EP1078140A1 - Antivol pour assistant numerique - Google Patents

Antivol pour assistant numerique

Info

Publication number
EP1078140A1
EP1078140A1 EP99915972A EP99915972A EP1078140A1 EP 1078140 A1 EP1078140 A1 EP 1078140A1 EP 99915972 A EP99915972 A EP 99915972A EP 99915972 A EP99915972 A EP 99915972A EP 1078140 A1 EP1078140 A1 EP 1078140A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cavity
insert portion
electronic device
portable electronic
clamping
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99915972A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Gregory Zeren
Gary Myers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Acco Brands Inc
Original Assignee
Acco Brands Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Acco Brands Inc filed Critical Acco Brands Inc
Publication of EP1078140A1 publication Critical patent/EP1078140A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • E05B73/0005—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices using chains, cables or the like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • E05B73/0082—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/04 - G06F1/32
    • G06F2200/16—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/16 - G06F1/18
    • G06F2200/163—Indexing scheme relating to constructional details of the computer
    • G06F2200/1632—Pen holder integrated in the computer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inhibiting the theft of small and portable electronic devices.
  • the present invention provides a locking method and apparatus for securing to an appropriate cavity defined in an outer shell of a portable electronic device.
  • the cavity is a stylus-holding cavity provided in an outer shell of a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, and adjacent to an exterior wall of the PDA device.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the present invention may be used to attach to any portable device having an outer shell that defines a similar, generally elongated cavity proximate an exterior wall.
  • a locking apparatus comprises a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity, and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism.
  • the clamping mechanism includes a wedge that compresses against the exterior wall and a clamping member that applies a clamping force to the wedge in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to thereby maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device.
  • a locking apparatus further includes a locking member connected to the wedge.
  • the locking member translates the wedge from an unlocked position to a locked position where the clamping surface applies the compressive force to the exterior wall.
  • the wedge includes a clamping surface that applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force on the cavity engagement mechanism in a direction that is generally away from the cavity.
  • a locking apparatus in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, includes a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion adapted to occupy the cavity; and a cavity engagement member coupled to the insert portion.
  • the cavity engagement member includes an engagement portion that translates from an unlocked position where the insert portion is removable from the cavity, to a locked position to interact with the interior of the cavity to secure insert portion within the cavity and the apparatus to the electronic device.
  • a method for securing a locking apparatus to a portable electronic device comprises the steps of inserting, into the cavity, an insert portion of a cavity engagement mechanism, and compressing, to the exterior wall in a direction relative to the insert portion, a wedge coupled with the cavity engagement mechanism, to inhibit removal of the insert portion from the cavity.
  • a method for securing a locking apparatus to a portable electronic device comprises the steps of inserting, into the cavity, an insert portion of a cavity engagement mechanism, and associating, with the interior of the cavity, an engagement portion of a cavity engagement member coupled to the insert portion to secure the apparatus to the electronic device.
  • the method may further comprise the step of attaching a cable to the cavity engagement mechanism.
  • the cable may be secured to an object other than the portable electronic device to thereby secure the portable electronic device.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in association with a portable electronic device
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the locking apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the locking apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the locking apparatus of a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a first preferred embodiment 10 of the locking apparatus of the present invention is illustrated generally by way of reference to Fig. 1.
  • a portable electronic device 16 such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, has an outer shell 20 which is equipped with a cavity 18 that, in some cases, holds a small pen-shaped writing stylus used with conventional PDA devices such as the Palm PilotTM line of computers manufactured by 3COM Corporation.
  • the cavity is located adjacent to an exterior wall 21 of the outer shell 20.
  • Locking apparatus 10 includes a cavity engagement mechanism 12 that is designed to associate with the cavity 18 in the portable electronic device 16.
  • the cavity engagement mechanism 12 is insertable into the cavity 18, and a clamping mechanism 15 applies a compressive force to the exterior wall 21, to secure the cavity engagement mechanism 12 within cavity 18, and the locking apparatus 10 to the portable electronic device 16.
