Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20060291156?dq=5251294
Timestamp: 2014-07-26 00:04:33
Document Index: 655384190

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 167', 'art 311', 'art 831', 'art 832', 'art 831', 'art 832']

Patent US20060291156 - Security clamp lock for notebook computer or other personal electronic device - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsA notebook/laptop computer or other personal electronic device locking assembly includes a locking base frame. The locking base frame locks the notebook computer or other personal electronic device securely in place to a work surface such as a desk top or table top. The lock is adapted to engage the...http://www.google.com/patents/US20060291156?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20060291156 - Security clamp lock for notebook computer or other personal electronic deviceAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20060291156 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/454,136Publication dateDec 28, 2006Filing dateJun 15, 2006Priority dateMay 10, 2004Also published asUS7499269Publication number11454136, 454136, US 2006/0291156 A1, US 2006/291156 A1, US 20060291156 A1, US 20060291156A1, US 2006291156 A1, US 2006291156A1, US-A1-20060291156, US-A1-2006291156, US2006/0291156A1, US2006/291156A1, US20060291156 A1, US20060291156A1, US2006291156 A1, US2006291156A1InventorsPeter AllenOriginal AssigneePeter AllenExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (4), Classifications (6), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetSecurity clamp lock for notebook computer or other personal electronic deviceUS 20060291156 A1Abstract A notebook/laptop computer or other personal electronic device locking assembly includes a locking base frame. The locking base frame locks the notebook computer or other personal electronic device securely in place to a work surface such as a desk top or table top. The lock is adapted to engage the notebook computer or other personal electronic device screen in the open position, leaving a front surface of the screen viewable. The lock prevents removal of the notebook computer or other personal electronic device from the work surface. A security table top/work surface clamp includes a cable clamp having a fixed or adjustably sized generally C-shaped clamp body insertable over a table top or other flat work surface. The lower operating knob has a transverse hole or slot preventing loosening of the threaded bolt once the flexible cable is installed through the transverse hole or slot. Images(42) Claims(10)
1. A security clamp in combination with a flexible security cable for locking a laptop/notebook computer and/or other personal electronic devices, wherein said security cable has a flexible loop formed at one end and a permanently attached lock at the other end, comprising: a cable clamp having a generally C-shaped upper clamp body insertable over a table top or other flat work surface, said clamp having a threadable bolt engaging against a lower edge of said table top or other flat work surface, said threaded bolt extending into a lower operating knob below said C-shaped upper clamp body, said lower operating knob having a transverse hole preventing loosening of said threaded bolt once said flexible cable is installed through said transverse hole. 2. The security clamp as in claim 1 wherein said looped end of said cable is inserted part way through a said transverse hole, said transverse hole being a slot in the operating knob, permitting said secure cable clamp to be secured in place over said table top or other flat work surface. 3. The security clamp as in claim 1 wherein said C-shaped clamp comprises a pair of movable clamping jaws adjusting a size of a gap defined therebetween. 4. A security clamp in combination with a flexible security cable for locking a laptop/notebook computer and/or other personal electronic devices, wherein said security cable has a flexible loop formed at one end and a permanently attached lock at the other end, comprising: a cable having a ferrule at one end having an opening for engaging said padlock. a clamp for attachment to a table top; said clamp having means for being engaged with an opposite end of said cable preventing removal of said clamp from said table top while said ferrule of said cable is engaged with said lock, thereby providing security against theft of said electronic device; wherein when said locking bar is deployed laterally across the notebook computer screen, removal of the notebook computer from the locking base is prevented. 5. The security clamp of claim 4 in which said clamp comprises: a C-shaped frame for straddling an edge of said table top having a lower jaw under said table top and an upper jaw above said table top; a threaded opening in said lower jaw to accommodate a fastener to press a distal end of said fastener against an underside of said table to force said upper jaw against a surface of said table top; a proximate end of said fastener having a smooth rounded head and a square under-head shank; a knob on said fastener under said lower jaw, said knob having a blind hole to receive said proximate end of said fastener, said blind hole having an opening allowing said fastener to exit said knob and pass through said threaded opening of said lower jaw; and said knob having a locking hole extending through said blind hole below said rounded head of said fastener when said fastener is completely threaded through said lower jaw; said cable passing through said locking hole to prevent said fastener from being removed from said table top, the opposite end of said cable having a cable stop whose diameter is too large to pass through said locking hole, said ferrule having a smaller diameter able to pass through said locking hole after removal from said padlock, thereby preventing unauthorized removal of said housing and/or electronic device when said padlock is in place. 