Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a locking assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a locking assembly for securing an unsupervised portable electronic device or other personal belongings to a work surface.

Since the introduction of the internet age, more opportunities have become available for persons to work remotely. With this availability, it has become a common practice to take and use portable electronic devices, such as laptops, in public places. For example, users of these portable electronic devices frequent coffee shops, airports, and bookstores as quiet public locations in which they can focus on work and/or other usages of their portable electronic devices. Once situated, however, it can be difficult for the user to use a restroom or purchase refreshments without leaving their portable electronic device unattended and vulnerable to theft. In fact, occurrences of theft have become so common that many shops and stores have started displaying signs warning clientele not to leave their portable electronic devices unattended.

In response to the rampant theft of unsupervised portable electronic devices, locking devices have been developed to allow the user to lock their portable electronic device during periods without supervision. These prior art locking devices are typically designed to lock a portable electronic device to a table or other work surface for deterring and reducing theft. However, despite some success, the prior art locking devices still exhibit common shortcomings. For example, prior art locking devices have struggled to provide a "one-size-fits-all" solution. More specifically, the prior art locking devices can only be used with portable electronic devices and work surfaces having very specific dimensions and configurations, and deviation from these dimensions and configurations result in damage to a work surface when trying to lock a non-compliant portable electronic device. In addition, prior art locking devices oftentimes employ rigid clamping mechanisms that are both cumbersome and relatively easy to compromise with simple tools or by simply repeated wiggling and pulling on the clamping mechanism. Other prior art locking devices use variations of locking ports (such as Kensington ports), which are integrated in some older generations of laptops but are also relatively easy to circumvent.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need to develop and further refine locking devices that are compatible with a variety of portable electronic devices and are less prone to being circumvented. Relevant prior art can be found in <CIT> and <CIT> which discloses the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Described is a locking assembly for locking a portable electronic device to a work surface. The locking assembly includes a clamp assembly having an elongated bar extending between a first end and a second end and a first jaw and a second jaw, with at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw moveable along the elongated bar between the first end and the second end for clamping a work surface between the first and second jaws. A locking mechanism is further included for selectively locking the relative positioning between the first jaw and the second jaw (i.e., securing the work surface between the first and second jaws in an un-movable/locked condition). The locking assembly further includes a connector extending from a first connector end pivotally connected to one of the clamp assembly or locking mechanism to a second connector end for connection to a provided portable electronic device. The connector thus secures the portable electronic device to the work surface while permitting the portable electronic device to pivot with respect to the locking assembly while locked thereto. In use, the second connector end is intended to be connected to the portable electronic device which a user desires to secure or lock to the locking assembly and the first connector end can be quickly locked and unlocked from the locking assembly for quick and efficient use.

Also a locking assembly for locking a portable electronic device to a work surface is described. The locking assembly includes a clamp assembly having an elongated bar extending between a first end and a second end and a first jaw and a second jaw, with at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw moveable along the elongated bar between the first end and the second end for clamping a work surface between the first and second jaws. A locking mechanism is further included for selectively locking the relative positioning between the first jaw and the second jaw (i.e., securing the work surface between the first and second jaws in an un-movable/locked condition). Movement of the locking mechanism results in movement of the first jaw or the second jaw into forceful contact with the work surface. The clamp assembly can therefore be quickly and easily clamped to the work surface. Movement of the locking mechanism is pivotal and results in a leveraged lesser movement of the first jaw or second jaw for a stronger clamping force.

The following embodiments <NUM>-<NUM> are not according to the invention and are present for illustration purposes only.

In general, the subject embodiments are directed to a locking assembly for securing portable electronic devices to a work surface. However, the example embodiments are only provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms within the scope of the appended claims and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the views, the locking assembly is intended to provide a design that is hard to circumvent and is also compatible with a variety of portable electronic devices.

