Umted States Patent [19]
`Murray, Jr. et al.
`
`lllllllllllllllllllllllllll|||l|llllllllll||||lIlllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`US005502989A
`[11] Patent Number:
`5,502,989
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`[54] COMPUTER PHYSICAL SECURITY DEVICE
`
`2109109 5/1933 United Kingdom -
`
`[75] Inventors: William R. Murray, J11, Redwood
`Clty; Stewart R- C9111 P310 Alto;
`Arthur H- Zamowltz, San Jose, all of
`Cahf-
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Kablit Security System Catalog, pp. 7, 93, 198. Computer
`and O?ice Equipment Security Catalog, @1990 by
`Secure-It, Inc., 18 Maple Court, East Long-meadow, Mass.
`
`_
`
`[73] Asslgnee: Kensmgtol} M‘cmware Llmlted’ San
`Mateo’ Cahf'
`
`_
`
`_
`
`_
`
`_
`
`01028.
`
`Kensington Product Brochure for Kensington Apple®,
`LaserWriter® and Macintosh® Portable Security Systems.
`Computer and O?ice Equipment Security Catalog, @1990
`by Secure-It, Inc. 18 Maple Court, East Longmeadow, MA
`
`01028.
`
`Apple Security Bracket Sold in AS Kit.
`
`Primary Examiner—Darnell M. Boucher
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Townsend and Townsend and
`Crew
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as
`personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have
`an cxtcmal wall provided With a specially designed,
`approximately rectangular Slot having preselecmd dimer"
`sions. An attachment mechanism iIlClUd?S a housing fOl' a
`spindle having a ?rst portion rotatable within the housing, a
`shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a cross
`member at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions
`closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An
`abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is
`located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the
`
`e 5
`3° anlsm a‘?
`6 a u e
`3 °
`. e .S
`. °
`"1 combmatlon closely conform to the dlmenslons of the
`slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the
`crcssmctnbcr is apprcxith?tcly equal to the thickness of thc
`external wall of equipment. The crossmember is aligned
`with the abutment mechanism so that the crossmember can
`be inserted through-the slot with the shaft and the abutment
`mechanism occupying the slot. The spindle is then rotated
`90° to misalign the crossmember with the slot, thereby
`attaching the attachment mechanism rigidly to the external
`wall. A cable is secured to the housing and to an immovable
`object so that the equipment cannot be stolen.
`
`12 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`[21] APPI- NO-I 307,113
`
`.
`
`_
`
`[22] F?ed'
`
`Se!" 16’ 1994
`
`Rclatcd U-S- Application Data
`
`[60] Division of Ser. No. 138,634, Oct. 15, 1993, which is a
`continuation-in-patt of Ser. No. 42,851, Apr. 5, 1993, Pat.
`No. 5,381,685, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 824,964,
`Jan. 24, 1992, abandoned, and a continuation-in-part of Ser.
`NO' 6311’ Jan' 19’ 1993’ abandoned‘
`[51] Int. Cl.6 .................................................... .. E05B 65/00
`[52] us. c1. ..................... .. 70/58; 70/14; 70/57; 248/551
`[58] Field of Search .................................. .. 70/57, 58, 14,
`7on8, 30’ 49’ 232’ 423_430; 248/551,
`553’ 505; 411/555’ 552, 553’ 549, 349’
`343’ 216’ 217
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7/1898 Olmstead ................................ .. 70/428
`606,734
`611646 10/1898 Parker ..................................... .. 70/430
`786:842
`4/1905 Robeson _
`881,364
`3/1908 Wheeler .................................. .. 70/424
`_
`_
`(L15t Comlmled 011 next Page)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4/1976 Canada.
`987121
`2308006 4/1976 France .
`2636686 9/1938 France ~
`329934 12/1920 Germany ~
`577757 5/1933 Germany .
`447091
`5/1936 United Kingdom ................... .. 70/424
`1376011 12/1974 United Kingdom .
