Computer physical security device

Patent 7111479 Issued on September 26, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date:

March 13, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

87045

285074

505299

606734

611646

786842

881364

934928

942537

952411

More ...

Inventors

Assignee

Acco brands USA LLC

Application

No. 09804973 filed on 03/13/2001

US Classes:

70/58, For portable articles70/14, PORTABLE70/18, Shackles361/730With housing

Examiners

Primary: Barrett, Suzanne Dino

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Townsend and Townsend and Crew LLP

Foreign Patent References

454901 CA 03/01/1949
791364 CA 08/01/1968
987121 CA 04/01/1976
329934 DE 12/01/1920
355741 DE 04/01/1921
361068 DE 04/01/1923
456219 DE 02/01/1928
577757 DE 06/01/1933
320700 DE 08/01/1983
3627334 DE 07/01/1987
3824393 DE 07/01/1988
3824393 DE 07/01/1989
455740 FR 03/01/1913
877220 FR 12/01/1942
1026519 FR 04/01/1953
1085107 FR 01/01/1955
2308006 FR 04/01/1976
2636886 FR 03/01/1990
447091 GB 05/01/1936
1256295 GB 12/01/1971
1376011 GB 12/01/1974
2109109 GB 05/01/1983
451949 IT 10/01/1949
52-36813 JP 03/01/1977
57-25092 JP 02/01/1982
14095 NO 11/01/1904
WO 95/10680 WO 04/01/1985
WO 88/00396 WO 01/01/1986
WO 93/15295 WO 08/01/1993
WO 96/07002 WO 03/01/1996

International Class

E05B 69/00

Abstract

An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. 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 first 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 peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions 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.

Other References

Kablit Security System Catalog, pp. 7, 93, 1988.
Kensington Products Brochure for Kensington Apple (R), LaserWriter® Portable Security Systems.
Apple Security Bracket sold in AS kit.
Retaining Device Incorporated in Apple Computers.
Kensington Pass Proof User Manual, 1990 pp. 4-17, 4-19.
Los Angeles Times, Jan. 12, 1989, Part V, p. 10.
Flexguard, Philadelphia Security Products, 1 page (no date).
Kensington MicroSaver Computer Lock Box and Literature, 3 pages.
Kensington Product News Release; “Kensington Wins Case Protecting Cable Lock Status”, 2003, 1 page.
ACCO Brands, Inc. v. Micro Security Devices, Inc. Federal Circuit Court Order Granting Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment, Jul. 23, 2002, 13 pages.