A locking assembly <NUM> in accordance with a first embodiment is generally shown in <FIG>. The locking assembly <NUM> comprises a clamp assembly <NUM> that includes a first jaw <NUM> and a second jaw <NUM> moveable towards one another along an elongated bar <NUM> that extends axially between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first jaw <NUM> is stationary on the first end <NUM> of the elongated bar <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> is movable along the elongated bar <NUM> between the second end <NUM> and a location in close proximity to the first jaw <NUM>. However, the second jaw <NUM> could be stationary, while the first jaw <NUM> is movable along the elongated bar <NUM>, without departing from the subject disclosure. The first jaw <NUM> extends from the elongated bar <NUM> to a first pad <NUM> disposed in a facing relationship with the second jaw <NUM>. The first pad <NUM> connects to the first jaw <NUM> via a first pin <NUM> (as best illustrated in <FIG>) that allows the first pad <NUM> to pivot relative to the first jaw <NUM>. For example, the first pin <NUM> may allow pivotable or rotational movement between the first pad <NUM> and the first pin <NUM> with respect to at least one axis so that the first pad <NUM> remain parallel with the work surface if the locking assembly <NUM> is rocked back and forth. Alternatively, the first pin <NUM> may include a ball-type connection (not shown) allowing pivotable movement between the first pad <NUM> and the first pin <NUM> with respect to a plurality of axes. Similarly, the second jaw <NUM> extends from the elongated bar <NUM> to a second pad <NUM> disposed in a facing relationship to the first jaw <NUM>. The second pad <NUM> connects to the second jaw <NUM> via a second pin <NUM> that allows the second pad <NUM> to move relative to the second jaw <NUM>. The second pin <NUM> may be parallel to the first pin <NUM>. For example, the second pin <NUM> may allow pivotable or rotational movement between the second pad <NUM> and the second pin <NUM> with respect to at least one axis so that the pads <NUM>, <NUM> remain parallel with the work surface if the locking assembly <NUM> is rocked back and forth. It has been shown that maintaining the pads <NUM>, <NUM> in a parallel position to the work surface can results in gripping forces of up to ten times as strong as non-parallel. The pads <NUM>, <NUM> are preferable formed of rubber or other elastic materials that have a high friction index. In addition, the second pin <NUM> may include a ball-type connection (not shown) allowing pivotable movement between the second pad <NUM> and the second pin <NUM> with respect to a plurality of axes. In use, the first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> move relative to one another along the elongated bar <NUM> on opposite sides of a work surface, such as a table, a counter, or the like. As will be described in greater detail below, a locking mechanism <NUM> locks the first jaw <NUM> relative to the second jaw <NUM> once the pads <NUM>, <NUM> have been positioned on and clamped to opposite sides of the work surface. The pads <NUM>, <NUM> may be further configured to rotate with respect to the associated jaw <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the first pin <NUM> and the second pin <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be rotatable relative to the associated jaw <NUM>, <NUM> and also pivotally connected to the pads <NUM>, <NUM> along the at least one axis that may be perpendicular or parallel to the pins <NUM>, <NUM>. The pivotal and rotational movement of the pads <NUM>, <NUM> result in a nullification of the leverage by a potential thief when wiggling and prying at the locking assembly <NUM> as the pads <NUM>, <NUM> remain relatively stationary and flush during torqueing of the elongated bar <NUM> and/or jaws <NUM>, <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the locking assembly <NUM> further includes a connector <NUM> for connecting the clamp assembly <NUM> to the portable electronic device. More particularly, the connector <NUM> extends from a first connector end <NUM> pivotally connected to the clamp assembly <NUM> to a second connector end <NUM> for connection with the portable electronic device. In the preferred arrangement, the second connector end <NUM> establishes a pivotable connection with the portable electronic device (i.e., it is pivotably connected), to allow for a greater degree of freedom of the portable device about the work surface once the locking assembly <NUM> is secured thereto. However, other means of connecting the second connector end <NUM> to the portable electronic device could also be utilized without departing from the subject disclosure, some of which are described in more detail below.