`
`200\
`
`2/0
`
`2/2
`
`206
`
`“20/
`
`202
`
`250
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 1 of 28
`
`ACCO Brands
`Exhibit 1019
`ACCO Brands v. Think Products
`IPR2015-01152
`
`

`

`5,502,989
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`934 928 9,1909 M hl
`'
`1° e '
`942,537 12/1909 Batdol'f.
`.
`1,452,471
`4/1923 K1166.
`2,480,662
`8/1949 McKinZie.
`2594012 4,1952 Grimm.
`2:660:084 11/1953 N6w111a11.
`2,677,261
`5/1954 166661 ..................................... .. 70/428
`2,729,41g
`1/1956 Maynard_
`2,800,090
`7/1957 R6id_
`3,136,017
`6/1964 PI'CZiOSi.
`3,200,694
`8/1965 R?pat?.
`3,220,077 11/1965 N6w661116r, Jr. 6161..
`3,276,835 10/1966 H2111.
`3,469,874
`9/1969 M616111i6.
`3,664,163
`5/1972 Foote.
`3,727,934 4/1973 AVGI‘bOOk et a1. .
`367851183 "1974 sémd?r-
`3,859,826
`1/1975 5mg?’ 8‘ a1~~
`3,866,873
`2/1975 B61111. .
`4,004,440
`1/1977 Dreyer.
`4,028,913
`6/1977 Falk.
`. ..
`4,057,984 11/1977 Avaluslm,
`4,065,083 12/1977 Gassaway.
`4,131,001 12/1978 GOtIO.
`4212’175 7/1980 Zakow _
`4,223,542
`9/1980 BaSSeCheS.
`4,252,007
`2/1981 K?l‘l?y.
`4,311,883
`1/1982 Kidney.
`4,442,571
`4/1984 1311666161..
`4,462,233
`7/1984 Horetzke.
`
`4,527,405
`7/1985 Renick.
`4,570,465
`2/1986 B66611.
`4,584,856
`4/1986 Petel‘SdOrff.
`.
`4,616,490 10/1986 Robbms.
`4640106 2,1987 D
`’
`’
`Erma“
`4,655,057
`4/1987 136111166.
`466851312
`8/1937 Lakmki
`416911391
`9/1987 Dionne
`4,704,881 11/1987 Sloop, Sr. ............................... .. 70/428
`4,733,840
`3/1988 D’Arnore.
`4,738,428
`4/1988 Th6mis16s61a1.
`4,826,193
`5/1989 Davis.
`4,842,912
`6/1989 1111661, 111.
`4,843,848
`7/1989 1g61111111111.
`4,856,304
`8/1989 1361111611.
`4,853,455
`8/1939 Kuo_
`4,907,716
`3/1990 Wankel et 81“
`4,918,952
`4/1990 Lakoski.
`4,938,040
`7/1990 H1161p1116ys, 11..
`..
`4,959,979 10/1990 Fillpow.
`4,979,382 12/1990 Perry.
`.
`.
`4,985,695
`1/1991 WllklnSOn 6161..
`4993 244 2,1991 0
`1
`’
`Sm“
`560241072
`6/1991 Lee
`5,050,836
`9/1991 Makous .
`5,082,232
`1/1992 wllson'
`5,119,649
`6/1992 Spence
`5,184,798
`2/1993 Wilson.
`5,197,706
`3/1993 Braithwaite 6161..
`5,327,752 7/1994 Myers at 211..
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 2 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`
`5,502,989
`
`/4
`
`FIG I
`
`FIG 2.
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 3 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`5,502,989
`5,502,989
`
`
`
`r—ééfi
`
`FIG: 5:
`
`6‘. m 70
`FIG:
`a [a
`60
`84
`aowg 85
`
`60
`
`W
`
`52
`
`60
`
`FIGS 7.
`
`FIG .9
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 4 of 28
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 4 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 3 of 11
`
`F761 I344.
