EXHIBIT 2
`EXHIBIT 2
`
`

`
`
`
`'s'n6l6IO
`
`PTOISBl16 (07-05)
`Approved for use through 07/31/2006. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERQB
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number Cr)
`PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT COVER SHEET
`°*_cr)
`__ -0
`This is a request for filing a PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT under 37 CFR 1.53(c).
`0'? C’)
`axpress Mail Label No. EV 507114479 us
`3 K’?
`.
`
`Given Name (first and middle [it any])
`
`lNVENTOR(S)
`Family Name or Surname
`
`PETER
`
`ALLEN
`
`llllllllllIIIIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIllllll
`
`to
`o
`‘
`
`:CV
`
`Residence
`and either State or Forein Count
`
`Ci
`
`‘
`
`15 Berry Hill Road
`
`Oyster Bay Cove, NY 11771
`
`separately numbered sheets attached hereto
`Additional inventors are being named on the
`TITLE OF THE INVENTION (500 characters max):
`
`LOCK FOR MUSIC PLAYBACK DEVICE
`
`Direct all correspondence to:
`
`CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`The address corresponding to Customer Number".
`_
`
`OR
`
`Address
`
`OCT 1 3 2005
`
`T 2"’
`
`ENCLOSED APPLICATION PARTS (check all that apply)
`
`Z Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`Specification Number ofPages 46
`Drawing(s) Number of Sheets
`34
`Fees Due: Filing Fee of $200 ($100 for small entity). If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper. an application size fee is
`also due. which is $250 ($125 for small entity) for each additional 50 sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 41 (a)(1 )(G) and 37 CFR 1.16(s).
`
`E CD(s), Number of CDs
`I: Other (specify)
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT OF FILING FEES AND APPLICATION SIZE FEE FOR THIS PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT
`
`E Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27.
`A check or money order is enclosed to cover the filing fee and application size fee (if applicable).
`I:I Payment by credit card. Fonn PTO-2038 is attached
`TOTAL FEE AMOUNT ($)
`The Director is hereby authorized to charge the filing fee and application size fee (if applicable) or credit any overpayment to Deposit
`Account Numben ggingg
`. A duplicative copy of this form is enclosed for fee processing.
`
`100
`
`The invention was made by an agency of the United States Government or under a contract with an agency of the United States Government.
`No.
`D Yes, the name of the U.S. Government agency and the Government contract number are:
`
`SIGNATURE
`
`A/Z,’/15W
`TYPED or PRINTED NAME Alfred M- Walker
`
`TELEPHONE 631-361-8737
`
`REGISTRATION NO. 29,983
`(if appropriate)
`Docket Number: 251003Allen-l@d2-gr
`USE ONLY FOR FILING A PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PA TENT
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.51. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the USPTO
`to process) an application. Confidentiality is govemed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 8 hours to complete.
`including gathering. preparing. and submitting the completed application fcnn to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments
`on the amount of time you require to complete this fonn andlor suggestions for reducing this burden. should be sent to the Chief Information Otticer. U.s. Patent
`and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce. P.O. Box 1450. Alexandria. VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS To THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Date October 1 1 , 2005
`
`

`
`Alfie-d M. Walker
`
`Attomey at La W
`
`Admitied to United Date: Patent Ofiire and New York State
`
`225 Old County Road
`Melville, New York 11747-2712
`TelI\Ta. (631) 361-8737
`Fax I\7o. (631) 36 1 -8792
`
`October 11, 2005
`
`Commissioner of Patents
`
`Mail Stop Provisional Applications
`P.O. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA
`
`22313-1450
`
`Re:
`
`New Provisional Patent Application
`APPLICANT: Allen; Peter
`TITLE:
`LOCK FOR MUSIC PLAYBACK DEVICE
`
`Atty Dkt:
`
`251003 Allen—ipod2—prov
`
`Dear Sir:
`
`Enclosed please find a Provisional Patent Application
`including Specification (46 sheets), Drawings 34 sheets,
`(Figs.1—6l)and Certificate of Express Mail(EV 507114479
`US).
`
`payable to the
`Also enclosed is check No. 5022,
`Commissioner of Patents in the amount of $100.00 for the
`filing fee (37 CFR 1.27).
`
`Please acknowledge receipt by returning the enclosed
`postcard.
`
` y Eours,
`
`Alfred M. Walker
`ABWV:ks
`encls.