For example, in the first embodiment, the connector <NUM> includes a connection plate <NUM> disposed adjacent the second connector end <NUM> and a connection strip <NUM> extending between the clamp assembly <NUM> from the first connector end <NUM> to the second connector end <NUM>. The connection plate <NUM> is intended to be connected to the portable electronic device and the connection strip <NUM> is intended to be connected to the clamp assembly <NUM>. The connection plate <NUM> and connection strip <NUM> may be integral or otherwise connected. The connection plate <NUM> and the connection strip <NUM> are preferably comprised of steel or other strong, semi-rigid materials. The connection strip <NUM> has a flat shape so that it is more rigid to deformation in certain directions, such as the directions in which it can pivot. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection plate <NUM> includes a pivot connector <NUM>, such as a rivet, that pivotally connects a center of the connection plate <NUM> to the connection strip <NUM>. The pivot connector <NUM> on the center of the connect plate <NUM> makes it more difficult to peel the connection plate <NUM> off of the connection strip <NUM> than if the pivot connector <NUM> was off center. The pivot connector <NUM> thus provides additional nullification to leveraging by a potential thief when wiggling and prying at the portable electronic device. The connection plate <NUM> may further include a portable electronic device connector <NUM>, such as an adhesive, double-sided tape, and/or additional components. In instances with adhesive or double-sided tape, the device connector <NUM> may include a layer of tape primer on the surface of the portable electronic device (for example a <NUM> Primer <NUM>). Research has shown that in scenarios wherein the connection plate <NUM> is steel and the laptop is plastic, utilizing primer on the laptop results the laptop being harder to peel off by over ten times than those without primer. The layer of primer between the portable electronic device and the adhesive or double-sided tape significantly increases the bond strength. For example, In use, the portable electronic device is connected to the connection plate <NUM>, the connection plate <NUM> connects to the connection strip <NUM>, and the connection strip <NUM> connects to the clamp assembly <NUM>. The first connector end <NUM> includes a first bore <NUM> for connection to the clamp assembly <NUM> and the second connector end <NUM> includes a second bore <NUM> (<FIG>) for connection to the pivot connector <NUM>, e.g., the rivet, that extends along an axis. The connection strip <NUM> and/or the connection plate <NUM> may be formed of steel and/or steel alloys.

According to the first embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> locks the connection strip <NUM> to the first jaw <NUM> and only permits removal upon unlocking of the locking mechanism <NUM>, e.g., via entry of a password or use of a key. More particularly, when the locking mechanism <NUM> is locked, a portion of the locking mechanism <NUM> extends through the first bore <NUM> and the first bore is large enough to permit the connector strip <NUM> to pivot thereabout to form a first pivot connector about a first axis. The connector <NUM> extends from the locking mechanism <NUM> to the rivet <NUM> to form a second pivot connector about a second axis that is parallel to the first. When the locking mechanism <NUM> is unlocked, it no longer extends through the bore <NUM> and the connection strip <NUM> can be removed. The pair of pivot connectors thus nullify misalignment of the pads <NUM>, <NUM> that may be caused during an attempted theft.

With reference now to <FIG>, the first bore <NUM> of the connection strip <NUM> (as best shown in <FIG>) includes a slot <NUM> extending therefrom that allows for the connection of at least one add-on connector <NUM>. More particularly, the add-on connector <NUM> can be primarily the same as connection strips <NUM> except that the first bore <NUM> is replaced with a connection pin <NUM> that extends to a flange <NUM>. In use, the flange <NUM> is placed through the first bore <NUM> and the connection pin <NUM> is slid into the slot <NUM> such that it cannot be removed unless it is returned to the first bore <NUM>. As will be appreciated in view of the continued description below, when the connector <NUM> is connected to the clamp assembly <NUM> and the clamp assembly <NUM> is clamped around the work surface, the first bore <NUM> becomes inaccessible such that the add-on connector <NUM> in the slot <NUM> cannot be removed.

