Patent Application
20090095034
A variety of systems have been developed to inhibit the theft of laptop computers and other portable electronic devices such as monitors, printers, and projectors. Such systems often employ security apparatuses which attach the devices to an immovable object or an object that is difficult to move such as a desk.
These security apparatuses sometimes use combination locks that can be reset to a new combination by a user. As used herein, resetting a combination refers to changing the existing combination. To reset the combination lock, the user typically activates a reset mechanism that is attached to the combination lock. For example, the user may flip a lever on a combination lock to disengage the tumblers from the dials of the combination lock to reset the combination. The principal difficulty with these types of combination locks is that lever or other reset mechanism can be accidentally activated and the combination unintentionally reset.
Embodiments of the invention address this and other problems, individually and collectively.
Embodiments of the invention relate to security apparatuses, methods for using such security apparatuses, and systems including such security apparatuses.
One embodiment of the invention is directed to a security apparatus for use with a portable electronic device having a first aperture. The security apparatus comprises a combination locking mechanism having a plurality of tumblers and a plurality of dials corresponding to the plurality of tumblers, a body coupled to the plurality of dials, a reset device coupled to the plurality of tumblers, and a reset key configured to interact with the reset device to allow a user to change a combination associated with the combination locking mechanism.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of using a security apparatus with a portable electronic device having a first aperture, the security apparatus having a combination locking mechanism with a plurality of tumblers and a plurality of dials associated with the plurality of tumblers. The method includes interfacing the reset key with the reset device and resetting the combination associated with the combination locking mechanism using the reset key.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a security system that includes an immovable object, a portable electronic device having a first aperture, and a security apparatus coupled to the immovable object. The security apparatus includes a combination locking mechanism having a plurality of tumblers and a plurality of dials corresponding to the plurality of tumblers, a body coupled to the plurality of dials, a reset device coupled to the plurality of tumblers, and a reset key configured to interact with the reset device to allow a user to change a combination associated with the combination locking mechanism.
These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below.
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a security apparatus with a reset mechanism, a method for using the security apparatus with the reset mechanism, and a system of using the security apparatus with the reset mechanism. More specifically, the security apparatus has a combination locking mechanism and a reset key that allows the user to change (i.e., reset) the combination associated with the combination locking mechanism. When locked, the security apparatus with the reset mechanism can be used to prevent or deter the theft of portable electronic devices.
To operate one embodiment of the security apparatus, the user unlocks the security apparatus by turning the dials to the current combination to align the tumblers. The user inserts a securing member into an aperture of the portable electronic device. The user pushes a push button device on the security apparatus causing a slider to move along the securing member into the aperture. The user releases the push button device to secure the securing member and slider within the aperture.
When unlocked, the user can also reset the combination associated with the security apparatus by using the reset key. The user inserts the reset key into the main portion of the security apparatus until it contacts the reset device. The user continues to push the reset key to move the reset device, which in turn moves forward to move the tumblers forward relative to the dials until the tumblers disengage from the dials in a reset position. The dials can now spin free of the tumblers so that the user can select a new combination. The user rotates the reset key to secure the reset device to the body and keep the reset device in the reset position without the user needing to hold it while the combination is being reset. The user selects a new combination by turning the disengaged dials. After the new combination is selected, the user rotates the reset key in the reverse direction to disengage the reset device with the body and removes the reset key from the main portion of the security apparatus which resets the security apparatus to the new combination.
Various embodiments of the invention provide a number of technical advantages. In some embodiments, the security apparatus provides a reset key that could help prevent accidental resetting of the combination. Such a reset key cannot be used to reset the combination without the user taking affirmative and intentional steps. For example, the user engages the reset key to disengage the tumblers, changes the combination on the dials, and removes the reset key to reset the combination. In addition, such a reset key may be separate or separable from the reset device. Such a reset key can be stored in a separate location to help prevent accidental resetting of the combination.
Certain embodiments of the invention may include none, some, or all of the above technical advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein.
Security apparatus 30 comprises a main portion 50 that couples to portable electronic device 20, a connector 70 that secures main portion 50 of security apparatus 30 to immovable object 40, and a reset key 60 that allows a user to reset the combination of security apparatus 30. Although reset key 60 is shown coupled to main portion 50 by connector 70, in other embodiments, reset key 60 is uncoupled so that reset key 60 can be stored separately.
