Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a security apparatus for the protection of equipment against theft and tampering. More specifically, the invention aims at providing a simple, aesthetical, adjustable, reliable and economical solution to the increasing problem of electronic equipment theft and/or tampering. The invention particularly addresses the even more actual problem of computer mutilation, that is theft of specific parts thereof, such as disk drives, expansion boards etc. from inside the equipment, leaving the most cumbersome pieces of hardware on the site. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     Solutions to this kind of problem have been proposed in the past but these prior art solutions all suffer from major drawbacks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,451 (Glynn) issued on Aug. 26, 1997 discloses a type of solution providing a closed while vented housing, fastened to the work surface, in which the equipment is nested leaving access to the front panel only. Although it is true that such a solution generally provides an efficient remedy against tampering, its main drawback is its very low level of flexibility to match the different sizes and shapes of equipment on the market. 
     A certain level of adaptability to size and shape is provided by the type of solution disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,079 granted to Monoson et al., on Dec. 31, 1991 which squeezes the equipment between a pair of jaws, one of which can be moved to provide an adjustable width, while the other is removably assembled to the fastened base plate using a locking mechanism. That proposed solution however allows unlimited access to the inside of the equipment from the rear or front panel. 
     Other solutions such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,449 (Woo et al.) issued on Sep. 29, 1987, U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,395 granted to Frater et al., on Feb. 4, 1992 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,197 granted to Kelley et al., on Aug. 4, 1992 provide a reasonable protection against theft and tampering since the equipment lies on a fastened base having fixed members limiting its movement in two axis and one or two U-shaped arms assembled to the base and retraining the movement of the equipment in the third axis. Those solutions still provide a very minimal restriction regarding the access to the rear panel and to the inside components of the equipment. Furthermore, they include no adjustment capability to receive equipments of various sizes and shapes. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is to overcome the limitations and drawbacks of the above mentioned solutions of the prior art, and more specifically: 
     a first object of the instant invention is to provide restriction of the equipment displacement along three axes with respect to the base; 
     a second object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which prevents the integral theft of a protected equipment when the base is attached to a fixed element, for example through fastening to a work surface; 
     a third object of the present invention is to prevent access to the inside components of the equipment from any face thereof, while maintaining access to the functional elements of the front, rear and side panels; 
     a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a safety apparatus that is easily customer adaptable to a wide range of equipment sizes and shapes; 
     another object of the present invention is to provide easy access to size adjustment members and work surface fastening means when the equipment is not in place, while efficiently preventing access to said members when the equipment is placed in the apparatus; 
     a sixth object of the present invention is to provide a safety apparatus that permits to simultaneously lock and protect a video monitor placed on top of the equipment; and 
     a further object of the present invention is to provide a safety apparatus that comprises a minimum number of parts, is aesthetical and economical to produce. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     More specifically, in accordance with the present invention as broadly claimed, there is provided a security apparatus for preventing theft and/or tampering of an equipment or a part of the equipment, comprising a base member having a peripheral portion, an equipment-restraining assembly and a locking member. The equipment-restraining assembly comprises: first spaced apart portions for securing the equipment-restraining assembly to corresponding spaced apart points of the peripheral portion of the base member; second, third and fourth portions for extending along first, second and third generally vertical faces of the equipment, respectively, the second face being substantially opposite to the third face; and a fifth portion for extending along a fourth top face of the equipment. The locking member extends along a fifth generally vertical face of the equipment generally opposite to the first face, the locking member comprising a lock mechanism for removably locking the locking member to the base member. 
     Therefore, the equipment is confined within a space delimited by the base member, the second, third, fourth and fifth portions, and the locking member to thereby prevent theft and tampering of the equipment. 
     Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a security apparatus for preventing theft and/or tampering of an equipment or a part of the equipment, comprising: 
     (a) a base member having a peripheral portion; 
     (b) first and second elongated bent members each including: 
     a first end section for securing the elongated bent member to a first point of the peripheral portion; 
     a second end section for securing the elongated bent member to a second point of the peripheral portion spaced apart from the first point; 
     a third section for extending along a rear face of the equipment; 
     a fourth section for extending along a top face of the equipment; and 
     the first and second elongated bent members further comprising respective fifth sections for extending along two opposite side faces of the equipment, respectively; and 
     (c) at least one movement-restraining member for extending along a front face of the equipment, this movement-restraining member comprising a lock mechanism for removably locking the movement-restraining member to the base member. 
     In this manner, the equipment is confined within a space delimited by the base member, the first and second elongated bent members, and the at least one movement-restraining member to thereby prevent theft and tampering of the equipment. 