`
`F/GI 13B.
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 5 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 4 of 11
`Sheet 4 of 11
`
`5,502,989
`5,502,989
`
`
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 6 of 28
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 6 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 5 of 11
`
`5,502,989
`
`200 \
`
`206 '
`
`35E”
`
`\151
`
`
`260
`
`204’
`
`2/2‘
`
`206’
`270
`202'
`2/6’ all
`2’0
`
`208' ’ II I!Fl ‘
`'h “EhI
`
`\
`
`272
`
`252
`
`224'
`
`222'
`
`
`
`250
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 7 of 28
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 7 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 6 of 11
`
`5,502,989
`
`
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 8 of 28
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 8 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 7 of 11
`
`5,502,989
`
`402"
`
`609
`
`603
`
`470
`
`632
`
`6/4
`604
`F761 20A.
`
`/602
`6/2
`606
`
`608
`6/0
`
`/600
`
`628
`622
`620
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 9 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 8 of 11
`
`5,502,989
`
`F76: 2/0
`
`732/?
`752
`FIG ZZCI
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 10 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 9 0f 11
`
`5,502,989
`
`804 3/2
`[ // r80/
`
`\ 800
`
`826/?
`H61 235.
`
`860
`
`802'
`
`840
`P76: 244.
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 11 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
`Sheet 10 of 11
`
`I 5,502,989
`I 5,502,989
`
`
`
`Ex.1019- Page 12 of28
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 12 of 28
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 2, 1996
`Apr. 2, 1996
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`5,502,989
`5,502,989
`
`I’940
`
`/900
`
`
`
`
`
`/4
`
`Ex.1019- Page 13 of28
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 13 of 28
`
`

`

`5,502,989
`
`1
`COMPUTER PHYSICAL SECURITY DEVICE
`
`This application is a division of Ser. No. 08/138,643 ?led
`Oct. 15, 1993, whic is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
`08/042,851, ?led Apr. 5, 1993, entitled COMPUTER
`PHYSICAL SECURITY DEVICE, now US. Pat. No.
`5,381,685, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/824,964,
`?led Jan. 24, 1992 (now abandoned), entitled COMPUTER
`PHYSICAL SECURITY DEVICE, and a continuation-in
`part of Ser. No. 08/006,311, ?led Jan. 19, 1993, now
`abandoned, entitled COMPUTER PHYSICAL SECURITY
`DEVICE, all the above applications are hereby expressly
`incorporated by reference for all purposes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`communication cables. This last aspect of the system has a
`drawback in that the peripheral equipment cannot be
`removed from the base computer without the special screw
`driver, which can be lost or misplaced.
`Other vendors provide security systems which are not
`required to interface directly with special slots and capture
`mechanisms as provided in certain Apple computers. For
`example, Secure-It, Inc., under the trademark “KABLIT”,
`provides a variety of brackets attached to the computer
`component using existing mounting screws, i.e., screws
`which are already used to secure items of equipment within
`the cabinet. Typically, the bracket is apertured so that
`passage of the cable through the aperture prevents access to
`the mounting screw and thus prevents removal of the bracket
`from the equipment. A de?ciency of this type of system is
`that it requires the removal of the existing mounting screw,
`which may cause some damage to the internal components
`of the computer. Suitable existing screws are not always
`available on certain peripherals for convenient attachment of
`the fastener. For this latter reason, KABLIT also provides
`glue-on disks which, unfortunately, are permanently secured
`to the equipment.
`The theft of small but expensive equipment such as desk
`top computers is a growing problem. Existing devices are
`simply too ine?icient or ineffective, or their application is
`too limited. As a result, the use of such security systems is
`rare, computer equipment is typically left unprotected, and
`it is all too often stolen.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`The present invention relates to devices for inhibiting the
`theft of relatively small but expensive pieces of equipment.