Any suitable method can be used to secure main portion 50 of security apparatus 30 to immovable object 40. In the illustrated example, connector 70 coupled to security apparatus 30 is securely wrapped around immovable object 40. Connector 70 refers to any suitable device that can be secured to the immovable object 40 so that portable electronic device 20 cannot be removed when it is attached to security apparatus 30. In one embodiment, connector 70 is a cable made of strong material such as stainless steel. In other embodiments, connector 70 may include a wireless device such as a wireless transmitter and/or receiver. The wireless device may be used in a proximity detection system or a motion detection system. For example, a motion detector could present in the wireless device so that when the motion detector moves, an associated alarm is triggered. The alarm may be in connector 70 or may be external to connector 70. In another embodiment, there may be a base device associated with the wireless device, and these components may be used in a proximity detection system. Wireless signals may be transmitted between connector 70 and the base device, and when these devices are separated by a predetermined distance, an associated alarm (e.g., an audible alarm) may be triggered. The alarm could be in the base device or in connector 70. The electronics associated with such wireless systems are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Portable electronic device 20 may comprise any suitable device that is to be secured. Examples of such devices 20 include portable computers such as laptop, desktop, and server computers, flat panel televisions and monitors, projectors, portable music players, printers, external hard-drives, memory sticks, cell phones, personal digital assistants, and the like. Portable electronic device 20 includes aperture 25 in its body or in another lock interface member associated with portable electronic device 20 for receiving and locking in place an attachment device 170 (shown in
Security apparatus 30 can be secured to portable electronic device 20 using any suitable method. For example, security apparatus 30 may include attachment device 170 (shown in
When resetting the combination, reset device 110 is pushed by reset key 60 to move tumblers 130 forward along longitudinal axis 90 to a reset position to disengage tumblers 130 from dials 140. When security apparatus 30 is unlocked but not in the reset configuration, attachment device 170 can be pushed forward by push button device 100 to secure attachment device 170 to portable electronic device 20.
Combination locking mechanism 120 refers to any suitable arrangement of tumblers 130, dials 140, and other locking devices that can be unlocked only by setting dials 140 to the correct combination. In some cases, dials 140 are turned in a certain sequence to the correct combination to unlock the mechanism. Any suitable type and number of dials 140 and tumblers 130 can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, combination locking mechanism 120 comprises a mechanical device that includes four wheel dials 140, four wheel tumblers 130 corresponding to each of the four dials 140, and a dial biasing element 142 coupled to dials 140. In another embodiment, combination locking mechanism 120 could include an electronic locking device with switches for changing the combination.
Dials 140 refer to suitable devices that are capable of allowing the user to select the combination. In the illustrated example, dials 140 are mechanical wheels with a plurality of symbols incrementally located along the circumference. Dials 140 include a plurality of ridges inside an inside surface that interface with tumblers 130. In another example, dials 140 may include electronic switches and/or a digital readout.
Dial biasing element 142 is any suitable device that provides resistance to the user moving dials 140. When the user moves each dial 140, dial biasing element 142 creates a resistance that makes it feel to the user as though that dial 140 is snapping into place at each symbol on dial 140. In the illustrated example, dial biasing element 142 is a leaf spring. The leaf spring includes four leaf spring arms that engage with each of four dials 140 to provide individual resistance to each dial 140. It helps to keep dials 140 at fixed radial positions selected by the user. Dial biasing element 142 is optional and not required in some embodiments.
Tumblers 130 refer to suitable devices that are capable of obstructing push button device 100 and reset device 110 from moving forward or backward (i.e. linearly) when security apparatus 30 is in a locked position. When security apparatus 30 is in an unlocked position, i.e., dials 140 turned to correct combination, tumblers 130 are aligned so that the obstruction is removed and the push button device 100 and reset device 110 can move forward. Tumblers 130 may include, for example, notches on an inside surface that align to allow forward passage of teeth 108 on push button device 100. Tumblers 130 also include teeth 132 on an outside surface that mate with the ridges inside dials 140 when the combination is not being reset. Unless the combination is being reset, tumblers 130 are coupled to dials 140 and rotate along with dials 140. Devices associated with tumblers 130 and dials 140 are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Tumbler biasing element 160 is any suitable device that provides a backward force when the tumblers 130 are moved forward along longitudinal axis 90 from their initial position to a reset position. In the illustrated embodiment, tumbler biasing element 160 is a coil spring that compresses when tumblers 130 are moved forward by a forward force. When the force is released, tumbler biasing element 160 pushes tumblers 130 substantially back to their initial position. Washer 165 is any suitable mechanism that retains tumbler biasing element 160 within body 150 when tumbler biasing element 160 is compressed.