6. The security clamp of claim 5 in which the blind hole fastener opening is square to accommodate the square shank of said fastener. 7. The security clamp of claim 5 in which said knob is spherical. 8. The security clamp of claim 5 in which said upper jaw has a resilient pad to prevent marring a finish on said table top. 9. The security clamp of claim 5 having a security box on said fastener between said knob and said lower jaw to block exposure to bolt cutters. 10. The security clamp of claim 5 in which said security box is four sided with a clearance hole for said fastener.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows locking base 1 for a notebook computer lock, which is secured to a working surface by fastener holes, such as screw through holes 4 in base mounting pads 3. A back surface 10 is tilted at angle �X� to provide a good viewing angle of the computer screen. Side panel members 6 with bent tabs 7 provide a space for sliding locking collar 2. Locking flange 8 with a locking hole, such as padlock hole 9, is used to secure locking collar 2 with flange 14 via hole 15, which is in positional registration with hole 9 when mated. Width �W� is wider than the widest notebook computer or other personal electronic device to be accommodated by this locking base system. Locking bar 12, attached to the distal ends of sides 13, actually secures the notebook computer or other personal electronic device. This is the preferred embodiment. The display screen portion rests within space 16 between sides 13. In use, the keyboard portion of a notebook computer or other personal electronic device would deny access to the fasteners, such as retaining screws, in holes 4. Side panel members 6 may have one or more ports 6 a to accommodate computer cables therethrough. FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C show how locking collar 2 is placed over notebook computer screen 19 and then upon flange 14, and is locked to lower flange 8 via a lock, such as padlock 20. Keyboard 18 fits between sides 6. Space 5 is created by a raised back panel 10 so as to permit access to a variety of connectors at the back of computer keyboard portion 18. FIG. 2 also shows an optional compartment 42 for a power source accessory 43, such as an auxiliary battery charger or battery eliminator, wherein compartment 42 extends between power flange 8 and further lower flange 8A. FIG. 2D shows the notebook computer being used by a person at a work station; In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3, upright portion 25 supports the entire height of screen 19 above raised back panel 10 mounted upon base pads 3. This can also be shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 3B shows another example of a lock 20 a, which can be used in lieu of padlock 20. FIG. 3A shows a further alternate embodiment where shelves 36 and 36 a are depicted supporting electronic handheld devices such as folding cell phone 37 a, upright cell phone 37 b, marine VHF radio 37 c, personal digital assistant 37 d, calculator 37 e and video game pad controller 37 f. A transparent panel, such as LEXAN� polycarbonate panel 30, shown in FIG. 5, is used as a locking frame, by sliding it over screen 19 within the four tabs shown in FIG. 3 at the distal corners of upright 25. Panel 30, shown in FIGS. 4-7, has a top portion 32 and a locking flange 33 with padlock hole 35. In use, this hole is in positional registration with that of upper locking flange 27 shown in FIG. 4. A padlock 20 or other small lock 20 a can be used to secure the two members together. Front face 31 of transparent panel 30 protects the surface of computer screen 19. This can be used to advantage in a retail demo environment. Alternately, the locking collar of FIG. 1 can be used with base of FIG. 3 by locking into lower locking tab 26; this would offer a better unencumbered view of screen 19. FIG. 8 shows the addition of an optional battery pack housing cage 42 feature to the locking apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, although it can be used with any of the embodiments herein; The optional power source component 42 of FIGS. 2 and 8 can be added to any of the embodiments of this invention, including those shown in FIGS. 3-51. It is preferably a cage made of heavy duty wire screen or perforated metal that is attached (as by welding or rivets) to a rear panel, such as panel 41 in FIG. 8. This provides a secure compartment 42 for a power source accessory 43, such as an auxiliary battery, charger, or battery eliminator. Compartment 42 is also shown in the side view of FIG. 9. In a further alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, a locking base using a telescoping rod 54 is shown. In this embodiment, there is no member such as locking collar 2 or transparent panel 30 that can be readily removed from the locking base when a computer or other personal electronic device is not secured to the base. This should reduce the incidence of vandalism or theft of the removable item which would render the base unusable. In FIG. 10, one end of bar 54 is attached to the left side panel member 51 of base 50 via a pivotable fastener, such as ball joint 53. After the notebook computer or other personal electronic device is inserted between sides 51 and 