`Computers have evolved rather rapidly from large, expen
`sive machines usable only by a few, to relatively small,
`portable machines which are usable by many. In particular,
`the development of desk top computers with signi?cant
`processing power has made computers available to the
`general population. It is now corrunon for college and even
`high school students to have their own computer, and desk
`top computers are in wide spread use as word processors and
`work stations in almost all forms of business. Desk top
`computers are relatively small and easily transportable, and
`an undesirable side effect of their proliferation is the fact that
`the theft of such computers is a signi?cant problem.
`A variety of devices have been developed to inhibit the
`theft of desk top computers and similar equipment. Since
`desk top computer systems involve several components,
`typically including the computer itself, a separate monitor,
`keyboard and often a printer, such security systems often
`employ a cable which attaches each of the components to
`each other and to a relatively immovable object such as a
`desk. The principal difficulty in such systems is providing an
`effective and convenient method for attaching the cable
`itself to the equipment.
`Kensington Microware Limited, assignee of this applica
`tion, currently provides a security system which is especially
`designed for use with particular Apple computers. Certain
`Apple computer components have slots and internal brackets
`designed to capture a specially designed tab inserted through
`the slot so that the tab is not removable. While this system
`is effective for particular types of Apple computers, it does
`not work for those Apple computer components and other
`computer brands which do not have the special designed
`slots and brackets.
`It is undesirable to require a computer to have specially
`designed slots and internal capture brackets because the
`brackets occupy a signi?cant amount of space in an item of
`equipment which is intended to be as space ef?cient as
`possible. Different items of Apple equipment require differ
`ent sized slots, meaning that the security mechanism must
`provide a variety of different sized tabs. The tabs, once
`inserted, cannot be removed without damage to the equip
`ment, meaning that the security system cannot be moved
`from one computer to the other. Even Apple computers with
`specially designed slots are typically used with peripheral
`equipment which does not have them, and, the Kensington
`system provides screws requiring a special screwdriver
`which replace the screws used to attach the existing com
`munication cables, securing the peripheral equipment to the
`base computer by preventing unauthorized removal of the
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides apparatus which inhibits
`the theft of equipment such as personal computers. The
`equipment must have an external wall provided with a
`specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having
`preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes
`a housing for a spindle having a ?rst portion rotatable within
`the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing,
`and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral
`dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of
`the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the
`housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft
`intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The periph—
`eral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism
`and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimen
`sions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to
`the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of
`the external wall of equipment. The crossmember is aligned
`with the abutment mechanism so that the crossmember can
`be inserted through the slot with the shaft and the abutment
`mechanism occupying the slot. The spindle is then rotated
`90° to misalign the crossmember with the slot, thereby
`attaching the attachment mechanism rigidly to the external
`wall. A cable is secured to the housing and to an immovable
`object so that the equipment cannot be stolen.
`The apparatus of the present invention is far more adapt
`able and convenient to use than existing systems. The only
`required modi?cation of the equipment to be protected is a
`small (preferably about 3 by 7 millimeter) slot in an external
`wall. Additional brackets, capture mechanisms or the like
`are not necessary. This small slot can easily be molded into
`computer systems at essentially no cost and without degrad
`ing the integrity of the equipment. The attachment mecha
`nism can readily be installed on the equipment, and removed
`when appropriate by an authorized user. In one embodiment,
`a key-operated attachment attaches a single item of equip
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 14 of 28
`
`

`

`5,502,989
`
`3
`ment to an immovable object with the cable. In a second
`embodiment, the cable passes through mating apertures in
`the spindle and the housing of one or more attachment
`mechanisms to prevent their removal once they have been
`attached to the equipment and the cable has been installed.
`The attachment mechanism of the present invention is
`surprisingly dif?cult to remove from an item of equipment
`once it has been installed. In the preferred embodiments, the
`mechanism is quite small, and it is di?icult to apply sul?
`cient leverage to break the mechanism away from the
`equipment to which it is attached. Forcibly removing the
`mechanism will result in signi?cant, highly visible damage
`to the exterior wall, identifying the equipment as stolen and
`making it dif?cult to resell, greatly reducing its theft poten
`tial.