  • the locking apparatus 10 includes a cavity engagement mechanism 12 with an insert portion 22 that is sized and shaped to occupy the cavity, and may correspond to the writing stylus that might normally occupy the cavity.
  • Cavity engagement mechanism 12 may be a metal rod or a thick wire having an elongated shape.
  • a cavity engagement member 23 of the cavity engagement mechanism 12 is configured to associate with the interior surface of the cavity when the insert portion 22 occupies the cavity.
  • Cavity engagement mechanism 12 is shown in Fig. 2 as a U-shaped rod having the insert portion 22 as a first arm of the "U" and a second arm 39 angled toward the first arm.
  • the first arm and second arm are substantially straight and connected by a straight bridge.
  • a clamping mechanism 15 is coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism 12 and includes a wedge 25 and a clamping member 24.
  • the wedge 25 includes a clamping surface 26 that may be constructed of a high- friction material suitable for resilient application to a metal or plastic outer shell of a portable electronic device.
  • the clamping surface 26 applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force that is generally in a direction away from the cavity, such as when a person attempts to remove the cavity engagement mechanism from the cavity, for example.
  • the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2 further includes a lock 30 that may be key actuated, or other similar locking mechanism, that is coupled to a threaded rod 32.
  • a threaded nut 34 is coupled with threaded rod 32 and associated with the clamping mechanism 15.
  • a biasing mechanism 29, such as a spring, resides on the second arm 39 and is coupled to the clamping mechanism 15.
  • a housing 36 includes a cable attachment mechanism 31 for attaching a cable 14, and a stylus storage hole 38 for storing a stylus that may be displaced by the locking apparatus in use.
  • An inside edge 37 of the housing 36 is preferably sized to abut, or nearly abut, the exterior wall of the portable electronic device to inhibit lateral movement of the locking apparatus 10.
  • the insert portion 22 of the cavity engagement mechanism 12 is inserted into a cavity, which is not shown in Fig. 2 for ease of illustration.
  • the cavity engagement member 23 associates with the interior surface of the cavity.
  • Operation of the lock 30 moves the threaded rod 32.
  • the threaded nut 34 is moved by the threaded rod 32 to ultimately translate the wedge 25 of the clamping mechanism 15 from an unlocked position, where the clamping surface 26 is spaced apart from the exterior wall, to a locked position, where the clamping surface 26 is compressed against the exterior wall.
  • the insert portion 22 of the cavity engagement mechanism 12 In the unlocked position, the insert portion 22 of the cavity engagement mechanism 12 is easily insertable and removable from the cavity.
  • the locked position the insert portion 22 is secured within the cavity via the cavity engagement member 23. An increased clamping force may be provided by the clamping surface 26.
  • the locking apparatus may be locked to an object other than the portable electronic device, which also is not shown, but should be readily understood.
  • Fig. 3 there is shown another embodiment 200 of the present invention having the cable attachment mechanism 12, insert portion 22, and cavity engagement mechanism 23, as described herein above.
  • a lock 30 is coupled to a threaded rod 32, which is in turn operably coupled to a connector 41, such as a ball nut, or similar connecting mechanism.
  • the clamping mechanism 15 is pivotally coupled onto the second arm 39.
  • the wedge is an eccentric cam 40 having the clamping surface 26 on its inside peripheral edge.
  • Other features, such as the housing and the biasing mechanism described above, are not shown here for simplicity of description, but may readily be included with each embodiment of the present invention.
  • the lock 30 translates the clamping mechanism from an unlocked position to a locked position by pivoting a major part of the eccentric cam 40 in a direction relative to the insert portion 22 where the clamping surface 26 compresses against the exterior wall. If the cavity engagement member 12 is biased away from the cavity by a pulling force, the second arm 39 forces the cam 40 to pivot further, the shape of which increases the compressive force by the clamping surface 26. To unlock the apparatus, the cam 40 must be pivoted back away from the insert portion 22.
  • the lock 30 may translate the clamping mechanism to a locked position from any angle. It should be further understood that the cavity engagement mechanism need not be a pinched-"U" shape, but may be any shape generally conforming to the operation of the locking apparatus as herein described, such as will be demonstrated with reference to Fig. 4.
  • FIG. 4 Shown in Fig. 4 is a third embodiment 300 of the present invention, having the cable attachment mechanism 12, insert portion 22, and cavity engagement mechanism 23, as generally described herein above.
  • the second arm 39 of the cavity engagement mechanism is substantially parallel with the insert portion 22.
  • a screw drive 44 is coupled to a threaded rod 15 that is substantially perpendicular to the insert portion 22, to which is coupled a wedge 25.
  • a lock 30 actuates a pin 42 that is adapted to engage a receptacle 43 in the threaded rod 15. In use, the threaded rod 15 translates the wedge 25 from an unlocked position to a locked position.
  • the wedge 25 compresses against the exterior wall of the device in a direction relative to the insert portion 22, and the clamping surface 26 applies a frictional resistance to the exterior wall against a pulling force on the cavity engagement mechanism away from the cavity.
  • the pin 42 either automatically or by operation of the lock 30, engages the receptacle 43 to secure it into place.
