Security apparatus

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10146264-B2
Application number	US-201715784690-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 16, 2017
Priority date	Oct 23, 2006
Publication date	Dec 4, 2018
Grant date	Dec 4, 2018

Abstract

A security apparatus for securing a portable electronic device to an immovable object includes a locking head having a base and a plurality of engagement portions extending from the base. The plurality of engagement portions is configured to be inserted into an aperture of the portable electronic device. The locking head also includes a linear portion positioned between the plurality of engagement portions and extending from the base. The linear portion is twistable about its length to move the plurality of engagement portions radially outward. The security apparatus further includes a security device attached to the locking head and configured to engage the immovable object.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A security apparatus for securing a portable electronic device to an immovable object, the portable electronic device having an aperture, the security apparatus comprising:
a locking head including
a base,
a plurality of engagement portions extending from the base, the plurality of engagement portions configured to be inserted into the aperture of the portable electronic device, and
a linear portion positioned between the plurality of engagement portions and extending from the base, the linear portion being twistable about its length to move the plurality of engagement portions radially outward; and

a security device attached to the locking head and configured to engage the immovable object;
wherein the plurality of engagement portions includes elongated locking jaws, each having one end coupled to the base.

2. The security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of engagement portions have inner grooves that receive the linear portion.

3. The security apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the linear portion has an elongated radial cross-section.

4. The security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of engagement portions consist of two elongated locking jaws.

5. The security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the locking head is movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the plurality of engagement elements is insertable into the aperture of the portable electronic device, and a locked configuration, in which the linear portion is twisted to force the plurality of engagement portions radially outward.

6. The security apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of engagement elements flex or hinge relative to the base as the locking head moves to the locked configuration.

7. The security apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a lock mechanism coupled to the linear portion, and wherein the lock mechanism is actuatable to twist the linear portion.

8. The security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base includes axially extending stabilizing elements.

9. The security apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the security device includes a cable.

10. A system comprising:
a portable electronic device having an aperture; and
a security apparatus including
a locking head having
a base,
a plurality of engagement portions extending from the base, the plurality of engagement portions being insertable into the aperture of the portable electronic device, and
a linear portion positioned between the plurality of engagement portions and extending from the base, the linear portion being twistable about its length to move the plurality of engagement portions radially outward, and

a security device attached to the locking head and configured to engage an immovable object to secure the portable electronic device to the immovable object,
wherein the plurality of engagement portions includes elongated locking jaws, each having one end coupled to the base.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of engagement portions have inner grooves that receive the linear portion.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the linear portion has an elongated radial cross-section.

13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of engagement portions consist of two elongated locking jaws.

14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the locking head is movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the plurality of engagement elements is insertable into the aperture of the portable electronic device, and a locked configuration, in which the linear portion is twisted to force the plurality of engagement portions radially outward.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of engagement elements flex or hinge relative to the base as the locking head moves to the locked configuration.

16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the security apparatus further includes a lock mechanism coupled to the linear portion, and wherein the lock mechanism is actuatable to twist the linear portion.

17. The system of claim 10 , wherein the base includes axially extending stabilizing elements.

18. The system of claim 10 , wherein the security device includes a cable.

Assignees

• Acco Brands Corp

Inventors

• Hung John
• White Ryan
• Andres Guillermo
• Dobson David Thomas
• Gagne Jacque

Classifications

• Y10T70/413

  Padlocks · CPC title

• Y10T70/5009

  For portable articles · CPC title

• E05B73/0005 Primary

  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 title

• E05B73/00

  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 title

• Y10T70/8973

  Mounting aids, guides and assistors · CPC title