52, bar 54 is swung over the lower (hinge) portion of the notebook computer's screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen and is elongated so as to insert lock plug 55 through locking hole 56 in right side 52. A lock (not shown), such as padlock 20, is then inserted through the hole in plug 55 thus locking computer to base. Alternate locking members include locking members such as vinyl clad steel cable 60 shown in FIG. 11, and the flexible tubing clad chain 65 shown in FIG. 12. These two devices do not require a ball joint attachment to left flange 51. Cable 60 can be simply inserted through a hole in flange 51 and then retaining washer 61 can be permanently attached as by spot welding. Lock plug 55, used as for telescoping rod, is attached to the distal end of cable 60. Chain 65 can be attached to flange 51 in a similar fashion by attaching washer 66 to its proximal end after threading through a hole. The distal end of chain 65 has an elongated link 67 with stop washer attached. The padlock is engaged through this link after it emerges through hole 56 in side 52. FIG. 13 shows an alternate embodiment using a separate locking base 81 used with a notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 80 which slides in from the left so that one or more base pads 87 are retained by one or more brackets 82 on base 81. FIGS. 13 and 14 also show a clamp 86 which secures the lock in place by clamping the lock over a working surface, such as a table top 85. A better view of this is the side edge view of FIG. 14. Clamp 86 slips over the edge of work surface 85. Locking bar 84 is captive in left bracket of computer or other personal electronic device lock 80, but it can swing out to permit access of computer or other personal electronic device display. The distal end 88 is grooved to accommodate a key lock to secure the computer or other personal electronic device as well as lock 80 to base 81. The long neck portion of base 81 from clamp 86 to brackets 82 positions the computer or other personal electronic device at a convenient distance from the front edge of table working surface 85. The detail of clamp 86 in FIG. 13A shows how screw 92 with optional security head 91 is screwed into the bottom surface of table working surface 85 via pointed end 93. FIG. 13B shows how tang 97 prevents screw 91 from being loosened when lock 95 is locked via key 96. Lock 95 can be easily removed from hole 94 in lock bracket 90. When tang 97 is turned to position 98, screw head 91 is not obstructed so that it can be removed or tightened. FIG. 15 is a top plan view showing details of notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 80 locked to base 81 with a computer or other personal electronic device display shown in dashed lines in position 117 and keyboard shown in dashed lines in position 118. Power supply box 100 can pivot open in the direction of arrow 101 on shaft 102 with a retaining cap; it is locked via tang 112. Notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 80 is slid into a captive position within brackets 82 retaining the edges of base plates 87 in the direction of arrow 104. The left end of swinging locking bar 84 (which can swing out in the direction of arrow 103) is retained via retaining cap 105 within slotted hole 115 and an oversize hole on front of the left bracket. Key lock 110 grasps rod end 88 of swinging locking bar 84, which maintains the security of the assemblage via bracket tang 114, which is part of locking base 81. Key 111 can be used to remove the lock body from the end of swinging locking bar 84. While FIG. 13-15 shows a separate over the table locking base 81 used with a notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 80 which slides in from the left so that base pads 87 are retained by brackets 82 on base 81 of notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 80, it is contemplated that a further alternate embodiment includes attaching notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 80 directly to a work surface 85, such as a study desk, by providing fastener receptacles within base pads 87, wherein fasteners, such as screws or bolts fasten base 81 directly to an upper side of the work surface 85, without the use of over the table base 81. FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 130 with a telescoping width adjusting feature to accommodate computer or other personal electronic devices of varying widths more securely. Base pads 136 are compatible with the use of locking base 81 of the previous embodiment to retain this continuous adjustment feature. Locking bar portions 137 and 138 are adjustable in size. For example, as in FIG. 17, incrementally spaced detents or pins and holes may be used to facilitate width adjustment. Alternatively, as in FIG. 16, locking bar 137 may be hollow and threaded with a coarse thread; it is captive within left bracket 134 and slotted back hole 133. Right section of locking bar 138 is screwed into portion 137 and can be quickly length adjusted by twisting it clockwise or counter-clockwise. Horizontal section 131 fits into section 132 in a telescoping fashion. After the notebook or laptop computer or other personal electronic device display is placed between the spread-apart brackets, the brackets are pushed against its sides and swinging locking bar portions 137 and 138 are adjusted accordingly to fit into holes in right bracket 135 for locking. FIG. 17 shows a different width adjustable computer or other personal electronic device lock 170 with a discrete locking mechanism including pivoted flange 178 with peg 176 at its distal