Protection device for portable computers

• US 20050039502A1
• Filed: 02/12/2002
• Published: 02/24/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Mair Avganim
• Original Assignee: Mair Avganim
• Inventors: Avganim, Mair
• Application Number:
  US10/497,635
• Publication Number:
  US 20050039502A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/58
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/34 involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/88 Detecting or preventing theft or loss
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5009 For portable articles

Abstract

A protection device (16) particularly for portable computers (10) having a Universal Serial Bus (USB) socket (12) and a standardized dedicated slot (14) formed in vicinity of the socket (12). A key or the like operable mechanism (18) is provided for rotating a T-shaped tip member (20) which is adapted to be inserted into and locked by the slot (14). Plug (22) may be either a “demo” or part of an active device, which functions to enable/disable the operation of the computer. The device (16) may further be provided with arresting means in the form of a cable (24), which can be tied to an immovable object such as table leg (26) for protecting the computer (10) against theft.

Claims

1. An arrangement for the protection of computers comprising, in combination,

A. A computer comprising:

(a) a socket comprised at a side wall thereof; and

(b) a dedicated slot formed at the side wall, at a distance from the socket; and

B. A plug-in device comprising;

(a) a casing;

(b) a plug projecting from one side wall of casing fitting the said socket;

(c) a rotatable T-shaped tip member fitting said slot projecting from said side wall, at the said distance from the plug; and

(d) a key or the like operable mechanism coupled to the tip member for rotation and locking thereof in a pre-set angular position,

whereby the plug-in device is adapted to become locked against the computer when plugged to the socket and the tip turned by less than 180°

.

2. The arrangement of claim 1 wherein a cable is attached to the plug-in device at one end thereof and adapted to be tied by the other end thereof to a stationary object.

3. The arrangement of claim 2 wherein the socket is a USB socket.

4. The arrangement of claims 1-3 wherein electronic circuitry means are comprised in the plug-in device effective to input operation commands to the computer via the USB socket.

5. The arrangement of claim 4 wherein the operational commands include switching the computer from a disabled state into an enabled state.

6. The arrangement of claim 5 wherein the electronic circuitry means comprise control means.

7. The arrangement of claim 6 wherein the control means comprise a fingerprint recognition system.

8. The arrangement of claim 6 wherein the control means comprise a proximity sensing system.

9. The arrangement of claim 6 wherein the control means comprise a key-board system.