U.S. patent application number 14/537461 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-26 for securing apparatus for portable electronic devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is ACCO Brands Corporation. Invention is credited to Will Ali, John Hung, Robert Mahaffey, John Tan, Wilson Tse, Ryan White.
Application Number | 20150083885 14/537461 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44340425 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150083885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mahaffey; Robert ; et
al. |
March 26, 2015 |
SECURING APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Abstract
An apparatus for securing a portable electronic device includes
a base section configured to be supported on a surface, and a main
body configured to engage the portable electronic device to secure
the portable electronic device to the apparatus. The main body is
adjustably attached to the base section so that the main body is
movable relative to the base section while the portable electronic
device is secured to the apparatus.
Inventors: |
Mahaffey; Robert;
(Vancouver, CA) ; Ali; Will; (Vancouver, CA)
; Tan; John; (Vancouver, CA) ; Hung; John;
(Vancouver, CA) ; White; Ryan; (Salem, MA)
; Tse; Wilson; (Vancouver, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ACCO Brands Corporation |
Lake Zurich |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44340425 |
Appl. No.: |
14/537461 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13014691 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
8882069 |
|
|
14537461 |
|
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|
|
61299814 |
Jan 29, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/551 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
E05B 73/0005 20130101; Y10T 70/411 20150401; H05K 5/0204 20130101;
Y10T 70/5566 20150401; F16M 11/24 20130101; E05B 73/0082 20130101;
E05B 63/0056 20130101; F16M 11/2092 20130101; Y10T 70/5009
20150401; F16M 11/2007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/551 |
International
Class: |
E05B 73/00 20060101
E05B073/00; F16M 11/20 20060101 F16M011/20; F16M 11/24 20060101
F16M011/24; H05K 5/02 20060101 H05K005/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for securing a portable electronic device, the
apparatus comprising: a base section configured to be supported on
a surface; and a main body configured to engage the portable
electronic device to secure the portable electronic device to the
apparatus, the main body being adjustably attached to the base
section so that the main body is movable relative to the base
section while the portable electronic device is secured to the
apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is movable
relative to the base section in at least two degrees of
freedom.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least two degrees of
freedom include longitudinal movement, vertical movement, and
pivotal movement.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is movable in a
longitudinal direction relative to the base section.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the main body includes a plate
defining a slot, wherein the base section includes a collar
assembly that connects the main body to the base section, wherein
the collar assembly includes a boss that is received in the slot,
and wherein the slot has a length that is larger than the boss to
allow movement of the plate relative to the collar assembly.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is movable in a
vertical direction relative to the base section.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the base section includes a
collar assembly that connects the main body to the base section,
wherein the collar assembly includes a lock nut and a vertical
lock, and wherein the vertical lock selectively disengages the lock
nut to allow movement of the main body relative to the base
section.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base section also includes
a manual actuator that is operable to disengage the vertical lock
from the lock nut.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is pivotable
relative to the base section.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base section includes a
collar assembly that connects the main body to the base section,
wherein the collar assembly includes a lock nut extending through a
hole in the base section, and wherein the lock nut is pivotable
through an angle relative to the hole to allow movement of the main
body relative to the base section.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a device base,
wherein the base section is secured to the device base, and wherein
the device base is configured to support a portion of the portable
electronic device.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an attachment
system attached to the base section, wherein the attachment system
is configured to be secured to an immovable object.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the attachment system
includes a cable.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an arm coupled to
the main body, wherein the main body and the arm are configured to
at least partially enclose the portable electronic device.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the arm is a ratchet
arm.
16. An apparatus for securing a portable electronic device, the
apparatus comprising: a base section configured to be supported on
a surface, the base section including a collar assembly; a main
body having a first end and a second end, the main body being
adjustably attached to the base section by the collar assembly; a
first arm disposed at the first end of the main body, the first arm
having a first hook; and a second arm disposed at the second end of
the main body, the second arm having a second hook; wherein the
main body, the first arm, and the second arm are configured to at
least partially enclose the portable electronic device to secure
the portable electronic device to the apparatus, and wherein the
main body is movable in a longitudinal direction, movable in a
vertical direction, and pivotable relative to the base section
while the portable electronic device is secured to the
apparatus.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first arm is slidable
relative to the main body to a plurality of lateral positions.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a locking system
operable to lock the first arm in each of the plurality of lateral
positions.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a device base,
wherein the base section is secured to the device base, and wherein
the device base is configured to support a portion of the portable
electronic device.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an attachment
system attached to the base section, wherein the attachment system
is configured to be secured to an immovable object.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/014,691, filed on Jan. 26, 2011, titled
"Securing Apparatus for Portable Electronic Devices," which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/299,814, filed on
Jan. 29, 2010, titled "Ratchet Dock," the disclosures of both of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for
all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Several apparatuses have been developed to inhibit the theft
of portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers. Some
apparatuses are in the form of a lock and a cable securing a laptop
computer at one end of the cable. The cable is attached to an
immovable object at the other end. Some other apparatuses are in
the form of mechanisms that secure a laptop computer using a
retaining rod, or a clamp. Although such apparatuses can secure a
laptop computer from theft, improvements can be made. For example,
one, might try to separate the lock from the laptop computer.