As best illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one arrangement, the elongated bar <NUM> may include a plurality of teeth <NUM> along an edge thereof. Each of the teeth <NUM> may be triangularly shaped and extend at opposite angles from the edge, for example <NUM>°, such that adjacent teeth form <NUM>° angles with one another. The second jaw <NUM> includes a cog <NUM> pivotally connected thereto via a pin <NUM>. The cog <NUM> includes a detent <NUM> and a release trigger <NUM>. As such, as the second jaw <NUM> is moved towards the first jaw <NUM>, the detent <NUM> interfaces with the plurality of teeth <NUM>, causing the cog <NUM> to pivot. However, the detent <NUM> cannot freely move along the teeth <NUM> as the second jaw <NUM> is moved away from the first jaw <NUM> so that it becomes locked unless the release trigger <NUM> is actuated to pivot the detent <NUM> away from the plurality of teeth <NUM>. The cog <NUM> may be biased towards the plurality of teeth <NUM> by a torsion spring <NUM>. When the first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> are clamped on either side of the work surface, pressure on the second jaw <NUM> may prevent use of the release trigger <NUM>. Use of the release trigger <NUM> can become available again upon de-clamping via movement of the locking mechanism <NUM>, which will be described in greater detail below. However, it should be appreciated that other methods of locking the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> may be adopted including methods that do not necessarily require teeth and instead rely on locking levers or screws as is known in the art.

With continued reference to the first embodiment, certain components of the locking mechanism <NUM> are best illustrated in <FIG>. The first jaw <NUM> defines a seat <NUM>, having a u-shape, for placing the locking mechanism <NUM>. The first jaw <NUM> further defines a cavity <NUM> for placement of a locking rod <NUM> that is moveable with respect to the first pad <NUM>. The locking rod <NUM> may extend along an axis that is parallel to the axis of the rivet <NUM>. The locking rod <NUM> is connected to and extends at least partially through a back plate <NUM> that is generally parallel and adjacent to a top surface <NUM> of the first pad <NUM>, the top surface <NUM> facing opposite the second pad <NUM>. Instead of a first pin <NUM>, a bracket <NUM> connects the first pad <NUM> to the first jaw <NUM> and allows some pivotal movement of the first pad <NUM> with respect to the first jaw <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> defines a depression <NUM> that is sized to at least partially receive the locking rod <NUM>. In operation, actuation of the locking mechanism <NUM> causes the back plate <NUM> to move into and out of contact with the top surface <NUM> of the first pad <NUM> and the locking rod <NUM> to move into and out of the depression <NUM>. Before the locking rod <NUM> enters the depression <NUM>, the first bore <NUM> of the connection strip <NUM> can be aligned therewith so that the locking rod <NUM> extends through the first bore <NUM> before being locked against the top surface <NUM> and into the depression <NUM> to form another pivot connector parallel to the first. As such, the connector strip <NUM> become pivotally connected to the first jaw <NUM> and the locking mechanism <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes a linkage <NUM> that pivotally connects the locking mechanism <NUM> to the first jaw <NUM>. More particularly, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes a lock housing <NUM> and a carriage <NUM>, wherein the carriage <NUM> is connected to both the linkage <NUM> and the lock housing <NUM>. The linkage <NUM> includes a first pivot connection <NUM> connected to the carriage <NUM> and a second pivot connection <NUM> connected to the locking rod <NUM>, while the carriage <NUM> includes a lock pivot <NUM> that pivotally connects the carriage <NUM> to the first jaw <NUM>. The linkage <NUM> allows the carriage <NUM> and lock housing <NUM> to move or pivot between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the carriage <NUM> and at least part of the lock housing <NUM> are located within the seat <NUM> of the first jaw <NUM> and the locking rod <NUM> is pushed into contact with the first pad <NUM> via operation of the linkage <NUM>. In the open position, the carriage <NUM> is pivoted away from the first jaw <NUM> with respect to the lock pivot <NUM>, causing the linkage <NUM>, which is located closer to the elongated bar <NUM>, to be pulled upwardly by the first pivot connection <NUM> and to carry or drag the locking rod <NUM> by the second pivot connection <NUM>. Movement of the carriage <NUM> results in movement of the first jaw <NUM> or the second jaw <NUM> into forceful contact with the work surface. Movement of the carriage <NUM> results in a leveraged lesser movement (which may be bending or flexing) of the first jaw <NUM> or second jaw <NUM> by a ratio of approximately <NUM>:<NUM>. As such, the leveraged movement results in a tighter clamping force that can quickly be established.