`Several alternative embodiments of the invention are
`provided in which there are shown several diiferent combi
`nations of attachment mechanisms which are either inte
`grally connected or separately coupled to engagement
`mechanisms for securing the attachment mechanism proxi
`mate the external wall of the object of equipment. Further
`embodiments of the invention provide an attachment mecha
`nism that can be directly coupled to the external wall of the
`object of equipment without the need to provide a specially
`designed slot in the wall.
`The novel features which are characteristic of the inven
`tion, as to organization and method of operation, together
`with further objects and advantages thereof will be better
`understood from the following description considered in
`connection with the accompanying drawings in which a
`preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way
`of example. It is to be expressly understood, however,that
`the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and descrip
`tion only and are not intended as a de?nition of the limits of
`the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ?rst embodiment of the
`present invention attached to a computer monitor;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of
`the present invention attached to a computer keyboard;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the attachment mechanism
`of the ?rst embodiment;
`FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the attachment mechanism
`of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevation view of a slot in a piece
`of equipment specially designed to accept the attachment
`mechanism of either embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 6 is a section view taken along lines 6—6 of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 7 is a section view taken along lines 7—7 of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 8 is a fragmentary section view from inside an item
`of equipment illustrating insertion of a crossmember of the
`embodiment of FIG. 3 into the slot of FIG. 5;
`FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 with the
`crossmember misaligned;
`FIGS. 10A and B are elevation views illustrating the
`installation of the attachment ‘mechanism of FIG. 3 on an
`item of equipment;
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the attachment mecha
`nism of the second embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the attachment mechanism
`of FIG. 10;
`FIGS. 13A and 13B are side elevation views illustrating
`the installation of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 11 on
`an item of equipment;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`FIGS. 14 and 15 are side elevational views of alternative
`embodiments of an attachment mechanism and an engage
`ment mechanism;
`FIGS. 16A and 16B are respective perspective views of
`another alternative embodiment of an attachment mecha—
`nism and an engagement mechanism of the invention;
`FIG. 16C is a side elevational view of the attachment
`mechanism and the engagement mechanism of FIGS. 16A
`and 16B assembled together proximate the external wall of
`an item of equipment;
`,
`FIG. 17A is a side elevational view of another embodi
`ment of the invention;
`FIG. 17B is a corresponding perspective view of the
`embodiment of FIG. 17A;
`FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a slightly modi?ed
`version of the embodiment of FIGS. 17A and 17B showing
`a threaded engagement between the spindle and the housing;
`FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another slightly modi?ed
`version of the embodiment of FIGS. 17A and 17B showing
`a pin and pin hole engagement between the attachment
`mechanism and the external wall of an item of equipment;
`FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C are perspective views of
`component parts of another embodiment of the invention
`showing a separate attachment mechanism, housing, and
`engagement mechanism respectively;
`FIG. 20D is perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS.
`20A, 20B, and 20C showing the three component parts in an
`assembled con?guration;
`FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of component
`parts of another embodiment of the invention showing an
`engagement mechanism and a separate attachment mecha—
`nism respectively;
`FIG. 21C is a side elevational view of the embodiment of
`FIGS. 21A and 21B with the engagement mechanism
`coupled to the attachment mechanism;
`FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of slightly
`modi?ed version of the respective component parts of FIGS.