end. Flange 178 is pivoted on pivot 182, such as a rivet, attached to outer telescoping member 132 of notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 170. When swung in the direction of arrow 179, flange 178 will force peg 176 through hole 175 in telescoping section 132 and further into one of the holes 180 in inner telescoping member 171 when in positional registration. Flange 178 is locked in position when hole 185 is in positional registration with hole 184 and locking bar 173 end 139 is passed through both. The swinging locking bar includes hollow side section 172 and inner, preferably solid, side section 173, which is telescopic within outer hollow side section 172. FIG. 18 shows another embodiment 150 of this invention wherein the locking base has been integrated with the notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock. Clamp 153 locks onto work surface 85 as described in a previous embodiment with a separate locking base 81 (see FIGS. 13-14). Upright brackets 151 and 152 with bar 83 between capture the notebook computer or other personal electronic device display which is then locked via swinging locking bar 84 and a key lock (not shown). A related embodiment in FIG. 19 shows integrated base/computer or other personal electronic device lock 160 which has one or more pivot points 164 and 166 (on base part 167). Link 165 now pivots in relation to clamp section 163 such that the notebook computer or other personal electronic device lock 160 can be more conveniently positioned on work surface 85. In FIG. 19, for example, clamp 163 is placed on the edge to the side of computer or other personal electronic device lock base 167 instead of directly in front of it as would be necessary in the embodiment of FIG. 18. The preferred low profile locking base embodiment of this invention for consumer use is detailed in FIGS. 20-27. FIG. 20 shows a low profile locking base 200 with narrow base 202 and low rise back 201. It is screwed to work surface 285 via fasteners, such as screws 203. Locking bar 284 with optional rubber or elastomer grommets 205 and machined end 288 is used to lock the display of a notebook or laptop computer or other personal electronic device (not shown) to locking base 200. End 288 is passed through hole 204 and locked with pin lock 110. Key 111 is used to unlock and remove the computer or other personal electronic device. The preferred simpler method of use of a locking base is not to screw it down as shown in FIG. 20 but instead to create a portable locking kit by adding a clamp 211 and cable 210 as shown in FIG. 21. Due to the low profile design with a narrow base, all components of the portable kit conveniently fit into a tubular carrying case (not shown). FIG. 21 also shows Clamp 211 having a fastener, such as a screw subassembly, including screw 212 and short container, such as a cylinder 216, with transverse cable attachment hole 213. At the first end of cable 210 is a ferrule 215 with a transverse hole. This fits through hole 213. The cable is threaded through hole 213 after clamp 211 is secured using the appropriate tool to tighten screw 212. The distal end of cable 210 has ferrule 214 with enlarged end which does not fit through hole 213. FIG. 22 shows the arrangement more clearly. It is noted that cylinder 216 has distal hole 220 which accommodates the screw head and also has a screw clearance hole 221 on its top surface. After cable 210 is threaded through hole 213, a tool cannot reach screw head 222 to loosen clamp 211 since access is denied through distal hole 220. After cable 210 is installed through cylinder 216, the end 288 of locking bar 284 is passed through the transverse hole in ferrule 215 prior to locking bar 284 to base 200. In an alternate embodiment of the clamp screw subassembly no tool is required to tighten or loosen clamp 211. For example, an exploded view of subassembly 230 is shown in FIG. 23 with end cap 231 pushed down over clamp screw 233 and press fit into the end of knob 235. Optional pins 238 can be driven radially to insure positive attachment. Cap 231 has screw clearance hole 232 at its center. Screw 233 becomes captive as a subassembly with tall head 234 within knob 235 once cap 231 is attached. Offset transverse hole 237 in knob 235 goes through both walls and is sized for cable attachment. FIG. 24 shows the underside of cap 231 revealing hexagonal recess 240 sized to engage bolt head 234. FIG. 25 is a top view of subassembly 230. In the side crossection of FIG. 26, bolt head 234 is seated in recess 240 of cap 231. This is prior to the insertion of cable 210 through holes 237. Clamp 211 can be tightened in this depicted configuration by turning knob 235 since recess 240 acts as a socket wrench to bolt 233. It is noted also that the size of head 234 interferes with the placement of hole 237 thereby preventing insertion of cable 210 while head 234 is seated in recess 240. If knob 235 is pushed up as shown in FIG. 27, cable 210 can now be easily inserted through holes 237 adjacent to screw 233 and spacing head 234 away from recess 240. In this configuration with cable 210 installed through knob 235, if turned, knob 235 will spin freely regardless of the up or down forces exerted. Clamp 211 can only be removed after cable 210 is removed and head 234 is re-seated in recess 240. In lieu of a non-standard screw 233 with tall head 234, a standard hex screw can be used with a nut screwed up against the head and adhesively bonded as a unit. A washer between the nut and the screw head would only enhance the operation creating a more positive barrier with cable 210. In an alternate