With reference now to <FIG>, a disassembled view of the lock housing <NUM> is illustrated. The lock housing <NUM> contains a deadbolt arrangement that includes a bolt <NUM> that is located near the elongated bar <NUM> and is permitted to slide out of and retract into the lock housing <NUM>. The first jaw <NUM> further includes a bolt port <NUM> (<FIG>) along the seat <NUM> and aligned to receive the bolt <NUM> in a locked position, preventing pivotal movement of the lock mechanism <NUM> and the corresponding release of the locking rod <NUM>. A pair of carrier pins <NUM> are located on opposite sides of the bolt <NUM> and extend through carrier slots <NUM> in the lock housing <NUM>. In use, the carrier pins <NUM> can be manually slid along the carrier slots <NUM> to move the bolt <NUM> into and out of engagement with the bolt port <NUM>. A spring <NUM> biases the bolt <NUM> in the locked position. Movement of the bolt <NUM> is guided by a guide block <NUM> that houses at least a portion of the bolt <NUM> and the pair of carrier pins <NUM>. The first jaw <NUM> further includes a guide opening <NUM> (<FIG>) for placement of the track block <NUM> that can be located therein. The guide block <NUM> includes a groove <NUM> that interfaces with the track block <NUM> and limits movement of the guide block <NUM> to only or substantially only axial movement. A lock tab <NUM> is pivotally connected to the lock housing <NUM> and is located near the guide block <NUM> and includes a lock surface <NUM>. During operation, the lock tab <NUM> can be rotated such that the lock surface <NUM> blocks the return of the bolt <NUM> in a contact position, such that the bolt <NUM> is maintained in the locked position and cannot be retracted manually. The lock tab <NUM> can further be rotated to a non-contact position that permits the bolt <NUM> to be retracted. Rotational movement of the lock tab <NUM> can be effectuated by any number of means, however, in the illustrated embodiment it is effectuated by a motor <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the lock mechanism <NUM> includes a user interface such as a keypad <NUM> with a plurality of keys that cover an upper portion of the lock housing <NUM>. A printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> is located beneath the keypad <NUM> and includes a lock assembly circuit <NUM> (<FIG>) that will be described in greater detailed below, and which includes a plurality of switches <NUM> corresponding to the keys. The motor <NUM> is connected to the lock assembly circuit <NUM> and causes the lock tab <NUM> to pivot the locking surface <NUM> into and out of engagement with the guide block <NUM>. One or more batteries <NUM> are located within the lock housing <NUM> and provide power to the lock assembly circuit <NUM> and the motor <NUM>. The lock assembly circuit <NUM> may further include one or more lights, such as LEDs, to indicate the status of the lock tab <NUM> and/or bolt <NUM>. For example, a green light <NUM> to indicate that the lock surface <NUM> of the lock tab <NUM> is not engaged with the guide block <NUM> and thus is free to retract. A red light <NUM> may also be included to indicate engagement of the lock tab <NUM>, thus requiring a password input with the key pad <NUM>. In addition to the plurality of keys, the keypad <NUM> may also include a lock/unlock button <NUM> and the lock assembly circuit <NUM> may further include a lock/unlock switch <NUM>, such that the lock/unlock button <NUM> needs to be pressed before or after inputting the password to effectuate movement of the lock tab <NUM>.