     In accordance with preferred embodiments: 
     the security apparatus further comprises fasteners for securing the first and second end sections of each elongated bent member to the first and second points of the peripheral portion, these securing fasteners being inaccessible when the equipment is confined within the above-mentioned space; 
     the security apparatus comprises a mechanical position-adjusting system interposed between the base member and the first and second end sections of each elongated bent member for adjusting the position of the first and second elongated members along three orthogonal axes, for thereby adapting the dimensions of the security apparatus to equipments of different sizes and shapes; 
     the base member comprises means for firmly attaching the base member to a vertical or horizontal supporting surface, or any other non transportable structure; 
     the security apparatus further comprises a drawer structure sliding on the base member between extended and retracted positions, wherein: 
     the drawer structure comprises a top face on which the equipment is placed, and a front face on which the locking member, including the lock mechanism are mounted; 
     in the retracted position of the drawer structure, the locking member extends along the fifth generally vertical face of the equipment; 
     the peripheral portion of the base member comprises a lock-receiving structure for receiving the lock mechanism in order to removably lock both the drawer structure and the locking member to the base member in order to confine the equipment within the space delimited by the base member, the second, third, fourth and fifth portions, and the locking member; 
     since the equipment is placed on the top face of the drawer structure, this equipment slides with the drawer structure; and 
     in the extended position of the drawer structure, the drawer structure, the equipment-restraining assembly, and the locking member present a configuration defining a clearance sufficient for enabling use of the equipment. 
     Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a security apparatus for preventing theft and/or tampering of an equipment or a part of the equipment, comprising a base member, a first movement-restraining member, and a pivotal equipment-restraining assembly. The base member has a peripheral portion, and the first movement-restraining member is destined for being secured to the peripheral portion of the base member and for extending along a first generally vertical face of the equipment. The pivotal equipment-restraining assembly including first and second portions for pivotally connecting the equipment-restraining assembly on opposite sides of the peripheral portion of the base member, a third portion for extending along a second generally vertical face of the equipment, a fourth portion for extending along a third generally vertical face of the equipment generally opposite to the second face, a fifth portion for extending along a fourth top face of the equipment, a sixth portion for extending along a fifth generally vertical face of the equipment opposite to the first face, and a locking member connected to the sixth portion of the equipment-restraining assembly, this locking member comprising a lock mechanism for removably securing the locking member to the base member. 
     In this manner, the equipment is confined within a space delimited by the base member, the first movement-restraining member and the pivotal equipment-restraining assembly to prevent theft and tampering of the equipment. 
     Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a security apparatus for preventing theft and/or tampering of an equipment or a part of the equipment, comprising a base member, a first movement-restraining member, and a pivotal equipment-restraining assembly. The base member has a peripheral portion, and the first movement-restraining member is destined for being secured to the peripheral portion of the base member and for extending along a first generally vertical face of the equipment. The pivotal equipment-restraining assembly comprises second and third elongated movement-restraining bent members and a locking member. The second elongated movement-restraining bent member includes a first portion for pivotally connecting the second bent member to the peripheral portion of the base member, a second portion for extending along a second generally vertical face of the equipment, a third portion for extending along a third top face of the equipment, and a fourth portion for extending along a fourth generally vertical face of the equipment opposite to the first face. The third elongated movement-restraining bent member includes a first portion for pivotally connecting the third elongated movement-restraining member to the peripheral portion of the base member, the first portions of the second and third bent members being pivotally connected on opposite sides of the peripheral portion of the base member, a second portion for extending along a fifth generally vertical face of the equipment generally opposite to the second face, a third portion for extending along the third top face of the equipment, and a fourth portion for extending along the fourth generally vertical face of the equipment. The locking member is connected to the fourth portions of the second and third elongated movement-restraining bent members, and comprises a lock mechanism for removably securing the locking member to the base member. 
     Again, the equipment is being confined within a space delimited by the base member, the first movement-restraining member, and the second and third elongated movement-restraining members to thereby prevent theft and tampering of the equipment. 
     Accordingly, the security apparatus restricts displacement of the equipment along three axes with respect to the base member to prevent integral theft of this equipment when the base member is attached to a fixed structure as well as to prevent access to the inside components of the equipment from any face thereof, but to maintain access to the functional elements of the front, rear and side panels of the equipment. 
    
    
     The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the appended drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first preferred embodiment of the equipment security apparatus according to the present invention, protecting an equipment; 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the first preferred embodiment without equipment; 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric, exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the invention, showing a base member, elongated movement-restraining bent members with end sections, and a first embodiment of bushing assembly for securing the end sections of the elongated members to the base member; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the first embodiment of bushing assembly shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is an isometric, exploded view of the first preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the invention, showing a second embodiment of bushing assembly for securing the end sections of the elongated members to the base member; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the second embodiment of bushing assembly shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a pair of elongated movement-restraining bent members to be used in the first preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the invention; 
     FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of a locking movement-restraining member of the first embodiment of equipment security apparatus as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5; 
     FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the present invention, protecting an equipment; 
     FIG. 10 is an isometric, exploded view of the second preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the invention, showing a base member, and elongated movement-restraining bent members; 
     FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a pair of elongated movement-restraining bent members to be used in the second preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a third preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the present invention, incorporating a drawer structure on which the equipment is placed; 
     FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the third preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus as shown in FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the third preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the present invention, protecting an equipment; 
     FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the fourth preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the invention, without equipment and comprising a pair of pivotal, elongated equipment-restraining rod members; and 
     FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the fourth preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the present invention, protecting an equipment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Preferred Embodiment 
     This first preferred embodiment of the equipment security apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 the appended drawings. 