`PAT1 7
`
`CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
`
`I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with
`the United States Postal Service as Express Mail #EV 507114479 US
`addressed to Commissioner for Patents, Mail Stop Provisional Patent
`Applications, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA
`22313-1450, on the date
`indicated below.
`'
`
`Date: October 11, 2005
`
`la
`
`

`
`SLIDE IN LOCK FOR MUSIC PLAYBACK DEVICE
`
`I
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to security locks for
`
`laptop and/or notebook computers and other handeheld
`
`electronic devices, such as cell phones, personal digital
`
`assistants, personal music players (i.e.
`
`iPod®) and the
`
`like.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Notebook computer or other personal electronic devices
`
`are increasingly used by students at educational
`
`institutions.
`
`They are also used by workers at job sites.
`
`Notebook computers are often referred to as laptop computers,
`
`meaning a portable,
`
`foldable computer which can be used while
`
`positioned upon the user's lap.
`
`In some instances, “laptop
`
`computer” refers to the term used in the trade for an older
`
`version of a larger portable computer. However, with
`
`increasing streamlining and downsizing of portable computers,
`
`compact, smaller versions are referred to as “notebook
`
`computers”, but
`
`the terms are generally interchangeable.
`
`In order to safeguard the personal electronic device,
`
`such as a notebook computer, it must be shut down, closed and
`
`transported by the user.
`
`However, it is often advantageous for the user of a
`
`notebook computer to take a break and leave the computer open
`
`and operable at a work station or library study carrel, with
`
`other papers and books left at their current open position.
`
`This leaves the personal electronic device, such as a
`
`notebook computer vulnerable to theft.
`
`M
`
`U
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`2
`
`Moreover,
`
`in the commercial retail environment, it is
`
`advantageous to display consumer electronic devices, such as
`
`notebook computers, cell phones or personal digital
`
`assistants in a secure but visually accessible display.
`
`OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is therefore an object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide a security lock for a personal electronic device,
`
`W
`
`such as a notebook computer in an open position.
`
`It is also an object of the present invention to provide
`
`a commercial retail display which allows visual access to
`
`notebook computers, cell phones and personal digital
`
`assistants while safeguarding these devices from shoplifting
`
`U
`
`theft.
`
`Other objects which become apparent from the following
`
`description of the present invention.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`In keeping with these objects and others which may
`
`become apparent,
`
`the present invention is a desk surface
`
`locking base which holds a notebook and/or laptop computer,
`
`or a personal electronic device such as cell phones, personal
`
`digital assistants, personal music players (i.e.
`secure but open position. When locked in place,
`
`iPod®)
`in a
`the notebook
`
`computer or other personal electronic device is secure from
`
`being taken away from the surface to which it is locked.
`
`Furthermore,
`
`taking advantage of software and/or
`
`software/biometric security systems,
`
`the computer or other
`
`personal electronic device will also be unusable by
`
`unauthorized individuals when its owner is away from the area
`
`for a break,
`
`telephone call, or other short—term pursuits.
`
`

`
`3
`
`With a few keystrokes,
`
`the owner of the computer or other
`
`personal electronic device can resume activity in exactly the
`
`same place as when activity had been suspended. This is
`
`especially useful for leaving an active computer or other
`
`personal electronic device on a study desk or library carrel.
`
`In one embodiment,
`
`the notebook computer or other
`
`personal electronic device lock includes a locking base
`
`having a receptacle for receiving a distal end of a pivotable
`
`locking member pivotably attached at a proximal end thereof
`
`to the locking base. The locking member locks the computer
`
`screen between it and the locking base. The locking base is
`
`fastenable to a notebook computer work surface, such as a
`
`desk top or other table surface,
`
`in the vicinity of the
`
`notebook computer. A pin lock secures the locking bar across
`
`the display screen portion of the notebook computer or other
`
`10
`
`15
`
`personal electronic device and into a hole in the locking
`
`base,
`
`thereby securing the notebook computer or other
`
`personal electronic device in a locked position within the
`
`components of the notebook computer or other personal
`
`20
`
`electronic device lock.
`
`In another embodiment,
`
`the locking base is screwed or
`
`otherwise fastened to the work surface in a permanent
`
`fashion.
`
`A locking collar is then removed from the base and
`
`then placed over the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen of
`
`25
`
`the open notebook computer or other personal electronic
`
`device within the framework of the locking base.