The lock assembly circuit <NUM> is schematically illustrated in <FIG> in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. The various elements provided therein allow for a specific implementation. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art of electronics and circuits may substitute various components to achieve a similar functionality. The lock assembly circuit <NUM> includes a General Computing Unit "GCU" system <NUM>, a first user interface system <NUM> (corresponding to the keypad <NUM>), a second user interface system <NUM>, and an alarm circuit <NUM>.

In accordance with one aspect, certain operations of the lock assembly circuit <NUM> can be controlled via communication between the first user interface <NUM> and the GCU system <NUM>. The GCU system <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> and a communications module <NUM>. The controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM> having machine readable non-transitory storage. Programs and/or software <NUM> (such as Arduino IDE, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS) may be saved on the memory <NUM> and so is an input data <NUM> obtained via the first user interface <NUM> and/or the second user interface system <NUM>. Profile data <NUM> related to saved user preferences, such as passwords (password data) are also saved on the memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> translates and carries out instructions based on the software <NUM>, input data <NUM>, and profile data <NUM> and causes the motor <NUM> to move the lock tab <NUM> between positions.

The communications module <NUM> may provide a wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) from the GCU system <NUM> to the second user interface system <NUM>, which may include a portable electronic device. For example, the communications module <NUM> may pair to a laptop and/or cellphone being secured to the locking mechanism <NUM>. As such, while a laptop is left unattended, the processor may cause a notification to be sent to the cellphone in the event of movement, unlocking, and/or breaking. The alarm circuit <NUM> is configured to provide an auditory or other sensory alarm in the event of movement, unlocking, and/or breaking of the locking assembly <NUM>. The alarm circuit <NUM> may include a piezo-type buzzer <NUM> (sensory alarm) for providing an auditory alert, a potentiometer <NUM>, an accelerometer <NUM>, and/or other movement detectors <NUM>.

One example implementation of the alarm circuit <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, in which the connection strip <NUM> includes a first conductive layer <NUM> spaced from a second conductive layer <NUM> by an insulator <NUM> (as best illustrated in <FIG>). A contact <NUM> extends from the first conductive layer <NUM> and contacts the second conductive layer <NUM> to complete a circuit loop. The first conductive layer <NUM> is pivotally connected to the connection plate <NUM> and the second conductive layer <NUM> is spaced from the pivot connection. As such, when the connection strip <NUM> flexes up or down or is twisted along its length, the contact <NUM> becomes spaced from the first conductive layer <NUM>, cutting the circuit loop, and the alarm circuit <NUM> is caused to initiate the alarm.

Another example implementation of the alarm circuit <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, in which the potentiometer <NUM> is located within the lock housing <NUM> and includes a pair of electrical contacts <NUM> that contact one another on the connection strip <NUM>. For example, the pair of electrical contacts <NUM> may include a first contact (170A) that extends from the alarm circuit <NUM> and is fixed to the connection strip <NUM> and a second contact (170B) that extends from the potentiometer <NUM> and electrically connects to the first contact when the connection strip <NUM> is in specific positions. As such, as the connection strip <NUM> is moved, the electric connection between the pair of electrical contacts <NUM> is broken, initiating the alarm circuit <NUM>.

Another example implementation of the alarm circuit <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, in which wherein the potentiometer <NUM> is located on or near the rivet <NUM> that pivotally connects the connection plate <NUM> to the connection strip <NUM>. As such, a predetermined amount of rotation or pivoting of the connection plate <NUM> with respect to the connection strip <NUM> initiates the alarm circuit <NUM>.

Yet another implementation of the alarm circuit <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, in which the movement detector <NUM> includes a rotary-type detector <NUM> that contacts a center of the connection strip <NUM> and/or connected work surface and signals to the alarm circuit <NUM> after a predetermined distance of rotation.