     In FIGS. 1-8 of the appended drawings, the same elements are identified by the same reference numerals. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2 ,  3  and  5 , the first preferred embodiment  20  of equipment security apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated. Apparatus  20  comprises a base member  2  on which an equipment  1  (a central processing unit of a computer in the illustrated example) is placed. 
     In the first preferred embodiment  20 , the base member  2  defines a peripheral portion formed of four inverted U-shaped members  44 ,  45 ,  46  and  47  made of sheet metal cut and shaped as required. Each inverted U-shaped members  44 ,  45 ,  46  and  47  is formed with an inner flange such as  48  used to secure the base member  2  to a work surface. 
     In the illustrated example, the equipment  1  presents the general configuration of a parallelepiped. Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to adapt the apparatus  20  to other equipment configurations. 
     Apparatus  20  further comprises elongated movement-restraining bent members constituted, in the preferred embodiment, by rods  3  and  4  having a generally circular cross section. A locking movement-restraining member  6  cooperates with the rods  3  and  4  to appropriately restrict movement of the equipment  1  in any direction with respect to the base member  2 . As illustrated, locking member  6  comprises a key lock  7 . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, rod  3  comprises end sections  3   a  and  3   b , rod sections  3   c ,  3   d ,  3   e  and  3   f , and right angles  3   g ,  3   h ,  3   i ,  3   j  and  3   k . End section  3   a  extends horizontally and rearwardly toward right angle  3   g . Rod section  3   c  extends vertically and upwardly from right angle  3   g  to right angle  3   h . Rod section  3   d  extends horizontally and forwardly from right angle  3   h  to right angle  3   i . Rod section  3   e  extends horizontally toward the right from right angle  3   i  to right angle  3   j . Rod section  3   f  extends vertically and downwardly from right angle  3   j  to right angle  3   k . Finally, end section  3   b  extends horizontally toward the left from right angle  3   k.    
     Still referring to FIG. 7, rod  4  comprises end sections  4   a  and  4   b , rod sections  4   c ,  4   d ,  4   e  and  4   f , and right angles  4   g ,  4   h ,  4   i ,  4   j  and  4   k . Free end section  4   a  extends horizontally and rearwardly toward right angle  4   g . Rod section  4   c  extends vertically and upwardly from right angle  4   g  to right angle  4   h . Rod section  4   d  extends horizontally and forwardly from right angle  4   h  to right angle  4   i . Rod section  4   e  extends horizontally toward the left from right angle  4   i  to right angle  4   j . Rod section  4   f  extends vertically and downwardly from right angle  4   j  to right angle  4   k . Finally, end section  4   b  extends horizontally toward the right from right angle  4   k.    
     Therefore, each rod  3 , 4  is bent in such a manner that one of its free end sections  3   b , 4   b  can be secured to a side wall  21 , 22  of the base member  2  while the other free end section  3   a , 4   a  thereof can be secured to the rear wall  23  of the base member  2 . Rod section  3   c , 4   c  of the rod  3 , 4  extends over the rear face of the equipment  1 , rod sections  3   d ; 4   d  and  3   e ; 4   e  of the rod  3 , 4  extends over the top face of the equipment  1 , rod section  3   f  of rod  3  and rod section  4   f  of rod  4  extend over the opposite side faces of the equipment  1 , respectively. When the locking member  6  is installed, such an arrangement of the rods  3  and  4  prevents access to the interior of the equipment  1  and removal of inner parts from any side, and also restrains displacement of the equipment  1  along three orthogonal axis. Therefore, the safety apparatus  20  also prevents theft of the entire equipment  1  when the base member  2  is properly secured to the work surface or when any appropriate part of the apparatus  20  is connected to a fixed object through the use of steel cable  99  shown for example in FIG.  1 . 
     Once the restraining bent rods  3  and  4  are secured to the base member  2 , the equipment  1  can be inserted, that is slid in the apparatus  20  from the front and confined in the apparatus  20  by installing and locking the locking member  6 . More specifically, the equipment  1  is confined within a space delimited by the base member  2 , the movement-restraining bent rods  3  and  4  and the locking member  6  to prevent theft and tampering of the equipment  1 . 
     Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the restraining bent rods  3  and  4  can optionally have their respective rod sections  3   d  and  4   d , respectively formed with curved, for example semicircular portions  3   dd  and  4   dd , in the place of linear rod sections  3   d  and  4   d . The two curved portions  3   dd  and  4   dd  cooperate to form a nearly circular collar that can be used to hold the base of a video monitor (not shown) placed on top of the equipment  1  so as to simultaneously prevent theft of both pieces of equipment. 