`
`A lock,
`
`such as a padlock,
`is then used to lock together the locking
`collar and the locking base,
`thereby making it impossible to
`
`remove the notebook computer or other personal electronic
`
`30
`
`device
`
`from the work surface.
`
`In this embodiment,
`
`the notebook computer or other
`
`personal electronic device locking assembly includes a
`
`locking base for being secured to a working surface, wherein
`
`

`
`4
`
`the locking base has a rear wall to receive a keyboard
`
`portion of the notebook computer or other personal electronic
`
`device with a screen portion of the notebook computer or
`
`other personal electronic device in the open position resting
`
`parallel to the rear wall. The rear wall has a rearwardly
`
`extending locking flange along a top edge of the rear wall. A
`
`locking frame includes a second rear wall having side walls
`
`and a locking bar joining the side walls, wherein the locking
`
`frame is adapted to slide over the screen portion of the
`
`notebook computer or other personal electronic device in the
`
`open position, with the second rear wall between the screen
`
`portion and the first rear wall and the locking bar extends
`
`across a front surface of the screen portion.
`
`This second rear wall has a rearwardly extending locking
`
`flange along a top edge of the second rear wall on top of,
`
`and flush against,
`
`the locking flange of the first rear wall.
`
`The side walls of the locking base have tabs bent
`
`toward the
`
`computer or other personal electronic device, with the
`
`locking bar falling behind the bent tabs, when the locking
`
`frame is deployed on the notebook computer or other personal
`
`electronic device,
`
`thereby preventing removal of the notebook
`
`computer or other personal electronic device from the locking
`
`base. Additionally,
`
`locking holes in both flanges are aligned
`
`with each other to receive a padlock to lock the locking
`
`frame to the locking base.
`
`Fasteners are employed to attach the locking base to the
`
`working surface, so that the fasteners are kept under the
`
`keyboard portion of the computer or other personal electronic
`
`device.
`
`The lower edges of the rear walls are raised a
`
`sufficient distance to allow access to connectors on a rear
`
`surface of the keyboard portion of the computer or other
`
`personal electronic device.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`5
`
`Preferably, an optional cage is attached to a rear of
`
`the first rear wall to house an auxiliary battery, charger or
`
`battery eliminator.
`
`In an alternate embodiment, an elongated framework of
`
`the locking base is used that supports the LCD screen of the
`
`notebook computer at the proper viewing angle,
`
`just as in the
`
`preferred embodiment.
`
`In this case, however,
`
`the locking
`
`device is a transparent screen cover, such as of LEXAN®
`
`polycarbonate,
`
`which is placed over the screen and then
`
`W
`
`locked to the
`
`locking base with a lock, such as a padlock.
`
`This panel is also a screen protector. This is a desirable
`
`feature for a demo station at a retail outlet,
`
`to display and
`
`demonstrate a notebook computer or advertise another product.
`
`Using an auxiliary locking flange,
`
`this embodiment is also
`
`compatible with the locking collar of the preferred
`
`embodiment. This use mode does not obscure viewing of the
`
`LCD screen directly, when viewing the display screen through
`
`the transparent polycarbonate sheet. Similar smaller locking
`
`bases with polycarbonate or other strong locking panels can
`
`be used to display and demonstrate consumer devices, such as
`
`personal digital assistants (PDA’s), scientific calculators,
`
`and cell phones, on store shelves.
`
`This embodiment may also have an optional accessory cage
`
`made of heavy wire mesh or perforated metal, which can be
`
`attached to the back portion of the locking base. This
`
`securely contains a battery charger/eliminator for the
`
`notebook computer.
`
`In this embodiment with a transparent screen cover,
`
`the
`
`notebook computer or other personal electronic device locking
`
`assembly includes a locking base secured to a working
`
`surface, with the locking base having a pair of side walls
`
`and a rear wall
`
`to receive a keyboard portion of the notebook
`
`computer or other personal electronic device, wherein a
`
`U
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`6
`
`screen portion of the notebook computer or other personal
`
`electronic device is oriented in the open position, resting
`
`adjacent to the rear wall. This rear wall has a rearwardly
`
`extending locking flange along a top edge thereof.
`
`The transparent locking frame has a surface adapted to
`
`rest adjacent to, or against, a front surface of the screen.