The implementations of the alarm circuit illustrated <NUM> in <FIG> are provided for the purpose of example and are not meant to be limiting. Each of the implementations may be used together or separate. In addition, it should be appreciated that the initiation of the alarm circuit <NUM> may be caused by certain instructions saved in memory <NUM> and executed by processor <NUM>. For example, the instructions saved in memory <NUM> may only allow the processor to cause the alarm circuit <NUM> to initiate once the password has been entered and the locking assembly <NUM> is in the locked position. Moreover, any predetermined distances or threshold values may be saved on memory <NUM>. It should also be appreciated that the input data <NUM> obtained via the first user interface <NUM> and/or the second user interface system <NUM> may allow a user to alter predetermined thresholds and/or which of the various alarm implementations in <FIG> are to be turned on or off.

With reference now to <FIG>, a second embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM> is illustrated and may include all of the features provided in the first embodiment. However, the second embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM> further includes a pair of second pads 28A, 28B (instead of just a single second pad <NUM>, as in the first embodiment) and a cable <NUM>, that is metal or otherwise reinforced, to loop around each of the second pads 28A, 28B. Other belongings, such as a purse, can thus be secured to the cable <NUM> (i.e., the cable <NUM> can be passed through handles of the purse) before connection to the second pads 28A, 28B and clamping to the work surface.

With reference now to <FIG>, a third embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM> is illustrated and which may include all of the features provided in the first and second embodiments. However, the third embodiment further includes a modified connection plate, i.e., a connection key <NUM>, that may be used in conjunction with or independently of the previously described connection strip <NUM>. The portable electronic device includes a keyway <NUM>, such as a Kensington slot, and the connection key <NUM> can be locked therein. The connection key <NUM> may be a cable or metal strip and include one of the previously described connection pins <NUM> to be located in the slot <NUM> of the connection strip <NUM>. Alternatively, the connection key <NUM> may include the previously described pivot connector <NUM>, e.g., rivet, for permanent connection to the connection strip <NUM>. Removal of the connection key <NUM> may be via an electronic lock, mechanical lock, or other mechanisms as described herein.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrates a fourth embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM> which may include all of the features provided in the previous embodiments. However, the fourth embodiment further includes a modified connection plate, i.e., a connection bracket <NUM>, which includes a plurality of adjustable clamps <NUM> connected to one another via a band <NUM>. In operation, the adjustable clamps <NUM> can be secured around various locations of the portable electronic device and connected to each other via the band <NUM>, which can be connected to the connection strip <NUM>. Elastic buffers <NUM> may be connected to each adjustable clamp <NUM> for an improved connection that prevents scratching to the portable electronic device. Bolts <NUM> may be located on the adjustable clamps <NUM> for further tightening the elastic buffers <NUM> against the portable electronic device. As shown in a bottom view of the fourth embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the band <NUM> may be a metal cable and a tightening arm <NUM> is connected to the band <NUM> and pivotally connected to the first jaw <NUM> or second jaw <NUM> so that as it pivots it tightens the band <NUM>, whereafter it can be locked against the first jaw <NUM> or second jaw <NUM> until the cable needs to be released. Alternatively, the tightening arm <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> for receiving the rivet <NUM> on the connection strip <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a fifth embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM>, which may include all of the features provided in the previous embodiments. However, the fifth embodiment further includes a modified connection plate, i.e., a corner clamp <NUM>, which includes a pair of corner jaws <NUM> for mounting to vertically offset corners of a laptop or other portable electronic devices. The clamp <NUM> may further include one of the previously described connection pins <NUM> to be located in the slot <NUM> of the connection strip <NUM>. Alternatively, the corner clamp <NUM> may include the previously described pivot connector <NUM>, e.g., rivet, for permanent connection to the connection strip <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a sixth embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM>, which may include all of the features provided in the previous embodiments. However, the sixth embodiment includes a smaller clamp assembly <NUM> and further includes a modified connection plate, i.e., a connection panel assembly <NUM>, which includes a connection panel <NUM> for placement on the bottom of the portable electronic device that is pivotally connected to a side clamp <NUM> to clamp the panel <NUM> to the portable electronic device. A panel linkage <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>) extends between and pivotally connects to the panel <NUM> and pivotally connects to the clamp assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a seventh embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM>, which may include all of the features provided in the previous embodiments. However, the seventh embodiment further includes a modified elongated bar, i.e., a motorized elongated bar <NUM>, which includes a lead screw <NUM> and a lead screw motor <NUM> located adjacent to the first jaw <NUM> to drive the lead screw <NUM> to rotate. The second jaw <NUM> is connected to the lead screw <NUM> and moves during rotation of the lead screw <NUM>. The first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> are both pivotally connected to the motorized elongated bar <NUM> so they can be pivoted against the motorized elongated bar <NUM> for easy transportation (as best shown in <FIG>). As illustrated, the rotary-type detector <NUM> is located near the first jaw <NUM>. In addition, the seventh embodiment includes a pair of rectangular pads <NUM> instead of the first pad <NUM> and second pad <NUM> for a larger contact area with the portable electronic device.