     The top rod sections  3   d  and  4   d  of the restraining bent rod  3  and  4  can also be tied together through a bridging member  24  (FIG. 1) to make sure that one cannot spread these rod sections  3   d  and  4   d  apart by using sufficient force (especially in the case of a high equipment  1  requiring long rods more easily bendable) and thereby free the equipment  1 . The bridging member  24  can be terminated by two bushings  25  and  26  at the two ends thereof, respectively, to slide along the rod sections  3   d  and  4   d . Alternatively, each bushing can be formed of two semicylindrical upper and lower halves (see  27  and  28  for bushing  25 ), the two halves  27  and  28  being assembled together by means of fasteners (not shown) which are not accessible after the equipment is placed in the apparatus  20 . 
     FIGS. 3 and 5 show systems for adjusting the dimensions of the equipment security apparatus  20  to the dimensions of the equipment  1  along three orthogonal axes. Each end section  3   a ,  3   b ,  4   a  and  4   b  of the rods  3  and  4  can be inserted in one slot of a respective set of elongated, superposed slots (set of slots  5   a ,  5   b ,  5   c  in side wall  21  for end section  3   b , set of slots (not shown) in rear wall  23  for end sections  3   a  and  4   a , and set of slots (not shown) in side wall  22  for free end section  4   b ) at the desired depth and locked in that position using a bushing assembly  39  provided with a set screw  29 . Just a word to mention that in the inner walls  80 ,  81  and  82 , corresponding sets of elongated superposed slots are provided. For example, set of superposed slots  32   a ,  32   b  and  32   c  are provided in inner wall  81  in alignment with the slots in the rear wall  23 , and set of superposed slots  33   a ,  33   b  and  33   c  are provided in inner wall  80  in alignment with the slots in side wall  22 . In the illustrated example, the end section  3   b  of the rod  3  is assembled to the base member  2  using the lowermost slot  5   a  on the left side wall  21  and the lowermost slot (not shown) in the inner wall  82  to match an equipment  1  of minimal height. The other free end sections  3   a ,  4   a  and  4   b  are also inserted in the corresponding lowermost slots in the corresponding walls of the base member  2 . The length of the slots (for example  5   a ) in a pair of walls (for example side wall  21  and inner wall  82 ) receiving one free end section (for example  3   b ) determines the allowable stroke between minimum and maximum insertion depths of the other end (for, example  3   a ) of the rod (for example  3 ) in the slots (for example the lowermost slots including slot  32   a ) of the orthogonal walls (for example rear wall  23  and inner wall  81 ) of the base member  2 . Reciprocally, in the same example, the depth of insertion of the free end section  3   b  in the slot  5   a  and the lowermost slot of inner wall  82  is limited by the length of the lowermost slots receiving the free end section  3   a  in the rear wall  23  and the inner wall  81 . Of course, the same applies to rod  4 , the free end sections  4   a  and  4   b , the slots in side wall  22 , inner wall  80 , rear wall  23  and inner wall  81 . 
     The bushing assembly  39  shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is provided with a bushing member  9  having a head portion  40  and a flat threaded portion  30  adapted to be inserted through a pair of aligned slots, for example the lowermost slot in side wall  22  and the lowermost slot  33   a  of inner wall  80  from the external side of the side wall  22 . From the inner side of inner wall  80 , a ring  10  having a slot  31  is inserted on the flat threaded portion  30  and a nut  11  is screwed onto the flat threaded portion  30 . The end section  4   b  of rod  4  can then be inserted into the bushing member  9  and locked at the desired depth using the set screw  29  screwed into a threaded hole  35  of the slotted ring  10 . The set screw  29  is screwed into the threaded hole  35  until the set screw  29  engages the rod section  4   b . Of course similar bushings are used to secure the free end sections  3   a ,  3   b  and  4   a  in the corresponding slots of the walls  21  and  23 . 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of the bushing assembly  39  in which the slotted ring  10  has been eliminated and the set screw  36  inserted in a threaded hole  37  provided in the head portion  38  of the bushing member  41 . Although that alternate construction permits a cost reduction with respect to the preferred assembly, it presents the limitation of requiring the nut  42  to be installed between the outer wall (for example side wall  21 ) and internal wall (for example inner wall  82 ) of the base member  2 , that space being accessible only from the underside of the base member  2 . Therefore, that system requires to be installed before the base member  2  is fastened to a work surface. 
     An even more basic alternative system illustrated in FIG. 7 consists of threading the end sections of the rods  3  and  4 . The threaded end sections  3   a ,  3   b ,  4   a  and  4   b  of the rods  3  and  4  (see FIG. 5 showing a threaded free end section  4   b ) receive respective nuts such as  49  from the inner side of the inner walls such as  80 ,  81  or  82 , instead of a bushing assembly  39  provided with a set screw such as  29  or  36 . Such a system has the drawback of enabling rotation of the rods  3  and  4  in the slots, thus resulting in a generally looser assembly. However, that limitation can be compensated by the installation of a second nut (not shown) firmly locked on the other side of the inner wall such as  80 ,  81  or  82 , to the cost of limited accessibility. 