`
`A top wall is adapted to rest against a top surface of the
`
`screen portion of the computer or other personal electronic
`
`device, with a rear wall extending down from the top wall,
`
`10
`
`adjacent to a rear surface of the screen portion of the
`
`notebook computer or other personal electronic device. A‘
`
`rearwardly extends flange from a bottom edge of the rear
`
`wall, with the rearwardly extending flange positioned
`
`adjacent to the rearwardly extending locking flange of the
`
`15
`
`locking base.
`
`In this embodiment,
`
`locking holes in both flanges are
`
`aligned with each other to receive a padlock,
`
`to lock the
`
`transparent locking frame to the locking base.
`
`In this embodiment, an optional shelf or shelves may be
`
`provided to display handheld electronic accessories,
`
`such as
`
`cell phones, PDA’s, calculators, video game controls, etc.,
`
`for retail viewing purposes through the transparent screen
`
`cover.
`
`In yet another embodiment,
`
`the pivoting locking rod,
`
`locking collar or transparent polycarbonate locking panel is
`
`replaced by a telescoping rod, a vinyl covered steel cable,
`
`or a flexible tubing covered chain. Like the pivoting rod
`
`version,
`
`this embodiment therefore eliminates the removable
`
`portion of the locking base system (such as the locking
`
`collar or transparent polycarbonate panel), and instead uses
`
`a locking device that is permanently attached to one side of
`
`the locking base itself. This locking device is also locked
`
`with a padlock by first passing the distal end of the locking
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`7
`
`member through a hole in the opposite side panel member of
`
`the locking base thereby preventing removal of the notebook
`
`computer or other personal electronic device.
`
`In this embodiment,
`
`the notebook computer or other
`
`personal electronic device locking assembly includes a
`
`locking base secured to a working surface, with the locking
`
`base having a pair of side walls and a rear wall to receive a
`
`keyboard portion of the notebook computer or other personal
`
`electronic device. A screen portion of the notebook computer
`
`or other personal electronic device is held in the open
`
`position, resting against and/or parallel to the rear wall,
`
`with the side walls extending past a front surface of the
`
`screen portion. A telescoping locking bar or flexible locking
`
`cable is hinged at one end to one of the side walls,
`
`in front
`
`of the screen portion. An opposite end of this telescopic or
`
`flexible locking bar or cable has a plug with an opening
`
`therethrough. An opening in the other of the side walls is
`
`configured to align with the opening in the plug, when the
`
`locking bar is rotated across a front surface of the screen
`
`portion, with the plug positioned adjacent the other of the
`
`side walls to accommodate a padlock,
`
`to lock the notebook
`
`computer or other personal electronic device into the locking
`
`base.
`
`In a further embodiment
`
`the computer lock or electronic
`
`device lock is attached to a horizontal desk or work surface
`
`via a locking base which is separate from the computer lock
`
`itself. The computer lock is then slipped into the locking
`
`base from the side and both the computer and locking base are
`
`then secured to the work surface.
`
`In this manner,
`
`no holes
`
`are drilled into the work surface, and the locking base is
`
`removable yet secure. The locking base is secured to the work
`
`surface by a clamp which goes over the front edge and engages
`
`the bottom surface via a screw with a pointed end which is
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`8
`
`tightened so as to indent the underside and thereby attach.
`
`The screw itself can have a security head such as an allen
`
`socket with a concentric protruding rod which prevents the
`
`use of a simple allen wrench. A specialty security allen
`
`wrench with a hole to accommodate the protruding rod is
`
`required for the initial attachment as well as subsequent
`
`removal. A side bracket attached to the clamp also
`
`accommodates a mailbox type key lock which can be used to
`
`deny access to the attachment screw head for an extra measure
`
`of security. If the key lock is used, an ordinary non-
`security screw can be used since the lock tang itself will
`
`adequately secure the screw. The computer lock used with this
`
`embodiment has a horizontal frame member with two vertical
`
`side brackets at each end attached to base plates which can
`
`be screwed to a work surface as in the previous embodiments
`
`or used with the locking base.
`
`’A bar which is captively attached to one bracket secures
`
`the bottom of the notebook computer display when the other
`end is passed through a hole in the distal bracket and a key
`
`lock is then slipped over the bar end which has a groove
`
`compatible with the lock.
`
`In an alternate embodiment wherein a clamp wraps around
`
`a work surface to lock the notebook computer or other
`
`personal electronic device in place,
`
`the clamp itself may be
`
`the locking base itself, connected to the personal electronic
`
`device by a cable or other locking connection.
`
`In another embodiment,
`
`the above noted computer lock or
`
`electronic device lock is attached to directly to a
`
`horizontal desk or work surface by fasteners.