<FIG> illustrates an eighth embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM>, which may include all of the features provided in the previous embodiments. However, the eighth embodiment further includes a modified lock housing, i.e., a manual lock housing <NUM>. Instead of the electronic components, the manual lock housing <NUM> includes a manual combination lock <NUM> and/or a keyway <NUM>. More particularly, the manual lock housing <NUM> may include a dial-type lock that can be unlocked by aligning a series of dials into a pre-established combination. The manual lock housing <NUM> can thus be locked again by inserting a male portion (not shown) into the lock housing <NUM> and rotating the series of dials until they are no longer in the pre-established combination.

<FIG> illustrates a ninth embodiment of the locking assembly <NUM>, which may include all of the features provided in the previous embodiments. However, the ninth embodiment further includes a modified bottom jaw <NUM>, i.e., a bottom jaw <NUM> that includes a pair of pins <NUM> configured to hold the cable <NUM> (<FIG>). More particularly, the cable <NUM> can loop around each of the pins <NUM> similar to how it was looped around respective second pads 28A, 28B in the second embodiment. Each pin <NUM> may be sized to extend the same or similar vertical distance of the second pad <NUM>, such that the cable cannot be removed from pins <NUM> until the second jaw <NUM> has been loosened and spaced from the work surface.

Claim 1:
A locking assembly (<NUM>) for locking a portable electronic device to a work surface, the locking assembly comprising:
a clamp assembly (<NUM>) including a bar (<NUM>) extending between a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>) for placement adjacent to the work surface;
the clamp assembly (<NUM>) further including a first jaw (<NUM>) and a second jaw (<NUM>) extending outwardly from the bar (<NUM>) in spaced relationship to one another;
at least one of the first jaw (<NUM>) or the second jaw (<NUM>) moveable along the bar (<NUM>) between the first and second ends for clamping a work surface between the first and second jaws;
a locking mechanism (<NUM>) operably interconnected to one of the first jaw (<NUM>) or the second jaw (<NUM>) and interchangeable from an unlocked condition wherein the at least one movable first or second jaw is freely movable along the bar (<NUM>) to a locked condition wherein the at least one movable first or second jaw is prevented from moving along the bar (<NUM>) to selectively lock the relative positioning between the first jaw (<NUM>) and the second jaw (<NUM>); characterized by
a connector (<NUM>) extending from a first connector end (<NUM>) that is releasably connected to one of the clamp assembly (<NUM>) or the locking mechanism (<NUM>) in the locked condition to a second connector end (<NUM>) for being connected to the portable electronic device to secure the portable electronic device to the work surface when the locking mechanism (<NUM>) is disposed in the locked condition.