     An optional bottom plate  12  can be installed in the central area  34  of the base member  2 . For example, the bottom plate  12  can be screwed to a work surface (not shown) along with the flanges such as  48  through holes such as  50 . The base member  2  is therefore fastened to the work surface from that central area  34  which is not accessible when the equipment  1  is installed and locked in the equipment security apparatus  20 . As provided in many solutions of the prior art, screws or double side adhesive tape can be used to firmly hold the bottom of the base member  2  on the work surface. It shall also be noted that the equipment  1  in its security apparatus  20  can be installed on a vertical surface as well as on an horizontal surface. 
     After the free end sections  3   a ,  3   b ,  4   a  and  4   b  of the rods  3  and  4  have been secured in the appropriate slots by means of the systems described in the foregoing description, and after the base member  2  has been secured to the work surface, the equipment  1  is slid into the apparatus  20  from the front thereof. The locking member  6  is then installed. 
     Locking member  6  can also be positioned at a plurality of positions on the front portion of the base member  2  using a plurality of holes or slots such as  8   a ,  8   b  and  8   c  or a unique very long slot  52  (shown in dashed lines), made either in the front wall  51  of the base member  2  or on the top wall  52  at the front of that base member  2 . The purpose of this feature is to enable appropriate positioning of the locking member  6  so as not to interfere with normal operation of the equipment  1 . Locking member  6  can be easily and rapidly removed or locked in place using key lock  7  to allow convenient insertion or removal of the equipment  1 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 8, the key lock  7  comprises a plate  55  to be fixed to the locking member  6  as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Fixedly mounted on the rear face of the plate  55  is a key-operated cylinder  56  having an axial threaded pin  57  with a square base  58 . Also formed on the rear face of the plate  55  are trapezoidal plate members  66  and  67 . 
     Pin  57  can be rotated by means of a key (not shown) in keyhole  63  (FIGS.  3  and  4 ). A U-shaped latch  59  comprises a central bar  60  provided with a central square hole  61  to be placed onto the square base  58 . A nut  62  is then screwed on the threaded pin  57  to retain the central hole  61  on the square base  58  whereby rotation of the pin  57  by means of the key will cause rotation of the latch  59 . The opposite ends of the central bar  60  of the latch  59  are finally formed with respective right-angle short arms  64  and  65  extending toward the plate  55  and having rounded free ends. 
     In operation, the latch  59  is aligned on the trapezoidal plate members  66  and  67  and inserted in one slot such as  8   a ,  8   b ,  8   c  or  52 . The key is then inserted in keyhole  63  and the pin  57  is rotated to position the latch  59  at right angle with respect to the slot  8   a ,  8   b ,  8   c  or  52 . The key is removed from keyhole  63  and the locking member  6  is then locked in position to prevent any forward sliding of the equipment  1 . 
     After the latch  59  has been positioned at right angle with respect to the slot  8   a ,  8   b ,  8   c  or  52 , the rounded free ends of the arms  64  and  65  are applied to the rear face of the front wall  51  to prevent removal of the key lock  7 . Also, the trapezoidal plate members  66  and  67  are then inserted in the slot  8   a ,  8   b ,  8   c  or  52  to prevent rotation of the key lock in this slot. 
     In the case of the unique very long slot  52 , the rear face of the plate  55  is provided with pins such as  68  and the front wall  51  of the base member  2  is provided with a series of holes such as  69  to receive the pins  68  and therefore prevent longitudinal movement of the locking member  6  in the unique very long slot  52 . 
     As can be appreciated, the key lock  7  can be placed in any of the slots  8   a ,  8   b  and  8   c  and in any position along the slot  52  to avoid interference of the locking member  6  with normal operation of the equipment  1 . 
     Alternatively, the locking member  6  can be replaced by any equivalent device, for example two or more locking pins or U-shaped members inserted in holes in the front wall  51  of the base member  2 , these pins or U-shaped members being locked and unlocked by means of a locking mechanism inside the base member  2  and activated by a key lock on one side of the base through an action similar to the one of a padlock. 
     Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as described in the foregoing description uses rods each having two free end sections respectively secured to side and rear walls of the base member, it is within the scope of the present invention to design other configurations of rods having two free end sections secured either to many rear and side walls or to a single side or rear wall. It is also within the scope of the present invention to replace the key lock  7  by another type of lock, for example a combination lock (not shown). 
     Second Preferred Embodiment 
     FIG. 9 of the appended drawings illustrates this second preferred embodiment  100  of the equipment security apparatus according to the present invention. Apparatus  100  comprises a base member  101  on which an equipment  102  (laptop computer in the illustrated example) is placed. 
     In the illustrated example, the equipment  1  presents the general configuration of a parallelepiped. Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to adapt the apparatus  100  to other equipment configurations. 