protruding member locking embodiment of this invention, spikes, security rods or strips are used to secure a personal electronic device, such as a notebook computer, cellphone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or electronic music/video player (i.e. iPod�). For example, in FIG. 28, a notebook computer or other personal electronic device with base 275 and display 276 is shown. One of the three through-holes is required for this embodiment. Hole 278 is at the hinge line, while hole 279 is through the display housing; hole 277 is diagonally through one of the front or rear corners of the base. FIG. 29 shows locking rod or spike 285 which is inserted in any of the three hole locations discussed. Ferrule 286 with a groove near its distal end is then inserted through the transverse hole of spike 285 and locked with pin lock 110. Ferrule 286 is securely attached to cable 210 which had been passed through knob 235 after clamp 211 had been tightened at the edge of a table or desk top. In this manner, the illustrated notebook computer or other personal electronic device is secured via a secure cable. In a variation of this embodiment, the separate spike 285 is replaced by a captive security rod 291 as shown in FIG. 30. Note that rod 291 may be attached either to one end of the hinge or alternatively to the top surface of the base of computer or other personal electronic device 290 at any convenient location where space permits. Rods 291 are stored in a recessed position with only a small knob protruding so that they may be easily grasped to unlock into the extended position to expose a transverse hole. Ferrule 286 and lock 110 are then used in the same manner as with the separate spike 285. In another spike variation shown in FIG. 31, long spike 296 is used to secure computer or other personal electronic device 294 which has a hole 295 through its base. Hole 295 is placed over pre-existing hole 298 through table top 293; then spike 296 is inserted such that transverse hole 297 is accessible beneath table top 293. Then transverse pin 299 with a groove adjacent its distal end is inserted through hole 297 and locked with pin lock 110. Thus this variation locks a notebook computer or other personal electronic device using a spike without the aid of a cable. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 32 with a flexible locking strip 301, a detail of notebook computer 304 with display 305 and keyboard portion 306 is shown adjacent to clamp 302. Flexible locking strip 301 is shown prior to insertion through the hinge gap between display 305 and keyboard 306 (not shown) and further between bottom jaw 314 and top movable jaw 312 of clamp 302. In lieu of being inserted within a hinge gap, flexible locking strip 301 may be inserted within a thin, longitudinally extending slot, similar to holes 277, 278, 279 for rod 285 of FIG. 29. FIGS. 33, 36 and 37 show other features of clamp 302 with movable top 311 and stationary base 313. Locking strip 301 is clearly shown in top view and side view in FIGS. 34 and 35 respectively. Wedge stop 325 is shown at one the proximal end with narrow rectangular strip 326 at the distal end. Wedge stop 325 is preferably plastic which is bonded to strip 326 as by overmolding. It is noted that base portion 313 of clamp 302 is typically screwed to work surface 303 via screws 322, however, alternatively security cable 320 with secured distal end (not shown) can be used. Gripping means, such as serrations 337 in FIG. 36, form lower static jaw 314 of FIGS. 32 and 33; they engage strip 301. Hole 336 is used for optional cable 320. Holes 322 a accommodate fasteners 322, such as screws. Rectangular holes 335 accept tabs 339 of upper movable jaw 311 to form a hinge. The vertical wall 313 a of base 313 can be alternatively joined to movable section 311 via ordinary hinges. As in FIGS. 38 and 39, spring 319 tends to keep jaws 312 and 314 slightly apart unless lock 317 is locked via key 318. In that case if key 318 is rotated while moving member 311 is pressed down, lock tang 331 will engage lock recess 316 at the distal end of spring 319; recess 316 is attached to base 313. This action will lock locking strip 301 between jaws 312 and 314. Note that lock 317 is attached to hinged part 311 via a fastener, such as lock nut 330. FIGS. 40-43 show notebook computer 304, cellular phone 346, PDA 347 and personal DVD player 348 each with hinge gap 345. In addition, the entry path of locking strip 301 is shown by arrows in FIG. 40. FIG. 40 also shows a further alternate embodiment whereby the housing of notebook computer 304 contains a slot 326 for insertion of a flexible or rigid locking strip 328 therethrough. FIGS. 44-47 relate to an alternate embodiment of clamp 355 which incorporates a leaf spring 358 to impart locking force to locking strip 301 when shackle 366 of padlock 365 is passed through lock loops 362 and handle loop 376 (as in FIG. 46). In this embodiment, shallow recess 359 with transverse serrations aggressively grasps strip end 326 under bending force of spring 358, which itself can have optional transverse serrations on its contact surface. When handle 357 is free to swing up, strip end 326 can be easily passed between brackets 371 which are spaced apart a distance �W� (as in FIG. 45) to accommodate the width of strip end 326. Base 356 is secured to work surface 303 via fasteners, such as screws 369, which are passed through countersink holes 367 (as in FIG. 45). Leaf spring 358 is swaged or brazed at region 363 within slot 373 of handle 357. Hole 375 in loop 376 accommodates shackle 366. It is noted that spring 