`21A and 21B;
`FIG. 22C is a side elevational view of the embodiment of
`FIGS. 22A and 228 with the attachment mechanism shown
`coupled to a slot in the external wall of an item of equip
`ment;
`FIG. 23A is a side elevational view of an attachment
`mechanism coupled to an engagement mechanism according
`to another embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
`23A with the attachment mechanism and engagement
`mechanism shown coupled to a cable and a separate locking
`device;
`FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the attachment mecha
`nism of FIGS. 23A and 23B which can be directly coupled
`to an external wall of an item of equipment;
`FIG. 24B is a perspective view of another embodiment of
`the attachment mechanism of FIGS. 23A and 23B which can
`be directly coupled to an external wall with the use of an
`adhesive;
`FIG. 25 is another embodiment of an attachment mecha
`nism which can be directly coupled to an external wall of an
`item of equipment;
`FIG. 26A is a perspective view of another embodiment of
`the present invention with a conventional lock assembly and
`a retractable spindle;
`FIG. 26B is a perspective view of the spindle and lock
`assembly of FIG. 26A showing the spindle in its retracted
`position; and
`
`Ex. 1019 - Page 15 of 28
`
`

`

`5,502,989
`
`5
`FIG. 27 is perspective view of another embodiment of the
`preferred embodiment including a base unit and an attach
`ment unit.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`A ?rst preferred embodiment 10 of the security device of
`the present invention is illustrated generally by way of
`reference to FIG. 1. Security device 10 includes an attach~
`ment mechanism 12 designed to attach to a component of a
`computer system, such as computer monitor 14. Attachment
`mechanism 12 has an aperture 16, and a cable 18 which
`passes through the aperture when the attachment mechanism
`12 is attached to a component such as monitor 14. A look 20
`is ?xed to one end of cable 18. The free end of cable 18 may
`be of the type having a “mushroom” head 22 adapted to
`penetrate and be secured within lock 20 using key 24. With
`mushroom head 22 detached from lock 20, cable 18 can be
`threaded through the apertures 16 of one or more attachment
`mechanisms 12, and wrapped around a relatively immovable
`object (not shown) such as the cross bar spanning two legs
`of a desk. Mushroom head 22 is then inserted into lock 20
`and the lock closed using key 24 to secure the computer
`components to the immovable object.
`A second embodiment 26 of the present invention,
`designed primarily to secure single rather than multiple
`items of computer equipment, is illustrated generally by way
`of reference to FIG. 2. Embodiment 26 includes an attach
`ment mechanism 28 designed to be secured to a computer
`component such as keyboard 30. Attachment mechanism 28
`is a?ixed to one end of a cable 32 which has a closed loop
`34 at its other end. Cable 32 is ?rst wrapped around a
`relatively immovable object, such as a cross piece between
`two legs of a desk or table, and attachment mechanism 28 is
`passed through loop 34 and attached to the item to be
`protected such as keyboard 30 to make it di?icult to steal the
`item of equipment.
`Attachment mechanism 12 of ?rst embodiment 10 is
`illustrated in more detail by way of reference to FIGS. 3 and
`4 in combination. Mechanism 12 includes a housing 36
`having a hollow interior cylindrical cavity 38. An annular
`plate 40 forms one end of housing 36 and has an aperture 41.
`A pair of apertures such as aperture 16 are located on
`opposite sides of housing 36. A small raised aperture 42 is
`also provided in housing 36 to accommodate a pin 44, as
`explained in more detail hereinafter.
`A spindle 46 includes a cylindrical portion 48 adapted to
`?t within the cylindrical cavity of housing 36. Spindle 48
`includes a raised plate 50 at one end which forms the aft end
`of the mechanism when assembled as illustrated in FIG. 3.
`Spindle 46 also includes a shaft 52 extending outwardly
`through the aperture 41 in housing 36. A crossmember 54 is
`located on the distal end of shaft 52.
`An abutment mechanism 56 includes an abutment plate
`58 designed to be received within the cylindrical interior
`cavity of housing 36, and a pair of pins 60 adapted to extend
`outwardly through the aperture 41 in housing 36. A spring 62
`biases abutment plate 58 and spindle 46 rearwardly when the
`mechanism is assembled, as illustrated in FIG. 3. A plastic
`bushing 64 designed to prevent scarring of the equipment to
`which mechanism 12 is attached is affixed to the plate 40 on
`housing 36 circumscribing aperture 41.