     Referring to FIG. 10, base member  101  comprises inner and outer portions  103  and  104 . Both portions  103  and  104  are made of sheet metal cut and shaped as required Inner portion  103  comprises a top outwardly extending flange  105  spot welded to the underside of a top wall  106  of the outer portion  104 . Inner and outer portions  103  and  104  defines a rectangular base member  101  formed of four inverted U-shaped members  107 ,  108 ,  109  and  110 . The inner portion  103  is formed with a bottom wall  111  that can be screwed to, for example, the top face of a work surface such as a table. 
     Four corner plastic bumpers such as  116  are adhered to the underside of the base member  101  for smooth contact with the work surface. 
     Apparatus  100  further comprises elongated movement-restraining bent members constituted, in the preferred embodiment, by rods  112  and  113  having a generally circular cross section. A locking movement-restraining member  114  cooperates with the rods  112  and  113  to appropriately restrict, as illustrated in FIG. 9, movement of the equipment  102  in any direction with respect to the base member  101 . As illustrated, locking member  114  comprises a key lock  115 . 
     Referring to FIG. 10, rod  112  comprises end sections  112   a  and  112   b , rod sections  112   c ,  112   d ,  112   e  and  112   f , and right angles  112   g ,  112   h ,  112   i ,  112   j  and  112   k . End section  112   a  extends horizontally and rearwardly toward right angle  112   g . Rod section  112   c  extends vertically and upwardly from right angle  112   g  to right angle  112   h . Rod section  112   d  extends horizontally and forwardly from right angle  112   h  to right angle  112   i . Rod section  112   e  extends horizontally toward the left from right angle  112   i  to right angle  112   j . Rod section  112   f  extends vertically and downwardly from right angle  112   j  to right angle  112   k . Finally, end section  112   b  extends horizontally toward the right from right angle  112   k.    
     Still referring to FIG. 10, rod  113  comprises end sections  113   a  and  113   b , rod sections  113   c , 113   d , 113   e  and  113   f , and right angles  113   g ,  113   h ,  113   i ,  113   j  and  113   k . Free end section  113   a  extends horizontally and rearwardly toward right angle  113   g . Rod section  113   c  extends vertically and upwardly from right angle  113   g  to right angle  113   h . Rod section  113   d  extends horizontally and forwardly from right angle  113   h  to right angle  113   i . Rod section  113   e  extends horizontally toward the right from right angle  113   i  to right angle  113   j . Rod section  113   f  extends vertically and downwardly from right angle  113   j  to right angle  113   k . Finally, end section  113   b  extends horizontally toward the left from right angle  113   k.    
     Therefore, each rod  112 , 113  is bent in such a manner that one of its free end sections  112   b , 113   b  can be secured to a side wall  117 , 118  of the base member  101  while the other free end section  112   a , 113   a  thereof can be secured to the rear wall  119  of the base member  101 . Rod section  112   c , 113   c  of the rod  112 , 113  extends over the rear face of the equipment  102 , rod sections  112   d ; 112   d  and  112   e ; 113   e  of the rod  112 , 113  extends over the top face of the equipment  102 , rod section  112   f  of rod  112  and rod section  113   f  of rod  113  extend over the opposite side faces of the equipment  102 , respectively. When the locking member  114  is installed, such an arrangement of the rods  112  and  113  prevents access to the interior of the equipment  102  and therefor removal and theft of inner parts from any side. As can be appreciated, displacement of the equipment  102  along the three orthogonal axis is prevented. The safety apparatus  100  also prevents theft of the entire equipment  1  when the base member  101  is properly secured to the work surface or when any appropriate part of the apparatus  100  or base member  101  is connected to a fixed object through the use of steel cable (not shown). 
     Once the restraining bent rods  112  and  113  are secured to the base member  101 , the equipment  102  can be inserted, that is slid in the apparatus  100  from the front and confined in the apparatus  100  by installing and locking the locking member  114 . More specifically, the equipment  102  is confined within a space delimited by the base member  101 , the movement-restraining bent rods  112  and  113  and the locking member  114  to prevent theft and tampering of the equipment  102 . 