  • the lock removes the pin 42 from the receptacle 43, allowing the wedge 25 to be withdrawn from the exterior wall.
  • Figures 5 through 14 show various alternative embodiments of a locking apparatus having different types of a cavity engagement member 22 of an insert portion 12 according to the present invention.
  • the cavity engagement member 22 includes a cavity engagement portion that translates from an unlocked position where the insert portion 12 is removable from the cavity, to a locked position to associate with the interior of the cavity to secure the apparatus to the electronic device.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment 50 where the cavity engagement member 22 includes a compressible elastomer 51.
  • the elastomer 51 is elongated in the unlocked position.
  • elastomer 51 contracts to widen, and engages the interior surface of the cavity, thereby securing the apparatus to the portable electronic device.
  • the cavity engagement member 22 is shown including an expanding stylus 61 having first and second legs 62 and 63, respectively.
  • legs 62 and 63 are in juxtaposition.
  • the legs diverge to expand apart and engage the interior surface of the cavity.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a locking apparatus 70 of the invention.
  • the cavity engagement member 22 includes a hinged stylus 71 having a stationary leg 72 and a hinged leg 73. In the locked position, the hinged leg 73 diverges from an unlocked position where it is juxtaposed relative to the stationary leg 72 to engage the interior of the cavity.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a locking apparatus 80 according to the present invention.
  • the cavity engagement member 22 includes an offsetting cam stylus 81 that includes a stationary portion 82 and a cam portion 83.
  • the cam portion 83 In the unlocked position, the cam portion 83 is aligned with the stationary portion 82.
  • the cam portion 83 is misaligned with the stationary portion 82, as shown in Fig. 8. By being misaligned, the cam portion 83 engages the interior of the cavity and secures the cavity engagement member 22 into place.
  • Fig. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a locking apparatus 90, in which the cavity engagement member 22 includes a barbed stylus 91 having at least one 5 retractable barb 92 that is extendible outwards from, and retractable inwards to, the stylus 91. Extending the barb 92 outwards engages the interior of the cavity.
  • the cavity engagement member 22 includes a diagonally offsetting cam 101 that offsets from a stationary portion 102 at an angle in the locked position.
  • Fig. 11 shows a first leg 111 and a second leg 112 of a cavity engagement member 22 that are juxtaposed in an unlocked position, and thus being shaped generally as a stylus. In a locked position, the first and second legs are axially offset from each other to widen an aspect of their cross sectional dimension, thereby engaging the inner surface of the cavity.
  • Fig. 12 shows another embodiment of a locking apparatus 90.
  • the cavity engagement member 22 coupled to the insert portion 12 includes a spring-loaded ball 122 that is held substantially inside a distal portion 121 of the cavity engagement member.
  • a biasing spring 123 controls recession and extension of the ball 122 into and partially out of the distal portion 121.
  • the ball 20 recedes into the distal portion 121 of the cavity engagement member 22, allowing full insertion.
  • the spring 123 forces the ball 122 to extend partially outside the distal end 121.
  • the ball 122 engages the inner surface of the cavity, and may be sized and adapted to engage a groove or recess within the cavity.
  • Figs. 13 and 14 show further embodiments of the cavity engagement 25 member 22.
  • a cavity engagement member 22 that has a rod 132 within it.
  • the rod 132 translates in a direction shown, and includes at a distal end an expansion wedge 131.
  • the wedge expands a first leg 133 and a second leg 134 apart, to engage the inner surface of the cavity.
  • a rotating portion 141 is coupled to a stationary portion 142 of the cavity engagement member 22.
  • the rotating portion rotates about a plane of rotation 146.
  • the rotation portion has a first attachment member 143, and the stationary portion has a second attachment member 144.
  • An expanding helix member 145 is attached to both attachment members, and winds around the cavity engagement portion. In use, the rotating portion 141 is rotated in a direction to expand the expanding helix member 145, which thereby engages the inner surface of the cavity.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil antivol (10) s'attachant à un dispositif électronique portatif (16) dont le boîtier (20) comporte une cavité (18) par exemple celle servant à loger le stylet d'un assistant numérique ou analogue. L'appareil (10) comporte un mécanisme (12), muni d'un insert (22) pénétrant dans la cavité (18), et un mécanisme de verrouillage (15) lui étant lié. Le mécanisme de verrouillage (15) comporte un coin (25) dont la surface de verrouillage (26) appuie contre la paroi extérieure (21) en direction de l'insert (22) lorsque ce dernier occupe la cavité (18) de manière à l'y maintenir et fixer l'appareil (10) au dispositif électronique portatif (16). L'appareil (10) est relié à un câble (14) ou à tout autre moyen de sûreté pour garantir le dispositif électronique (16) contre le vol.
EP99915972A 1999-03-12 1999-03-29 Antivol pour assistant numerique Withdrawn EP1078140A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US26742199A 1999-03-12 1999-03-12
PCT/IB1999/000804 WO2000055458A1 (fr) 1999-03-12 1999-03-29 Antivol pour assistant numerique
US267421 2002-10-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1078140A1 true EP1078140A1 (fr) 2001-02-28