`
`Yet another embodiment of a computer lock,
`
`the lock has
`
`a continuously width adjustable feature to accommodate
`
`computers with a variety of display width sizes. It includes
`
`a left portion with vertical bracket, base attachment plate,
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`9
`
`horizontal member, and captive lock bar. A right portion has
`
`a vertical bracket, base plate and hollow horizontal member
`
`sized to receive the left horizontal member
`
`in a telescoping
`
`fashion. The locking bar is fabricated of a left portion
`
`which is a threaded tubing member having coarse threads. The
`
`right portion of the locking bar is a solid member with
`
`mating external threads on its long end. This computer lock
`
`is used with the locking base of the previous embodiment to
`
`take advantage of its telescoping feature.
`
`(It can also be
`
`screwed down to a work surface directly, but the adjustable
`
`feature would be defeated unless screws are moved to other
`
`adjustment holes.)
`
`To use the computer lock,
`
`the user places a notebook
`
`computer within the side brackets, and then pushes the sides
`
`in adjacent to the computer display. Then the user screws the
`
`distal end of the locking bar in or out to facilitate the end
`
`fitting through the lock holes on the right bracket. When
`
`locked with a key lock,
`
`the bar will secure the computer and
`
`prevent the spreading of the side brackets.
`
`In a related embodiment,
`
`the width adjustable feature is
`
`discrete instead of continuous. Although any suitable width
`
`adjustment mechanism can be used, a suggested type uses a peg
`
`which fits into a hole in the larger of the two telescoping
`
`members. The inner telescoping member has a series of holes
`
`which define the width steps when in registration with the
`
`single hole of the larger/outer telescoping member. The peg
`
`locks the outer hole to one of the inner holes.
`
`In another embodiment,
`
`the locking base described above
`
`is integrated with a computer lock or electronic device lock
`
`in a single unit. Thus the computer or other personal
`
`electronic device lock is now directly attached to the work
`
`surface via a clamp that goes over an edge of a work table
`
`and locks into the bottom surface of the work table.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`10
`
`In yet a related embodiment,
`
`the integrated locking
`
`base/computer or other personal electronic device lock has
`
`two pivots from the clamp end to the computer or other
`
`personal electronic device lock so that much positional
`
`freedom is afforded the locked computer or other personal
`
`electronic device over the work surface.
`
`For example,
`
`this
`
`pivoting embodiment can be used on corners of work tables.
`
`In a preferred embodiment for consumer use, a low
`
`profile locking base with a narrow footprint is used. Due to
`
`its smaller dimensions,
`
`less material is required. Since it
`
`can be stamped and formed from a single rectangular sheet
`
`with little waste,
`
`the process for manufacture is very
`
`efficient. Heavy gage aluminum sheet or stainless steel sheet
`
`can be used. It is therefore lighter and more economical.
`
`In one application this locking base is permanently
`
`screwed down to the work surface, and the user would have his
`or her own pin lock,
`to secure the locking bar across the
`
`display portion and into the base back,
`
`thereby securing the
`
`notebook computer or other personal electronic device.
`
`However,
`
`the preferred mode of use for this embodiment
`
`is to combine the locking base with a cable and clamp as a
`
`portable kit which fits into a convenient tubular carrying
`
`case. The clamp is attached to the work surface or to a table
`
`leg or any convenient non—movable structure in the vicinity.
`
`This clamping of the clamp to a work surface is
`
`accomplished by tightening a clamp screw against the work
`
`surface, such as a table top or desk top. The clamp screw
`
`extends from a clearance hole in a container, such as a short
`
`tube, with a large axial hole at the distal end that
`
`accommodates the screw head. An appropriate tool compatible
`
`with the type of screw head used is entered from the distal
`
`hole to tighten or loosen the clamp while also capturing the
`
`W
`
`M
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`11
`
`short tube; this can be an allen wrench, a screwdriver, or a
`
`hex head driver as appropriate.
`
`The cable has a small end ferrule with a transverse hole
`
`on one end and a ferrule with a larger end attached to the
`
`distal end of the cable. A transverse hole in the lower
`
`portion of the short tube accepts the ferrule and cable, but
`
`is sized to prevent access to the larger end of the distal
`
`ferrule.