     In the example of FIG. 10, each end section  112   a ,  112   b ,  113   a  and  113   b  of the rods  112  and  113  can be inserted in one slot of a respective set of elongated, superposed slots (set of slots  120   a ,  120   b  in side wall  117  for end section  112   b , set of slots  121   a , 121   b  in rear wall  119  for end sections  112   a , set of slots  122   a , 122   b  in rear wall  119  for end section  113   a  , and set of slots  123   a , 123   b  in side wall  118  for free end section  113   b ). It is worth to be mentioned here that in the inner walls  124 ,  125  and  126  of inner portion  103 , corresponding sets of elongated superposed slots are provided. For example, set of superposed slots  127   a  and  127   b  are provided in inner side wall  124  in alignment with the slots  120   a  and  120   b  in outer side wall  117 , set of superposed slots  128   a  and  128   b  are provided in rear inner wall  125  in alignment with the slots  121   a  and  121   b  in the outer rear wall  119 , set of superposed slots  129   a  and  129   b  are provided in inner rear wall  125  in alignment with the slots  122   a  and  122   b  in the outer rear wall  119 , and set of superposed slots  130   a  and  130   b  are provided in inner side wall  126  in alignment with the slots  123   a  and  123   b  in the outer side wall  118 . The free end sections  112   a ,  112   b ,  113   a  and  113   b  of the rods are mounted in the lowermost slots  121   b ,  120   b ,  122   b  and  123   b  of the base member  101 , respectively to match an equipment  102  of minimal height. In the same manner, the free end sections  112   a ,  112   b ,  113   a  and  113   b  of the rods are mounted in the uppermost slots  121   a ,  120   a ,  122   a  and  123   a  of the base member  101 , respectively, to match a higher equipment  102 . The length of the slots  120   a ,  120   b ,  127   a ,  127   b ,  123   a ,  123   b ,  130   a  and  130   b  determines the allowable stroke between minimum and maximum insertion depths of the free end sections  112   a  and  113   a  in the respective slots  121   a ,  121   b ,  128   a ,  128   b ,  122   a ,  122   b ,  129   a  and  129   b . Reciprocally, the depth of insertion of the free end section  112   b  in the slots  120   a ,  120   b  ,  127   a  and  127   b  is limited by the length of the slots  121   a ,  121   b ,  128   a  and  128   b . Finally, the depth of insertion of the free end section  113   b  in the slots  123   a ,  123   b ,  130   a  and  130   b  is limited by the length of the slots  122   a ,  122   b ,  129   a  and  129   b.    
     The end sections  112   a ,  112   b ,  113   a  and  113   b  can be mounted in the respective slots of the walls  117 ; 124 ,  118 ; 126  and  119 ; 125  through bushing assemblies such as  39  described in the foregoing description in relation to FIGS. 3-6. 
     An even more basic alternative system illustrated in FIG. 11 consists of threading the end sections  112   a ,  112   b ,  113   a  and  113   b  of the rods  112  and  113 . The threaded end sections  112   a ,  112   b ,  113   a  and  113   b  (see FIG. 11 showing a threaded free end section  112   b ) receive respective nuts such as  131  from the inner side of the inner walls such as  124 ,  125  or  126 , instead of a bushing assembly  39  provided with a set screw such as  29  or  36  Such a system has the drawback of enabling movement of the rods  3  and  4  in the slots, thus resulting in a generally looser assembly. However, that limitation can be compensated by the installation of a second nut (not shown) firmly locked on the other side of the inner wall such as  124 ,  125  or  126 , to the cost of limited accessibility. 
     As indicated in the foregoing description, the bottom wall  111  can be screwed to a work surface (not shown). The base member  101  is therefore fastened to the work surface from that bottom wall  111  which is not accessible when the equipment  102  is installed and locked in the equipment security apparatus  100 . As provided in many solutions of the prior art, screws or double side adhesive tape can be used to firmly hold the bottom of the base member  101  on the work surface. It shall also be noted that the equipment  102  in its security apparatus  101  can be installed on a vertical surface as well as on an horizontal surface. 
     After the free end sections  112   a ,  112   b ,  113   a  and  113   b  of the rods  112  and  113  have been secured in the appropriate slots by means of the systems described hereinabove, and after the base member  101  has been secured to the work surface, the equipment  102  is slid into the apparatus  101  from the front thereof. The locking member  114  is then installed. Locking member  114  can be easily and rapidly removed or locked in place using key lock  115  to allow convenient insertion or removal of the equipment  102 . 
     Key lock  115  comprises a pair to tabs such as  132  to be inserted in a pair of vertical slots  133  and  134 , respectively, of a front wall  135  of the base member  101 . Otherwise, key lock  115  can be identical to key lock  7  illustrated in FIG.  8 . As can be appreciated, latch  59  is inserted in a rectangular opening  136 . 
     Third Preferred Embodiment 
     FIGS. 12-14 of the appended drawings illustrates a third preferred embodiment  200  of the equipment security apparatus according to the present invention. 
     Equipment security apparatus  200  is similar to apparatus  100 . The difference is that the locking member  114  is mounted on the front face of a drawer structure  201  slidably mounted on the base member  101  on which the equipment  102  (laptop computer in the illustrated example) is placed. Key lock  115  is used to lock the drawer structure  201  in retracted position. Key lock  115  still cooperates with the front wall  135  of the base member  101  to lock the drawer structure  201  in retracted position as described in relation to FIG.  10 . 
     In operation, the locking member  114  is unlocked through the key lock  115 , the drawer structure  201  is extended and, finally, the equipment  102  is positioned on this drawer structure  201 . 
     In the extended position of the drawer structure  201 , the equipment  102  (laptop computer) can be unfolded and used as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. 