`When mechanism 12 is assembled as illustrated in FIG. 3,
`crossmember 54 and shaft 52, together with pins 60 on either
`side of the shaft, extend outwardly beyond housing 46
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`through aperture 41. Pin 44 engages a groove 66 in spindle
`46 so that the mechanism cannot be disassembled without
`removing the pin. The head of pin 44 is conformed to the
`shape of a boss 67 on the surface of housing 36 so that the
`pin cannot be removed without special equipment. Groove
`66 has a preselected width allowing limited axial movement
`of spindle 46 relative to housing 36 with pin 44 engaged so
`that the axial position of crossmember 54 relative to the
`housing is somewhat adjustable. Spring 62 biases plate 58
`and spindle 46 rearwardly to bias crossmember 54 toward
`housing 36.
`Groove 66 extends around about 25% of the periphery of
`spindle 46 so that the spindle can be rotated approximately
`90° relative to the housing. A transverse aperture 68 through
`the cylindrical portion 48 of spindle 46 is aligned with
`aperture 16 in housing 36 when crossmember 54 is mis
`aligned from pin 60 (see FIG. 4). With spindle 46 rotated 90°
`as allowed by pin 44 in groove 68, crossmember 54 is
`aligned with pin 60, and aperture 68 is not aligned with
`aperture 16. Cable 18 (see FIG. 1) can only be inserted
`through the aligned apertures 16, 68 when crossmember 54
`is misaligned with pins 60, i.e., when attachment mechanism
`12 is attached to the piece of equipment, as explained
`hereinbelow. With cable 18 passing through aligned aper
`tures 16 and 68, rotation of spindle 46 so as to align
`crossmember 54 with pins 60 and allow removal of the
`attachment mechanism is effectively prevented.
`The preferred embodiments 10 and 26 of the present
`invention are designed to operate with items of equipment
`provided by a special slot, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The
`exterior Wall 70 of the piece of equipment is typically made
`of sheet metal, or molded plastic, either of which is com
`patible with the present invention. A relatively small slot 72
`is formed in wall 70, by molding or otherwise as appropriate.
`In the preferred embodiment of slot 72, the slot has a
`generally rectangular con?guration, i.e., the slot is generally
`rectangular having long parallel sides 74, short parallel sides
`75 and rounded comers 76. Slot 72 is relatively small,
`having a long dimension 78 of seven millimeters, and a short
`dimension 79 of three millimeters, in the preferred embodi
`ment of the present invention. Comers 76 have a radius of
`curvature 90 from 0.30 mm. to a maximum of 1.5 millime
`ters. If the radius of curvature 90 is 1.5 mm., the short sides
`75 disappear and the slot has a straight-sided oval con?gu
`ration.
`The peripheral dimensions of crossmember 54 are closely
`conformed to the interior dimensions of slot 72, as illustrated
`in FIG. 6. The crossmember 4 of attachment mechanism 12
`has a straight~sided oval con?guration, i.e., the crossmember
`is generally rectangular, having straight sides and semi
`circular ends. In the preferred embodiment, the long dimen
`sion 82 of crossmember 54 is 6.75 millimeters, while the
`short dimension 83 is 2.75 millimeters, each being slightly
`less than the corresponding dimension of slot 72. As illus
`trated in FIG. 7, the peripheral dimensions of the pins 60 and
`shaft 52 also closely conform to the interior dimensions of
`slot 72. As with crossmember 54, pins 60 in shaft 52 have
`a long dimension 84 of 6.75 millimeters, and a short
`dimension 85 of 2.75 millimeters.