Body 150 may be of any suitable shape and of any suitable material such as stainless steel. In the illustrated embodiment, body 150 includes an upper body 150A and a lower body 150B coupled to upper body 150A. Upper body 150A includes cutouts 152 that allow access for turning dials 140. Body 150 also has one or more openings 154 that are located where upper body 150A couples to lower body 150B. These openings 154 are for displaying the selected combination. In other embodiments, body 150 may have a marking that indicates the selected set of symbols on combination locking mechanism 120. For example, body 150 may have an arrow indicating the row of symbols that designate the selected set of symbols. Body 150 also includes a circumferential channel 156 (shown in
Reset key 60 refers to any device that can be configured to place security apparatus 30 in the reset position so that the combination can be reset. In the illustrated example, reset key 60 is a mechanical instrument that has two tines 64 that can be inserted into reset device 110 and move reset device 110 forward along longitudinal axis 90 to the reset position. Reset key 60 also includes a cutout 62 for receiving connector 70 such as a cable.
Reset device 110 refers to any suitable device that is configured to disengage tumblers 130 from dials 140 when reset device 110 is placed in a reset position by reset key 60 so that a new combination can be selected. Such a suitable device is also configured to reengage tumblers 130 with dials 140 when reset key 60 is withdrawn to reset security apparatus 30 to the new combination. The illustrated embodiment of reset device 110 comprises two side slots 112, upper and lower slots 114, two tabs 116, a lip 115, and a front end 118 that interfaces with reset device 110. Side slots 112 are configured to receiving tines 64 of reset key 60. Upper and lower slots 114 are configured to receive rib details 104 on push button device 100.
Tabs 116 are configured to engage circumferential channel 156 of body 150 to keep reset device 110 in the reset position while the new combination is being selected. For example, reset key 60 may be rotated in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction while reset device 110 is already pushed forward in the reset position. By rotating reset device 110, tabs 116 enter channel 156 in body 150 and reset device 110 is placed into a rotated position. Once tabs 116 are located within channel 156, reset key 60 is kept in the reset position until reset key 60 is rotated in the opposite direction and tab 116 is released from the channel 156. Although two tabs 116 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, tabs 116 may be of any suitable number.
Lip 115 is configured to restrict movement of push button device 100 when reset device 110 is in a rotated position. For example, lip 115 may obstruct the forward movement of push button device 100 by contacting rib details 104 when reset device 110 is in the rotated position.
Attachment device 170 may be any suitable combination of devices for securing portable electronic device 20 to security apparatus 30. In the illustrated example, attachment device 170 comprises a slider 172 a slider biasing element 174 coupled to slider 172, and a securing member 176 coupled to slider 172 for securing attachment device 170 to portable electronic device 20.
Slider 172 may be of any suitable dimensions and shape. In the illustrated embodiment, slider 172 comprises a shaft of a T-shape cross section coupled to a substantially flat cap.
Securing member 176 may have any suitable dimensions and shape. In some embodiments, securing member 176 may be configured to fit within and secure to aperture 25 in portable electronic device 20. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the securing member 176 has two legs 178 facing outward. These legs 178 are inserted into aperture 25. In some embodiments, securing member 176 may also be configured to slidably interface with the shaft of slider 172. For example, securing member 176 has a longitudinal central groove for receiving shaft of slider 172. After the shaft of slider 172 moves along the longitudinal grove in securing member 176 into aperture 25, attachment device 170 can be secured within aperture 25.
Slider biasing element 174 is any suitable mechanism that applies a backward force to slider 172 when slider 172 is moved forward from its initial position. Slider biasing element 174 in the illustrated example is a coil spring that compresses when slider 172 is moved forward by push button device 100.
