Security system for portable electronic devices

• US 20080045069A1
• Filed: 08/08/2006
• Published: 02/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Targus Group International Incorporated (Targus International LLC)
• Original Assignee: Targus Group International Incorporated (Targus International LLC)
• Inventors: Haren, Edgar Diego
• Application Number:
  US11/501,484
• Publication Number:
  US 20080045069A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/352
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0005 using chains, cables or the like chain- or cable-locks of the padlock type E05B67/003; lockable clothing hangers or hanger racks E05B69/006
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0082 for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1409 for removal detection of electrical appliances by detecting their physical disconnection from an electrical system, e.g. using a switch incorporated in the plug connector

Abstract

Provided herein is a security system for a portable electronic device comprising a port connector, a latching mechanism, and a locking mechanism. Also provided is a method for securing a portable electronic device and a security system configured as a multiple-piece shell.

Claims

1. A security system for a portable electronic device, comprising:

a port connector configured to mate with a complementary connector of the portable electronic device;

a latching mechanism configured to secure the port connector to the complementary connector; and

a locking mechanism configured to control the release and engagement of the latching mechanism.

2. The security system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device comprises at least one of a personal digital assistant, a portable electronic media player, a portable telephone, a portable electronic game device, a laptop computer, a portable navigation device, a portable television, and a digital camera.

3. The security system of claim 1, wherein the complementary connector of the portable electronic device comprises at least one of a data port, a battery charging port, and an audio-visual port.

4. The security system of claim 1, wherein the port connector aesthetically matches the appearance of the portable electronic device.

5. The security system of claim 1, wherein a cable is attached to the port connector and the cable is configured to secure the security system and the portable electronic device to an object.

6. The security system of claim 5, wherein the cable is configured as an eyelet loop.

7. The security system of claim 6, wherein the eyelet loop is attached to the port connector through a length of additional cable.

8. The security system of claim 5, wherein the cable is a retractable cable that retracts into the port connector or a portable base unit.

9. The security system of claim 8, wherein the portable base unit is attached to an additional cable that is configured to secure the portable base unit to an object.

10. The security system of claim 5, further comprising a conductive cable.

11. The security system of claim 10, wherein the conductive cable is attached to a pass-through connector configured to mate with a complementary connector of an electronic device or power source.

12. The security system of claim 1, wherein a conductive cable is attached to the port connector, and the conductive cable is attached to a pass-through connector configured to mate with a complementary connector of an electronic device or power source.

13. The security system of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism comprises at least one of a locking pin, a locking tooth, and a locking bar.

14. The security system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one of a key lock and a keyless lock.

15. The security system of claim 14, wherein the keyless lock comprises at least one of a combination lock and an electronic lock.

16. A method for securing a portable electronic device, comprising:

mating a port connector with a complementary connector of the portable electronic device;

securing the port connector to the complementary connector using a latching mechanism; and

controlling the actuation of the latching mechanism with a locking mechanism.

17. A security system for a portable electronic device, comprising:

a multiple-piece shell configured to open and close and further configured to fit around a connector configured to mate with a complementary connector of the portable electronic device, wherein the shell is further configured to block access to the mechanism controlling the release or engagement of the connector to the complementary connector of the portable electronic device; and

a locking mechanism configured to control the opening and closing of the multiple-piece shell.