     After use, the laptop computer  102  can be folded and the drawer structure  201  retracted and finally locked in the retracted position by means of key lock  115 . The lap top computer  102  is then confined within a space delimited by base member  101 , the drawer structure  201 , the pair of rods  112  and  113  and the locking member  114  as illustrated in FIG. 14 to prevent theft and tampering of the equipment  102 . Since the base member  101  is secured to a surrounding structure (not shown), theft of the equipment  102  is prevented. 
     Fourth Preferred Embodiment 
     In this fourth preferred embodiment  300 , the equipment  102  and the base member  101  have substantially the same horizontal cross section (see FIG.  16 ). Base member  101  has substantially the same structure as described in relation to FIG.  10 . 
     A U-shaped vertically extending movement-restraining rod member  301  is mounted to the rear wall  119  of the base member  101 . Rod member  301  is preferably made of steel. This U-shaped vertically extending rod member  301  comprises, for that purpose, a pair of horizontal end rod sections  302  and  303  mounted to the rear wall  119  as described in relation to FIGS. 10 and 11 of the appended drawings. 
     The security equipment apparatus  300  further comprises a pair of elongated movement-restraining bent members constituted, in the preferred embodiment, by rods  304  and  305  preferably made of steel and having a generally circular cross section. 
     Referring to FIG. 15, rod  304  comprises end rod sections  304   a , rod sections  304   b ,  304   c ,  304   d  and  304   e , right angles  304   f ,  304   g ,  304   h , and  304   i.    
     End section  304   a  extends horizontally from right angle  304   f  into coaxial circular holes (not shown) in the walls  117  and  124  of the base member  101 . End section  304   a  can be threaded and locked in these circular holes by means of a nut such as  131  as shown in FIG.  11 . This will enable rotation of the end rod section  304   a  in the coaxial holes. 
     Rod section  304   b  extends in a vertical plane from right angle  304   f  to right angle  304   g ; in the locked position of FIG. 16, rod section  304   b  extends adjacent the corresponding side of the base member  101  and equipment  102 . Still in the locked position of FIG. 16, rod section  304   c  extends horizontally and inwardly from right angle  304   g  to right angle  304   h  over the top face of equipment  102 . Rod section  304   d  extends horizontally and forwardly over the top face of equipment  102  from right angle  304   h  to right angle  304   i . Rod section  304   e  extends vertically and downwardly from right angle  304   i  to key lock  306  adjacent the front side of equipment  102  and the front wall  135  of base member  101 . 
     Referring to FIG. 15, rod  305  comprises end rod sections  305   a , rod sections  305   b ,  305   c  ,  305   d  and  305   e , right angles  305   f ,  305   g ,  305   h , and  305   i.    
     End section  305   a  extends horizontally from right angle  305   f  into coaxial circular holes (not shown) in the walls  118  and  126  of the base member  101 . End section  305   a  can be threaded and locked in these circular holes by means of a nut such as  131  as shown in FIG.  11 . This will enable rotation of the end rod section  305   a  in the coaxial holes. 
     Rod section  305   b  extends in a vertical plane from right angle  305   f  to right angle  305   g ; in the locked position of FIG. 16, rod section  305   b  extends adjacent the corresponding side of the base member  101  and equipment  102 . Still in the locked position of FIG. 16, rod section  305   c  extends horizontally and inwardly from right angle  305   g  to right angle  305   h  over the top face of equipment  102 . Rod section  305   d  extends horizontally and forwardly over the top face of equipment  102  from right angle  305   h  to right angle  305   i . Rod section  305   e  extends vertically and downwardly from right angle  305   i  to key lock  306  adjacent the front side of equipment  102  and the front wall  135  of base member  101 . 
     Key lock  306  is identical to key lock  115  of FIG.  10  and will lock the rod sections  304   e  and  305   e  to the front wall  135  of base member  101  through the vertical slots  133  and  134  and the rectangular opening  136 . 
     In operation, key lock  306  is unlocked and the rod  304 —rod  305 —key lock  306  assembly is pivoted about rod sections  304   a  and  305   a  until the position of FIG. 15 is reached. Equipment  102 , a laptop computer in the illustrated example, is positioned on the base member  101 . The laptop computer  102  can then be unfolded to enable use thereof. 
     The rod  304 —rod  305 —key lock  306  assembly can then be pivoted about rod sections  304   a  and  305   a  back to the position of FIG.  16 . Key lock  306  is finally locked to thereby lock the rod  304 —rod  305 —key lock  306  assembly on the base member  101 . 
     The equipment  102  (laptop computer in the illustrated example) then confined within a space delimited by base member  101 , the pair of rods  304  and  305  and the U-shaped vertically extending movement-restraining rod member  301  to prevent theft and tampering of the equipment. Since the base member  101  is secured to a surrounding structure (not shown), theft of the equipment  102  is prevented. 
     Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to use the second, third and fourth embodiments to lock an equipment other than a laptop computer. 
     Although the present invention has been described by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, it is contemplated that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the embodiments described be considered only as illustrative of the present invention and that the scope thereof should not be limited thereto but be determined by reference to the claims hereinafter provided and their equivalents.

Technology Category: 0