358 has to be bent somewhat for handle 357 to be in registration with the holes in padlock brackets 362. This bending also permits clamp 355 to accommodate strip ends 326 of varying thicknesses. Also, with respect to the geometry of spring 358 in FIG. 44, if a pulling force is placed on locking strip 301, frictional forces will tend to rotate the free end of spring 358 in a counter-clockwise direction thereby increasing clamping force on strip end 326; this further counteracts the pull-out force. Since spring 358 is wider than handle 357 (as in FIG. 47), centering washers 377 are used on either side of it to increase the combined width to X which is just slightly smaller than W. Rivet 360 in brackets 361 acts as an axle for handle 357; hole 372 is a clearance fit for rivet 360. FIG. 48 illustrates alternate embodiment locking strip 390 with locking wedge 391, strip 393 and end hole 392. Locking strip 390 may be rigid or flexible. Dashed lines 305 of FIG. 48 show the position of a computer display if this is being secured. Added hole 392 permits at least three non-clamp locking methods to be used. These are illustrated in FIGS. 49-51; for clarity, no item is shown being locked in these FIGS. 49-51. It is understood that instead of being inserted through a hinge gap, locking strip 390 may be first passed through a thin, longitudinally extending slot in the housing of the personal electronic device, such as a notebook computer, instead of a round hole provided for a rod 285 or 296, as is shown in FIGS. 29-31. In this case, the thinness of the slot 327 for strip 328 minimizes any intrusion into the interior of the walls of the personal electronic device, such as a notebook computer 305 and the like, with its intricate wiring located in a tight space within the walls of the notebook computer 305, or other personal electronic device. The strip 390 may be a rigid rectangle or other geometric shape. Additionally strip 390 may be flexible. If flexible, strip 390 may pass through a slot in the housing of the personal electronic device, or if the device is hinged, through a hinge gap between the display of the device and the main body of the device being secured. In FIG. 49, stud 395 is attached to and protrudes from work surface 303. Hole 392 is simply passed over the distal end of stud 395 and then the shackle of padlock 397 is passed through the transverse hole in stud 395 to lock strip 390. In FIG. 50, secure cable 400 with collar 402 and a rigid stud at its distal end is used to secure strip 390. After the rigid stud is passed through hole 392, cable lock 401 is snapped over the end of the stud thereby securing strip 390. In FIG. 51, free cable 405 with lock member 406 permanently attached is passed through hole 392. Since member 406 is a bulge larger than the diameter of hole 392, locking strip 390 will be secured when the distal end of cable 405 is looped or otherwise secured to work surface 303 or to some point adjacent to it. A locking device for locking an iPod� to a table top is illustrated in FIGS. 52-56. It includes several distinct parts. For example, FIG. 52 shows metal frame 500 which is sized to encircle the iPod� 550. The iPod� 550 is inserted from the back and its front faces forward with edge 505 preventing the iPod� 550 from falling through large opening 507. Opening 502 on one end of housing sides 501 is to accommodate the iPod� connector. Side ears 503 with holes 504 for rod 510 (as in FIG. 53) are used to lock frame 500 to clamp 520 (as in FIG. 54) with the aid of bent tab 506. FIG. 54 shows clamp 520 which is tightened against table top 85 by lifting spherical knob 530 thereby engaging square feature under head 527 of screw 526. Offset transverse hole 531 in knob 530 is sized for the diameter of locking pin 510 with head 511 and groove 512 at the distal end. Although a radial groove is shown in FIG. 53, other features compatible with a particular pin lock may be used instead. A clamping groove 522 is formed by side extension 521; this receives the end of bent tab 506 of iPod� frame 500. After tightening of clamp 520 by lifting and turning knob 530 to force pad 524 against surface of table top 85, knob 530 can be turned to any desired orientation when it is down from head 527 and therefore disengaged. When secured, the back side of the iPod� 550 rests at an angle against or close to rounded corner 532 of clamp 520. FIG. 55 is a front view of frame 500 secured to clamp 520. For illustrative purposes, the iPod� 550 is not depicted secured inside frame 500 in this view. The details of the engagement are viewed through front opening 507. Except for the presence of key 111 in pin lock 110, frame 500 is secure; it may be stored this way when not in use. In FIG. 55 pin 510 is clearly shown penetrating the sides of frame 500 (at holes 504), as well as transversing offset knob hole 531. Tab 506 is shown in groove 522 formed by feature 521. On each side of 521 are blocks 540 attached to the end housing of frame 500. These aid in locating frame 500 laterally within the grasp of clamp 520. They also provide a secure groove to receive the end of the iPod� 550 between blocks 540 and front frame 505. In the configuration shown in FIG. 55, knob 530 cannot be lifted very far nor rotated, since tab 506 limits lifting and rod 510 and tab 506 prevent rotation. FIG. 56 shows the same view with iPod� 550 secured within frame 500. Although it is not shown in this view, reference to FIG. 54 reveals that frame 500 and iPod� 550 are tilted with respect to the edge of table top 85, with the back side of iPod� 550 at or near rounded corner 522. Connector 551 is