`The insertion of crossmember 54 of attachment mecha
`nism 12 into slot 72 of external wall 70 is illustrated by
`reference to FIGS. 8 and 10A. Before insertion, spindle 46
`must be rotated so that crossmember 54 is aligned with pins
`60, as illustrated in FIG. 3. With the spindle in this position,
`the periphery of crossmember 54 and that of pins 60 and
`shaft 52 are essentially congruent. Since the peripheral
`dimension of crossmember 54 and pins 60 and shaft 52 in
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`combination are less than the dimensions of slot 72, the
`crossmember can be inserted through the slot until cross
`member 54 is completely inside wall 70 (see FIG. 10A). If
`necessary, the plate 50 on spindle 46 can be pressed to
`compress spring 62 so that crossmember 54 is completely
`inside wall 70.
`As illustrated in FIG. 9, upon insertion of crossmember 54
`completely through slot 72, the spindle is rotated by manipu
`lating plate 50 so that crossmember S4 is 90° misaligned
`with respect to pins 60. The aperture 16 in the side wall of
`housing 36 will be aligned with the aperture 68 in the
`spindle, providing a passageway completely through the
`housing. In this con?guration, cable 18 can easily be
`threaded through the aperture, and the-presence of the cable
`prevents the spindle from being rotated back so as to
`disengage crossmember 54 from slot 72.
`The attachment mechanism 28 of the second embodiment
`26 of the present invention is illustrated in more detail by
`way of reference to the perspective view of FIG. 11 and the
`exploded view of FIG. 12. Attachment mechanism 28
`includes a hollow shell 90 and a nose-piece 92 which, in
`combination, form a housing. Shell 90 has a hollow cylin
`drical interior cavity 94, and an integral apertured plate 96
`at one end. A pin 98 is inserted through an aperture (not
`shown) in nose-piece 92 to engage a slot 102 in shell 90. Pin
`98 is designed to shear when torque is applied to nose-piece
`92 so that an unauthorized attempt to remove the attachment
`mechanism will simply shear the pin and allow the nose
`piece to freely rotate without degrading the attachment of
`the attachment mechanism to the component to be protected.
`Slot 102 is axially elongate so that limited axial movement
`is allowed between shell 90 and nose-piece 92. The forward
`end of nose-piece 92 has a plate 93 having a central aperture
`95.
`A cylindrical collar 106 circumscribes the outer portion of
`shell 90 and occupies the slot laterally de?ned by plate 96
`and the aft surface 108 of nose-piece 92. Collar 106 has an
`integral tab 110 with an aperture 112 adapted to receive one
`end of cable 32. Cable 32 is dead-ended into tab 110 and
`attached so that it cannot be removed.
`A spindle 114 has a cylindrical portion 116 adapted to be
`received within a cylindrical lock 118 in shell 90. Cylindri
`cal lock 118 includes a front cylinder 119, and a back
`cylinder 120. A blunt pin or set screw 121 is inserted through
`an aperture 125 in shell 90, and through a corresponding
`aperture 123 in back cylinder 120, to lock the front cylinder
`rotationally with respect to shell 90. Correspondingly, pin or
`set screw 127 engages a relatively smaller aperture 129 in
`front cylinder 119, and a widening 131 in slot 133 in the
`cylindrical portion 116 of spindle 114. Front cylinder 119 is
`thus ?xed rotationally With respect to spindle 114.
`As with conventional cylindrical locks, a plurality of pins
`normally span the interface between front cylinder 119 and
`back cylinder 120 so that the cylinders are rotationally
`locked together, thus preventing relative rotation between
`locking shell 90 and spindle 114. However, a key 140 (see
`FIG. 13B) is insertable through the apertured plate 96 of
`shell 90 to engage front cylinder 119. The correct key will
`have bosses located to depress the pins passing between
`cylinders 119 and 120 so that such pins do not span the
`interface between the cylinders, allowing the cylinders to
`rotate with respect to one another. In this fashion, spindle
`114 can be rotated with respect to shell 90 only upon
`insertion and rotation of the appropriate key.
`Spindle 114 also includes a shaft 122, and a crossmember
`124 at the free end of the shaft. An abutment mechanism 126
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`has an abutment plate 128 adapted to ?t within nose-piece
`92, and a pair of pins 130 adapted to extend outwardly
`through aperture 95. A spring