Anti-theft device for portable computers

[0001] The present patent application is a non-provisional application of International Application No. PCT/IL02/00927, filed Nov. 21, 2002.

[0002] Since the use of portable computers has gained vast popularity during recent years, the problem of their theft became more and more severe. Unattended computers in university libraries, offices and even restaurants are “snatched” within seconds.

[0003] Various methods and means have been proposed to solve this problem. The most widespread method presently used is to secure a locking device against a standardized dedicated slot formed (by the manufacturers) at one of the plastic made walls of the computer casing. A steel cable, extending from the locking device is tied to a stationary body such as around a table leg.

[0004] Among the locking devices that were developed to implement this method are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,327,752; 5,447,044; 5,579,657; 6,006,557 and the inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,082.

[0005] The prior art devices have in common the feature that a T-shaped tip or bit member is first inserted into the slot, turned by about 90° which prevents the extraction thereof, and the following insertion of a pin member that prevents the rotation of the T-member back to the initial releasing position.

[0006] These prior art devices mainly suffered the following disadvantages:

• • [0007] (a) The pin insertion and withdrawal mechanism was inherently complicated and therefore costly;
  • [0008] (b) The routine of engaging the device was inconvenient; and
  • [0009] (c) The device was easily vulnerable to being forced open.

[0010] It is thus the major object of the present invention to provide a device of a sturdier structure, thus offering enhanced protection of portable computers against theft.

[0011] It is a further object of the invention to render the manipulation of the locking device more easy and friendly.

[0012] It is a still further object of the invention that the device not only prevent the theft of the portable computer as a whole, but also the unauthorized opening of its cover, and/or closing of same, when the computer is left in the ready for use position thereof.

[0013] Thus provided according to the invention is an anti-theft device for portable computers having a base casing and a hingeable cover, one wall of the base casing being formed with a dedicated slot, the device being of a generally U-shape having two legs and a web portion, the distance between the legs being slightly greater than the thickness of the portable computer in the closed position therof, and comprising a rotatable locking mechanism installed within the web portion, drivingly coupled to a T-shaped tip adapted to be inserted into the slot in one position of the mechanism and, by rotating the mechanism by less than 180°, the tip becoming locked within the base casing while the legs extend one underlying the bottom surface of the base casing and the other overlying the top surface of the hingeable cover, thus preventing the opening of the cover, and means for securing the device to a stationary object.

[0027] In FIG. 1 there is shown a portable computer 10 having a base casing 12 and a hingeable cover 14 which usually accommodates the computer screen.

[0028] As already mentioned, a standardized dedicated slot 16 is formed at one of the base casing walls, as shown, adapted to be engaged by anti-theft device 18. The device 18 is generally U-shaped (see FIGS. 2 and 3), comprising a top leg 20, a bottom leg 22 and a bridging web portion 24.

[0029] The distance or gap between the legs 20 and 22 depends on the total thickness of the computer when closed, and therefore various sized devices will have to be available on the market in order to accommodate the different computer models.

[0030] A key-operated rotatable (cylinder or other type) locking mechanism 26, with key 26a is included for revolving T-shaped tip 28 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) insertable into and rotatable within the dedicated slot 16.

[0031] A steel cable 30 with loop 30a is provided as best seen in FIG. 3.

[0032] The locking engagement of the device 18 to the portable computer 10, when in the closed position thereof is perfected by a simple attaching operation wherein the tip 28 becomes inserted into the slot 16 and rotated by the key 26a, and the legs 20 and 22 partly embrace the top surface of the cover 14 and the bottom surface of the base casing 12, respectively. By this very feature, the device is arrested against rotation, rendering redundant the insertable locking pin method on which the prior art devices were based as above described. Obviously, the gripping of the computer by device 18 is significantly safer and less likely to be forcibly removed in comparison with conventional devices.

[0033] The device is then tied to a stationary object 32 by the cable 30 in the conventional manner. Also, cable 34a of cursor control device 34, or other auxiliary device, can be secured. To this end, a projection 36 is formed integrally with, or affixed to, the device body between the legs 20 and 22, around which the cable 34a is passed as shown. Removal of the cable 34a will be prevented in the locked position of FIG. 4.

[0034] It is furthermore achieved, that the cover 14 of the computer cannot be pried open for use by unauthorized persons, who may also cause damage to the computer.

[0035] Still further, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the device 18 can also be effectively used for locking the computer 10 in its ready-for-use state, namely with the cover 14 opened to the upright position. This means that the user is able to avoid anyone from closing the cover and manipulating the computer latch lock without consent.

[0036] For improving this last mentioned feature of the present invention, the modified embodiment of FIGS. 7–9 is offered. Hence, since a gap marked G in FIG. 6 will be left, it is proposed to provide the device 118 (FIG. 7a) with a rotatable catch member 140. The catch member 140, of which only one out of many available design options is exemplified, is formed so as to be set in two positions: One in which the device 118 is attached to the computer 110 in the open position thereof namely filling-in for the gap G (FIGS. 7a and 7b); and the other (FIGS. 9a and 9b) in which the device fits to secure the computer in the closed position.

[0037] The catch 140 is rotatable about a headed axle 142, to which it is secured by a pin 144. The axle 142 is constantly urged inwardly by coil spring 146.

[0038] In the position of FIGS. 7a and 7b, the catch 140 is vertical. By pulling the catch out of cavity 148, it can be rotated counterclockwise (see FIGS. 8a, 8b) until it clicks into a second cavity 150. This converts the device 118 into the closed computer locking position of FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0039] The invention thus offers a neat, low-cost and effective solution to the problem at hand.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various changes, modifications and variations may be applied to the invention as above exemplified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in and by the appended claims.