`
`In use,
`
`the clamp is attached to the structure,
`
`such as
`
`a desk top, as described;
`
`then the cable is threaded through
`
`the transverse hole in the short tube. The end of locking bar
`
`is passed through the cable ferrule with the transverse hole
`
`prior to locking it to the locking base.
`
`In this manner,
`
`although the computer or other personal electronic device can
`
`be moved around on the work surface, it is secured by the
`
`cable.
`
`It is noted that the cable being threaded through the
`
`transverse hole in the container, such as the short tube,
`
`denies access to the clamp screw head. The cable must be
`
`removed before the clamp can be loosened from underneath of
`
`the desk top or other work surface.
`
`In an alternate embodiment of the clamp screw
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`subassembly of this preferred embodiment, no tool is required
`
`to tighten or loosen the clamp. For example, a hollow knob
`with a captive locking member, such as a clamp screw,
`
`25
`
`emerging from a clearance hole in an end cap,
`
`is used.
`
`The clamp screw has a tall head and can be a hex, square
`
`or other geometric configuration. A recess with a
`
`configuration matching the screw head is formed into the
`
`30
`
`inside surface of the end cap such that a slight pull on the
`
`knob against the captive screw head (i.e.— away from the
`
`clamp) will seat the head into the recess with a slight turn.
`
`

`
`12
`
`Thus the end cap is a socket wrench used to either tighten or
`
`loosen the clamp.
`
`A strategically placed offset transverse hole is
`
`prevented from accepting the cable by the screw head if the
`
`screw head is seated in the wrench recess.
`
`By pushing up on the end of the knob (toward the clamp),
`
`clearance for the cable to enter through the transverse hole
`
`adjacent to the screw and between the head and end cap is
`
`the screw head is spaced apart from the end cap
`formed. Thus,
`socket wrench recess as long as the cable is present. If the
`
`10
`
`knob is turned while the cable is installed, it will just
`
`turn freely with no ability to loosen the clamp even if force
`
`away from the clamp is used. The cable must be removed before
`
`U
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`the clamp can be loosened.
`
`In a further embodiment of this invention, a notebook
`computer or other personal electronic device is provided with
`
`a security hole through the hinge area between the display
`
`and the base,
`
`through the edge of the display, or diagonally
`
`through a corner of the base. A protruding spike or rod, with
`
`a head on one end and a transverse hole near the distal end,
`
`is used to secure the computer or other personal electronic
`
`device. The spike or rod is inserted through the security
`
`hole, and a ferrule on the end of a secure cable is then
`
`inserted through the transverse hole of the spike or rod, and
`
`is locked by a pin lock compatible with the groove feature at
`
`its distal end.
`
`In a variation of this embodiment,
`
`the spike or rod is
`
`replaced by a captive security rod with a transverse hole.
`
`In
`
`one design,
`
`this security rod is stored in a one end of the
`
`hinge in a direction co—linear with the hinge.
`
`In an alternate design,
`
`the security rod can rise
`
`vertically from the computer base or base of the personal
`
`electronic device. A small knob is attached to grasp the rod
`
`

`
`B
`
`which may be stored in the recess by a quarter-turn feature
`
`or by a magnetic force.
`
`An alternate type of spike locking feature does not
`
`depend on the use of a secure cable; a longer separate spike
`
`is used. It is designed to penetrate through a hole in a
`
`convenient location in the computer base or personal
`
`electronic device base from the top,
`
`through the base
`
`thickness, and further through a pre-drilled hole in the
`
`table or desk top. This long spike has a transverse hole
`
`which emerges beneath the table top. A pin with a groove near
`
`its distal end is then inserted through the transverse hole
`
`of the long spike and locked by a pin lock.
`
`In a further alternate embodiment,
`
`the protruding rod
`
`may take the form of a thin rigid or flexible strip. The
`
`strip may be inserted within a thin,
`
`longitudinally extending
`
`hole,
`
`such as a slot, within the body of the personal
`
`electronic device,
`
`such as a notebook computer.
`
`On the other hand, if the notebook computer has a hinge
`
`between the display screen and the main body of the personal
`
`electronic device, such as in a hinged notebook computer,
`
`cellphone or personal digital assistant
`
`(PDA),
`
`then,
`
`if the
`
`strip is flexible, it can be inserted within the hinge gap
`
`between the display screen and main body of the device, such
`
`as a keyboard portion of a notebook computer.
