing device to a variety of immovable and relatively immovable objects such as chair  14 . Preferably, a valuable portable computer is attached to a relatively larger object and thereby requires that a thief also carry away the relatively immobile object in addition to the computer. Thus, a thief would be discouraged from theft due to the inability to conceal the relatively larger object. In other words, while it may be possible to grab and hide a portable computer by itself, one cannot nearly as easily grab and conceal a relatively larger object, e.g., chair  114 , and expect to be successful in walking away unnoticed. 
     While not specifically detailed herein, it will be understood that cords  22  and  122  are of suitable material for the purposes shown herein. More particularly, cords  22  and  122  should be flexible enough to allow loop formation, i.e., loops  26  and  126 . Furthermore, cords  22  and  122  should be of suitable material to make impossible or significantly impede any cutting thereof. Thus, cords  22  and  122  can be of steel cable, sheathed steel cable, sufficiently durable and tamper-resistant plastic material, or other such materials as are appropriate for the given purpose of preventing or substantially impeding theft of a portable device. In other words, the degree of security desired dictates the selection of materials for cords  22  and  122 . For greater security, more durable and tamper-resistant material should be selected for use in cords  22  and  122 . 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment that has been described and illustrated, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as found in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4