Family

ID=23018704

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99915972A Withdrawn EP1078140A1 (fr) 1999-03-12 1999-03-29 Antivol pour assistant numerique

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1078140A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2003508653A (fr)
AU (1) AU3438299A (fr)
CA (1) CA2330825A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000055458A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI766811B (zh) * 2017-06-06 2022-06-01 美商艾可布朗德斯公司 用於可攜式電子裝置的夾鉗鎖具

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH470570A (de) * 1967-02-14 1969-03-31 Bayerl Axel Kleiderbügel

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3875771A (en) * 1973-10-23 1975-04-08 Sam Reisner Luggage strap lock
FR2604346B1 (fr) * 1986-09-29 1988-10-28 Allegranza Rene Dispositif antivol pour articles vestimentaires, textiles divers et maroquinerie
FI83803C (fi) * 1988-12-12 1991-08-26 Tauno Ilmari Pihlman Laosbar klaed- och vaeskhaengare.
AU3477493A (en) 1992-01-24 1993-09-01 Kensington Microwave Limited Computer physical security device
WO1995010680A1 (fr) * 1993-10-15 1995-04-20 Kensington Microware Limited Dispositif antivol pour ordinateur
DE69622150T2 (de) * 1995-02-08 2003-03-06 Acco Brands, Inc. Mechanische sicherungsvorrichtung
US5577855A (en) * 1995-06-23 1996-11-26 Se-Kure Controls, Inc. Anchoring system for security cable
US5875657A (en) * 1997-03-07 1999-03-02 Qualtec Data Products, Inc. Lock with removable cable adapter
JPH1113327A (ja) * 1997-06-23 1999-01-19 Sugatsune Ind Co Ltd 盗難防止用施錠具

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH470570A (de) * 1967-02-14 1969-03-31 Bayerl Axel Kleiderbügel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2003508653A (ja) 2003-03-04
CA2330825A1 (fr) 2000-09-21
AU3438299A (en) 2000-10-04
WO2000055458A1 (fr) 2000-09-21

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