shown plugged into iPod� 550 with wire leads 552. FIGS. 57-60 illustrate the preferred embodiment of a digital music/video playback device security frame. FIG. 57 shows music/video playback device 660, such as, for example, an iPod� digital music/video playback device of Apple Corporation, being inserted into security frame 640 through its open edge; note that the top and bottom edges are U-shaped channels which terminate in a flat back edge 642. Also shown is steel cable 625, cable clamp 600, and lock 630 with its unique circular hasp; a standard key-operated or combination padlock can be substituted. The operation of clamp 600 is described by the exploded view of FIG. 58. Frame 601 is shown in crossection with threaded hole 602 in lower jaw section and optional resilient pad 603 to prevent marring of desk or tabletop. An optional four-sided metal security box 605 is shown with screw clearance hole 606. Box 605 is slipped over screw 617 between knob 610 and clamp frame 601 to minimize access to the shank of screw 617 as by bolt cutters; it fits over the sides of frame 601 and is pushed up by knob 610 as screw 617 is advanced. (Box 605 is not used in the illustration of FIG. 57.) The minimum attachment edge thickness M is a function of screw 617 length. The range of adjustment �R� is noted. Screw 617 is a standard carriage bolt with smooth rounded head 619 and square under-head shank 618. Knob 610 has blind bottom end hole 611 with a diameter slightly larger than that of bolt head 619. At the distal end of blind hole 611, is square hole 612 which permits egress of the threaded portion of screw 617 but engages square shank 618 when pulled down and turned slightly into registration. Clamp 600 is assembled by pushing screw 617 through knob 610 (and box 605, if used) and then threading into hole 602 of clamp frame 601. Clamp 600 is placed over the edge of a table or desk as shown in FIG. 59 and knob 610 is used to tighten screw 617 by keeping a slight downward pressure on it while turning. Then knob 610 is pushed up creating a space between head 619 and the distal end of blind hole 611 thereby disengaging square shank 618. In fact, head 619 should be below transverse hole 614 which is tangent to the position of threaded portion of screw 617 (see FIG. 58). At this point, cable ferrule 626 (with diameter D1 smaller than the diameter of transverse hole 614) is introduced with the entire cable following until cable stop 628 with diameter D2 is encountered. D2 is larger than hole 614 diameter. It is noted that with cable 625 inserted through knob 610, square shank 618 is prevented from engaging square hole 612 because head 619 cannot get past cable 625 within hole 611. Thus any rotation of knob 610 while cable 625 is present will not loosen (or tighten!) screw 617. To remove clamp 600, cable 625 must be completely withdrawn from transverse hole 614; slight pulling on knob 610 against screw head 619 will engage shank 618, and turning and loosening can proceed to effect removal. FIG. 59 shows music/video playback device 660 secured to a desktop via clamp 600 and cable 625. Connector opening 645 is located in a bottom edge of security frame 640; a similar opening is in the top edge (not shown). The hasp of lock 630 engages both top loop extension 643 and bottom loop extension 644 as well as hole 627 of cable ferrule 626 to bridge open edge 641 and attach frame 640 to secure cable 625. FIG. 60 shows an alternative attachment method which does not use clamp 600 nor cable 625. Here, frame 640 is directly attached to backpack 652 by lock 630 engaging both loop extensions 643 and 644 as well as ring 650 which is attached via sewn strap 651. A similar method can be used to attach frame 640 to a belt loop or to attachment rings on luggage, briefcases, pocketbooks, etc. FIG. 61 shows frame 670 which is a further alternative embodiment of a security frame for a digital music/video playback device. Frame 670 includes two right angle sections 671 and 672 hinged at 673. Note that when distal end loops 676 and 677 are swung into registration, a rectangular frame sized to accommodate a digital music/video playback device is formed. The digital music/video playback device is held in place by bent-over tabs 675. Openings 674 and 675 accommodate digital music/video playback device connectors. Frame 670 can be attached to a secure cable and locked by engaging a distal cable ferrule as well as loops 676 and 677 in the hasp of a padlock. Attachment to other objects without cable or clamp as shown for the preferred embodiment is possible in similar fashion for frame 670. FIGS. 62 and 63 show alternate embodiment locking frame 690 for digital music/video playback device 660. The open long edge 691 permits insertion and retrieval of digital music/video playback device 660. Open central area 692 at the top edge of frame 690 provides access to attachment socket at the bottom of digital music/video playback device 660 if so equipped. Frame 690 has a low wall 694 and bottom frame members 693 which capture device 660. Note padlock hole 696 on a side extension of the top frame 690 edge. FIG. 63 shows a portion of garment 700 with belt 702 and belt loop 701 which engages padlock 703 via hasp 704 which also goes through hole 696. Digital music/video playback device 660 is retained within frame 690 by the interference of hasp 704; it dangles with screen toward the bottom which facilitates easy reading while still attached to belt loop 701. FIGS. 64 and 65 show alternate embodiment locking frame 710 with digital music/video playback device 725. In FIG. 64, digital music/video playback