Combination power cord and computer security system

• US 6,971,255 B2
• Filed: 01/16/2004
• Issued: 12/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lenovo PC International Limited (Lenovo Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Bhogal, Kulvir Singh, Ishmael, Nizamudeen Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): LEA EDMONDS, LISA S
• Application Number:
  US10/759,934
• Publication Number:
  US 20050157460A1
• Time in Patent Office: 690 Days
• Field of Search: 361/683, 361/686, 174/36, 174/110.R, 174/113.R, 248/552, 248/553, 312/223.1, 70/58, 70/57, 70/14, 70/18, 70 23- 34, 385/12, 385/101
• 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 73/0082 for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6392 for extension cord
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6395 for wall or panel outlets
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6397 with means for preventing unauthorised use
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/06 for computer periphery
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5009 For portable articles

Abstract

A combination power cord and security system for a portable computing device. A security cable is provided which is constructed of a sheath of braided steel or other secure material. A lockable connector is mounted to one end of the security cable for connection to the portable computing device. A loop is provided at the other end for affixing the security cable to an anchor object. A power cable is formed integrally with the security cable. The power cable includes a power adaptor preferably mounted within the connector at one end of the security cable and a power plug at the other end for receiving electrical power.

Claims

1. A security system for use with a portable computing device, said security system comprising:

a security cable having a connector at a first end thereof for lockingly engaging with a portable computing device and a loop at a second end thereof for affixing said security cable to an anchor object; and

a power cable integrally formed with said security cable having a power adapter at said first end proximate to said connector for providing electrical power to said portable computing device and a power plug at said second end for receiving electrical power.

2. The security system according to claim 1 wherein said power adapter is mounted within said connector.

3. The security system according to claim 1 wherein said power cable is integrally formed within said security cable.

4. The security system according to claim 1 wherein said security cable is formed of braided steel.

5. The security system according to claim 1 wherein said security cable is formed of an aramid fiber.

6. The security system according to claim 1 wherein said loop and said connector are sized to permit said connector to pass through said loop.

7. The security system according to claim 1 further including an AC power unit for interconnecting said power plug with a source of electrical power.

8. The security system according to claim 1 wherein said connector includes a lock cylinder operable by a key for selectively lockingly engaging said connector with a portable computing device in response to operation of said lock cylinder by said key.

9. A secure computer system comprising:

a chassis having an exterior surface;

a processor unit mounted within said chassis;

an electrical power terminal mounted on said exterior surface for coupling external electrical power to said processor unit;

a lock receptacle mounted on said exterior surface proximate to said electrical power terminal;

a security cable having a connector at a first end thereof for lockingly engaging with said lock receptacle and a loop at a second end thereof for affixing said security cable to an anchor object; and

a power cable integrally formed with said security cable having a power adapter at said first end proximate to said connector for connection to said electrical power terminal and a power plug at said second end for receiving electrical power.

10. The secure computer system according to claim 9 wherein said power adapter is mounted within said connector.

11. The secure computer system according to claim 9 wherein said power cable is integrally formed within said security cable.

12. The secure computer system according to claim 9 wherein said security cable is formed of braided steel.

13. The secure computer system according to claim 9 wherein said security cable is formed of an aramid fiber.

14. The secure computer system according to claim 9 wherein said loop and said connector are sized to permit said connector to pass through said loop.

15. The secure computer system according to claim 9 further including an AC power unit for interconnecting said power plug with a source of electrical power.

16. The secure computer system according to claim 9 wherein said connector includes a lock cylinder operable by a key for selectively lockingly engaging said connector with said lock receptacle in response to operation of said lock cylinder by said key.