Protective case for physically securing a portable electronic device

• US 9,316,026 B2
• Filed: 10/27/2014
• Issued: 04/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ACCO Brands Incorporated
• Original Assignee: ACCO Brands Incorporated
• Inventors: Myers, Stephen, Corpuz, Jonathan, Stacey, Jonathan
• Primary Examiner(s): BOSWELL, CHRISTOPHER J
• Application Number:
  US14/524,671
• Publication Number:
  US 20150040621A1
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 70/14, 70/15, 70/57, 70/571, 70/58
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/00 Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices motorcycle helmets A42B3/0413; supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening helmets B62J11/24; gun racks A47B81/005; showcases with theft protection A47F3/002; anti-theft means for peg-boards, grids or rods for hanging merchandise A47F5/0861; show stands, hangers, shelves with provision against unauthorised removal A47F7/024; for self-service hand-carts A47F10/04; locking skis A63C11/004; locking bolts, nuts or pins F16B41/00
• 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: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/40 Portable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/402 Fetters
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/50 Special application
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5009 For portable articles

Abstract

A security apparatus for a portable electronic device is provided. The security apparatus may include a plurality of shell portions, each shaped to wrap around part of a perimeter of the portable electronic device. The security apparatus may further include a connecting portion that engages at least one of the plurality of shell portions and to thereby couple the plurality of shell portions to each other. At least one of the connecting portion and one or more of the plurality of shell portions may include an attachment device, the attachment device being configured to engage with a locking head, thereby locking relative positions of the plurality of shell portions and the connecting portion.

Claims

1. A security apparatus for a portable electronic device having a front and a back, the front of the portable electronic device including a screen, the security apparatus comprising:

a plurality of interconnecting frame portions that assemble to interconnect and at least partly enclose the portable electronic device, two of the plurality of interconnecting frame portions each defining an aperture; and

a locking feature sized to fit through the apertures;

wherein, upon assembly of the plurality of interconnecting frame portions around the portable electronic device, the apertures are aligned with each other;

wherein the plurality of interconnecting frame portions are configured to, in total, cover a substantial portion of the back of the portable electronic device when the interconnecting frame portions are assembled around the portable electronic device; and

wherein the plurality of interconnecting frame portions are configured to wrap around an entire perimeter of the portable electronic device.

2. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of interconnecting frame portions includes a first portion and a second portion that is disconnectable from the first portion.

3. The security apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of interconnecting frame portions includes a third portion that is disconnectable from the first and second portions.

4. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking feature is configured to be connected to an immovable object.

5. The security apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking feature is coupled to a cable.

6. The security apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking feature includes an attachment device.

7. The security apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking feature includes a locking head.

8. The security apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking features includes a T-bar.

9. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of interconnecting frame portions includes a receiving feature that engages a portion of another of the plurality of interconnecting frame portions.

10. The security apparatus of claim 9, wherein the receiving feature includes a track that receives a runner of the another of the plurality of interconnecting frame portions.

11. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of interconnecting frame portions includes a slot that receives a portion of another of the plurality of interconnecting frame portions.

12. A security apparatus for a portable electronic device, the security apparatus comprising:

a plurality of she portions that assemble to at least partly encase the portable electronic device, the plurality of shell portions including a first portion and a second portion that couple together to form a frame around an entire perimeter of the portable electronic device;

a locking feature coupled to one of the plurality of shell portions, the locking feature operable to releasably secure the plurality of shell portions together; and

an attachment device extending from one of the plurality of shell portions into an aperture in another of the plurality of shell portions, wherein the plurality of shell portions further includes a third portion that defines the aperture;

wherein the portable electronic device is usable when encased by the plurality of shell portions.

13. The security apparatus of claim 12, wherein the locking feature engages the attachment device.

14. The security apparatus of claim 13, wherein the attachment device includes a generally cylindrical boss protruding from the one of the plurality of shell portions.

15. The security apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of shell portions are configured to, in total, cover a substantial portion of a back of the portable electronic device when the plurality of shell portions is assembled around the portable electronic device.

16. The security apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first portion and the second portion, when assembled together, have a height dimension and a width dimension, and wherein the height and width dimensions are slightly larger than corresponding dimensions of the portable electronic device.

17. The security apparatus of claim 12, wherein the locking feature includes a locking head and a cable, and wherein the cable is configured to be secured to an immovable object.