device 725 is being inserted or withdrawn from frame 710 through band loop 714 which has a hole 715 on a short extension for attachment. Frame 710 has a back side 711 with open central area, low guidance sides 712 and a distal hook 713 which engages the top (screen) end of digital music/video playback device 725 by looping over the front surface. FIG. 65 shows digital music/video playback device 725 secured within frame 710 by padlock 703 which also engages belt loop 701. Hasp 704 prevents digital music/video playback device 725 from being withdrawn through band loop 714. FIGS. 66 and 67 show alternate embodiment locking device 750 which is a diagonal bar 752 with distal pocket 751 and proximal pocket 753 formed of two orthogonal sides with locking holes 754. Note how hasp 704 of padlock 703 will secure digital music/video playback device 760 to locking device 750 by preventing the corner of device 760 from being lifted out of pocket 753. Distal pocket 751 engages the opposite diagonal corner of digital music/video playback device 760. A prior art computer security cable 800 is shown in FIG. 68. It is a KENSINGTON� cable with their special lock 802 permanently attached via a swivel coupling 803 to steel cable 801. The other end of the cable is permanently formed into a loop 805 by ferrule 806. Lock 802 has protruding rectangular feature 804 that mates with the KENSINGTON� recess in a portable computer. In normal use, lock 802 is passed through loop 805 also engaging a secure anchoring member such as a pipe or handrail prior to locking it into the recess in the computer. FIG. 69 shows an alternate embodiment cable clamp 810 which is similar in features and operation to clamp 600 shown in the exploded view of FIG. 58. Note the distinguishing feature of transverse slot 814 in operating knob 812. In FIG. 58, transverse cable hole 614 in knob 610 would not be able to admit either lock 802 not loop 805 of cable 800. However, as shown in FIG. 70, loop 805 can enter through transverse slot 814 up to ferrule 806 thereby permitting lock 802 to enter the distal end of loop 805 engaging clamp 810. In operation, clamp 810 is first tightened onto a desk or table top using knob 812 pulled down engaging square feature 618 on screw 617. Then knob 812 is pushed up and loop 805 is inserted through slot 814 thereby making it impossible for knob 812 to re-seat onto screw head 619 to attempt to loosen clamp 810 (until loop 805 is again withdrawn). Any cable assembly with a permanent loop at one end and a permanently attached small lock at the other end can be accommodated by cable clamp 810. A small hasp lock can be used; then the notebook computer or other device to be secured simply needs a securely attached loop, not a specially designed recess. FIG. 71 shows another embodiment of cable clamp 830 which has a grip range adjusting feature. The clamp frame is in two parts, top jaw part 831 and bottom jaw part 832. Jaw part 831 is pinned or otherwise rigidly attached to body screw 833. Bottom jaw part 832 can rotate on screw 833 by virtue of a threaded hole, thereby expanding or reducing the distance between pad 603 and end of screw 617. Note that with slot 814 in knob 812, this grip-range adjustable clamp 830 can accommodate any cable that is compatible with clamp 810. FIGS. 72 and 73 show a sleeve frame for slidably securing a personal electronic entertainment device 925 within, such as an Apple� iPod� personal music player. Frame plate 901 forms a base from which short walls 903 and 905 extend in perpendicular arrangement. Short walls 903, 905 have top ends and opposite bottom ends. Frame plate 901 similarly has opposite top and bottom ends, and frame plate 901 is provided with a central opening. Near the top ends of respective short walls 903 and 905 there are provided opposing grasp tabs 913 and 915. Grasp tabs 913 and 915 inwardly extending retaining lugs 914 and 916 extending therefrom for grasping and retaining the personal entertainment device. Frame plate 901 is provided with a single grasp tab 904 extending from the bottom of it. Retaining lug 910 extends inwardly from grasp tabs 904. Grasp tabs 904, 913 and 915 with corresponding respective retaining lugs 910, 914 and 916 comprise one grasping and retaining elements of sleeve frame 900. Short wall 905 is further provided with tab 906 at its upper end, tab 906 comprising a short upward extension of wall 905. Tab 906 is provided with an aperture for receiving a lock hasp, said hasp preventing removal of the personal music player 925 from sleeve frame 900. FIG. 73 shows sleeve frame 900 with personal music player 925 being inserted therein. In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7866623Oct 21, 2008Jan 11, 2011Sony CorporationComputer retail display standUS8529357Feb 28, 2013Sep 10, 2013Wikipad, Inc.Combination tablet computer and game controller with flexible bridge sectionWO2011138582A1 *May 4, 2011Nov 10, 2011Phillip Andrew StevensSecure locking device for a support standWO2013095703A1 *Jun 12, 2012Jun 27, 2013Wikipad, Inc.Game controller* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification361/679.55, 361/679.58International ClassificationG06F1/16Cooperative ClassificationE05B73/0082, E05B73/0005European ClassificationE05B73/00DLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionAug 29, 2012FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4May 8, 2012ASAssignmentEffective date: 20120508Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ALLEN, PETER;REEL/FRAME:028177/0494Owner name: THINK PRODUCTS, INC., NEW YORKRotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google