Portable computer security device

• US 6,578,394 B2
• Filed: 09/06/2001
• Issued: 06/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Co. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Yin, Memphis Zhihong
• Primary Examiner(s): Knight, Anthony
• Assistant Examiner(s): BOSWELL, CHRISTOPHER J
• Application Number:
  US09/947,679
• Publication Number:
  US 20030041631A1
• Time in Patent Office: 649 Days
• Field of Search: 70/18, 70/58, 70/30, 70/49, 70/53, 70/14, 248/551, 248/685, 248/686, 401/99
• US Class Current: 70/58
• 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 73/0011 with retraction of the flexible element for storage E05B73/0029 takes precedence; for padlocks E05B67/006
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0082 for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/40 Portable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/409 Shackles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/483 Flexible shackle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5009 For portable articles

Abstract

A security device for portable computer is disclosed. The security device comprises an anchor attached securely to the portable computer. The device also includes a lock box that makes use of a channel, wherein the channel is open at each end and is selectively openable laterally. The device further includes a cord that couples the anchor and the lock box.

Claims

1. A security device for portable computer, the security device comprising:

an anchor attached securely to said portable computer;

a lock box including a channel, said channel being open at each end thereof and selectively openable laterally; and

a cord coupling said anchor and said lock box.

2. A security device for portable computer according to claim 1 wherein said cord as coupled to said anchor is a retractable cord relative to said anchor.

3. A security device for portable computer according to claim 1 wherein said lock box comprises a central tube selectively rotatable when in an unlocked condition;

and

a tongue coupled to said tube and comprising a side wall of said channel, said tongue moving in response to rotation of said central tube.

4. A security device for portable computer according to claim 3 further comprising a key operable to place said lock box selectively in one of said unlocked condition and a locked condition, said locked condition preventing rotation of said central tube.

5. A security device for portable computer according to claim 1 further comprising a key operable to place said lock box selectively in one of a locked condition and an unlocked condition, said locked condition including said channel being closed laterally.

6. A security device for portable computer according to claim 1 wherein said anchor is integrally formed with and thereby permanently attached to said portable computer.

7. A security device for a portable computer, the security device comprising:

an anchor attached to said portable computer;

a lock box including a channel, said channel including open ends, said channel being selectively placed in one of a locked condition and an unlocked condition, said locked condition including said channel being laterally closed, said unlocked condition including said channel being laterally open;

a cord coupling said anchor and said lock box; and

a key cooperative with said lock box to place said lock box selectively in one of said unlocked condition and said locked condition.

8. A security device for portable computer according to claim 7 wherein said cord as coupled to said anchor is a retractable cord relative to said anchor.

9. A security device for portable computer according to claim 7 wherein said lock box comprises a central tube selectively rotatable when in said unlocked condition;

and

a tongue coupled to said tube and comprising a side wall of said channel, said tongue moving in response to rotation of said central tube.

10. A security device for portable computer according to claim 9 further comprising a key operable to place said lock box selectively in one of said unlocked condition and said locked condition, said locked condition preventing rotation of said central tube.

11. A security device for portable computer according to claim 7 further comprising a key operable to place said lock box selectively in one of said locked condition and said unlocked condition, said locked condition including said cord within said channel.

12. A security device for portable computer according to claim 7 wherein said anchor is integrally formed with and thereby permanently attached to said portable computer.

13. A security device for portable computer according to claim 7 wherein said locked condition of said lock box captures said cord within said channel.

14. A method of securing a portable computer device, said method comprising:

securing an anchor to said portable computer device;

securing a first end of a cord to said anchor;

securing a lock box to a second end of said cord, said lock box including an open ended channel, said open ended channel including a wall portion selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, said locked position laterally closing said channel, said unlocked condition laterally opening said channel; and

passing said lock box around an object and positioning said lock box adjacent a length portion of said cord with said lock box in its unlocked condition to place said length portion of said cord within said channel and thereafter capturing said length portion of said cord within said channel by moving said lock box to its locked condition.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein said securing an anchor step comprises securing said anchor permanently to said portable computer device.

16. A method according to claim 14 wherein said securing a first end of a cord step comprises securing said first end of said cord to said anchor in a retractable relationship therebetween.

17. A method according to claim 14 wherein said method further comprises placing said lockbox selectively in at least one of said locked position and said unlocked position by inserting a key into said lock box.