`
`The thin, flexible or rigid long rectangular strip
`
`includes a wedge stop at a proximal end and a distal end
`
`being thin enough to weave within the slot of a personal
`
`electronic device, or through the hinge gap of a hinged
`
`instrument such as the gap between display and keyboard of a
`
`notebook computer. If the rectangular strip is flexible,
`
`preferably,
`
`the thickness of this strip is between 0.004
`
`inches and 0.064 inches. The composition of the flexible
`
`strip is flexible reinforced plastic or metal such as heat
`
`W
`
`U
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`14
`
`treated steel shim stock. Springy stainless steel shim type
`
`stock is also a useful material as well a variety of other
`
`steel alloys.
`
`After the distal end of the locking strip is passed
`
`through the slot in the personal electronic device, or
`
`alternatively through the hinge gap in the device being
`
`secured, it is clamped by a strip—holding locking clamp,
`
`10
`
`15
`
`which itself is attached to the work surface, or is otherwise
`
`secured to it as by a secure cable. The strip—holding clamp
`
`may have locking jaws with serrations which aggressively grip
`
`the distal end of the locking strip when a key lock is closed
`
`by a matching key. The lock is similar to a mailbox lock with
`
`a tang that engages a lock recess in the lower base section
`
`of the locking clamp thereby overcoming a spring force which
`
`keeps the jaws apart slightly when not
`
`locked. The key is
`
`also used to unlock the two mating jaws to release the
`
`locking strip and thereby unsecure the device.
`
`In a library
`
`environment, both the key for a particular clamp as well as a
`
`locking strip can be borrowed from a librarian to secure the
`
`20
`
`device in a locked state.
`
`In an alternate embodiment of the locking clamp,
`
`the
`
`distal end of the locking strip is inserted in the clamp end
`
`through a slot formed by two upright members and a robust
`
`leaf spring attached to a pivoted handle. The handle is
`
`pressed down toward its distal end (thereby offering much
`
`mechanical advantage for the operation) bending the leaf
`
`spring thereby clamping the distal end of the locking strip
`
`in a slight recess with transverse serrations in the clamp
`
`base. The shackle of an ordinary key or combination padlock
`
`is then passed through loops attached to the clamp base as
`
`25
`
`30
`
`well as a loop at the distal end of the handle (in
`
`registration) and locked. By locking the handle in a down
`
`position,
`
`the device is kept secure by frictional forces
`
`

`
`15
`
`opposing pull—out arising from the normal spring force.
`
`In
`
`this manner, any person with an appropriate padlock and a
`
`locking strip can lock his own device to a work surface using
`
`any available clamp. The need to receive from and return to a
`
`librarian a specific key is eliminated.
`
`In an alternate embodiment of the locking strip itself,
`
`whether it be flexible or rigid, a large hole is provided
`
`near the distal
`
`(free) end of the strip. This permits a
`
`variety of methods of locking the strip to the work surface
`
`in lieu of a clamp.
`
`In one method, a round stud with a
`
`transverse hole near its distal end is attached to the work
`
`surface in a perpendicular orientation
`
`(sticking up).
`
`The
`
`locking strip is inserted through the hinge gap in the device
`
`to be locked and then the hole in the locking strip is passed
`
`over the stud;
`
`the shackle of an ordinary key or combination
`
`padlock is then passed through the transverse hole in the
`
`stud thereby locking the strip to the work surface.
`
`In a
`
`second method,
`
`a secure cable with a stud at its end is
`
`provided. The cable stud is passed through the hole in the
`
`locking strip, and then a cable lock that fits the stud is
`
`locked onto it thereby locking the strip to the secure cable.
`
`In a third method, a free cable with a stop member
`
`permanently attached at one end is passed through the hole in
`
`the locking strip. The cable is then looped or otherwise
`
`secured to (or adjacent to)
`
`the work surface.
`
`In another embodiment of this invention, a locking
`
`device specifically for an iPod® or similar music playback
`
`devices is introduced. While iPod®'s are small slim devices
`
`designed for carrying in a shirt pocket,
`
`there are some
`
`situations for which a locking device is prescribed. The lack
`
`of security in a typical dorm room can be counteracted by
`
`locking an iPod® to a desk top at night or when away. Other
`
`areas such as school
`
`labs might be another venue where such a
`
`10
`
`U
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`

`
`M
`
`device might be used. This embodiment consists of a sturdy
`
`metal frame which encircles the iPodCn a clamp which can be
`
`attached to a desk or table top, and a rod which secures the
`
`frame to the clamp with the aid of a pin lock. The