Push button device 100 refers to any suitable device that can be configured to push slider 172 forward to move the legs of securing member 176 into aperture 25 and lock securing member 176 into aperture 25 when push button device 100 is pressed. Push button device 100 is only free to move forward when security apparatus 30 is in the unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, push button device 100 comprises a button 102, rib details 104 located on opposite sides of an outer surface of button 102, a bar 106 coupled to button 102, and a series of teeth 108 located along bar 106. Button 102 is accessible outside of body 150 by a user. Rib details 104 are protrusions on an outside surface of button 102 that contact lip 115 when reset device 110 is in the rotated position so that push button device 100 cannot be moved forward. Bar 106 of push button device 100 may be of any suitable dimensions and shape. In the illustrated embodiment, bar 106 is a rod. Teeth 108 are any suitable shape and dimension to restrict forward movement of bar 106 within tumblers 130 when security apparatus 30 is locked. Teeth 108 may also be of suitable shape and dimension to move through the aligned grooves inside tumblers 130 when the security apparatus 30 is unlocked.
Main portion 50 of security apparatus 30 also includes a connector ring 210, retaining clip 220, color ring 230, and bumper 240 coupled in a series at the forward end of main portion 50 of security apparatus 30. Connector ring 210 has an opening for attaching one end of connector 70. Connector ring 210 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Connector ring 210 is coupled to body 150 so that translational movement along the axis 90 relative to body 150 is restricted, but the connector ring 210 is free to rotate about the axis 90 relative to body 150. Connector ring 210 has a groove at its forward end for receiving color ring 230 and bumper 240. Retaining clip 220 is a cylindrical ring located between connector ring 210 and color ring 230 for coupling connector ring 210 to body 150. Color Ring 230 is a cylindrical ring located within the groove at the front end of connector ring 210, adjacent to bumper 240. Bumper 240 is a cylindrical ring that is located at the front end of main portion 50 in the groove in connector ring 210. Bumper 240 is located at the front end of main portion 50 to prevent the front end from damaging surfaces of portable electronic device 20 or other surfaces which may come in contact with the front end. Bumper 240 may include a cushioning material such as rubber. Connector ring 210, retaining clip 220, color ring 230, and bumper 240 are all optional components of security apparatus 30 that can be omitted in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the function of each of these optional components can be performed by other components of security system 10.
A more detailed description of the operation of an embodiment of security apparatus 30 is outlined below. To open the security apparatus 30, the user first enters the correct combination on dials 140 as viewed through openings 154 in body 150 of security apparatus 30. When dials 140 are turned to the correct combination, notches inside tumblers 130 align so that teeth 108 on push button device 100 are no longer obstructed from movement. Bar 106 can move freely through the center of tumblers 130.
To attach the open security apparatus 30 to portable electronic device 20, the user inserts legs 178 of securing member 176 into aperture 25. User pushes button 102 to push bar 106 forward from its initial position. The end of bar 106 pushes slider 172 forward which compresses slider biasing element 174. As shown in
To detach security apparatus 30 from portable electronic device 20, the user enters the correct combination so slider 172 is released. Slider biasing element 174 decompresses and pushes slider 172 backward out of aperture 25. The user removes legs 178 of securing member 176 from aperture 25 to detach the security apparatus 30 from portable electronic device 20.
To reset the combination, the user enters the correct combination on dials 140 as viewed through openings 154 in body 150 of security apparatus 30. When dials 140 are turned to the correct combination, tumblers 130 align and reset device 110 is free to move forward.
To reset the combination, the user inserts reset key 60 into side slots 112 in reset device 110.
The user continues to push in reset key 60 to push reset device 110 to move tumblers 130 forward a predefined distance relative to dials 140 to a reset position from their initial position. This predefined distance is any suitable distance for disengaging teeth 132 of tumblers 130 from mating ridges inside dials 140. In some cases, the predefined distance is about 1.2 mm.
While keeping reset key 60 in the reset position, user rotates reset key 60 to rotate reset device 110 in a predefined direction and to a predefined rotation relative to body 150 to a rotated position. The predefined direction and rotation are any suitable rotation and direction that cause tabs 116 on reset device 110 to be guided into channel 156 in body 150. For example, reset key 60 can be rotated clockwise by 55 degrees.
The user reversibly rotates the reset key 60 so that tabs 116 move out of channel 156 and removes reset key 60 from side slots 112 in reset device 110. Tumbler biasing element 160 decompresses pushing tumblers 130 and reset device 110 backward substantially to their initial positions so that tumblers 130 reengage with dials 140 and reset the combination of security apparatus 30.
The above description is illustrative and is not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claims along with their full scope or equivalents.
One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.
A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more” unless specifically indicated to the contrary.
All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptions mentioned above are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art.