Although the laptop computer housing might be destroyed during this
separation, a potential thief may be more intent on obtaining the
data resident on the laptop computer than the computer itself.
While a number of rigid securing apparatuses exist, such rigid
designs do not allow for the movement of the laptop while it is
secured. In some situations, for example, in a library or a store,
there may be the need to allow users with different bodily
dimensions (e.g., with different arm lengths) to use laptop
computers The rigid designs of existing securing apparatuses can
prevent different types of users from comfortably using such
secured laptop computers, because they are fixed at a single
position.
[0003] Embodiments of the invention address these and other
problems, individually and collectively.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the invention include securing apparatuses,
and methods of using securing apparatuses.
[0005] A first exemplary apparatus for securing an electronic
device includes a main body capable of being disposed on a surface,
and an arm coupled to the main body. The main body and the arm are
shaped such that they can at least partially enclose the portable
electronic device when the securing apparatus is locked. The
securing apparatus is capable of being adjusted in at least three
degrees of freedom when the portable electronic device is enclosed
by and locked to the arm and the main body.
[0006] The apparatus may also include a base section capable of
being disposed directly on the surface. The main body may be
adjustably attached to the base section.
[0007] The adjustable attachment of the main body to the base
section may include a pivotable attachment and/or a slidable
attachment, such as a longitudinally and/or vertically slidable
attachment. The adjustable attachment of the main body to the base
section may be adjustable in at least three degrees of freedom,
such as lateral movement, longitudinal movement, vertical movement,
and/or rotational movement.
[0008] A second exemplary apparatus for securing an electronic
device includes a main body with two ends. An arm is provided at
one end of the main body, and has a hook attached thereto, shaped
for the electronic device to be placed between the hook and the
arm. An additional arm is slidably attached to the other end of the
main body, and is capable of being slid by a user to several
lateral positions relative to the main body. An additional hook is
provided on the slidable arm, and is shaped for the electronic
device to be placed between the hook and the arm. A locking system
is further provided to lock and unlock the slidable arm to at least
one of the lateral positions.
[0009] The first arm may also be slidable, and the apparatus may
have an additional locking system to lock and unlock this arm. The
apparatus may also have a base attached to the main body, for the
electronic device to rest thereon. The apparatus may be capable of
being permanently attached to a work surface. A cable may be
attached to the apparatus, to be locked to an object. The main body
may be adjustably attached to a base section, such as with a
pivotable or slidable attachment, such as a longitudinally and/or
vertically slidable attachment. The adjustable attachment may be
adjustable in at least three degrees of freedom, such as lateral
movement, longitudinal movement, vertical movement, and/or
rotational movement.
[0010] An exemplary method of securing a portable electronic device
to a securing apparatus is also provided. The securing apparatus
includes a main body with a first end and a second end; a first
arm, including a first hook, at the first end of the main body; a
second arm, including a second hook, slidably disposed at the
second end of the main body; and a locking system. The method
includes placing a first portion of the electronic device between
the first hook and the first arm; sliding the second arm with
respect to the main body to a position at which a second portion of
the electronic device is disposed between the second hook and the
second arm; and locking the locking system to thereby secure the
second arm to that position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Embodiments of the invention will be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals indicate like elements, and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
securing apparatus;
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a method of use of an exemplary
securing apparatus;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main body of an
exemplary securing apparatus;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second arm and a
locking system of an exemplary securing apparatus;
[0016] FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic views of an exemplary ratchet
latch in engagement with an exemplary toothed bar, in the locked
state;
[0017] FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic views of the ratchet latch and
toothed bar of FIG. 5, in the unlocked state;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a dozer plate of
an exemplary main body, and an exemplary base section;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating longitudinal travel
of an exemplary dozer plate with respect to an exemplary collar
assembly;
[0020] FIGS. 9A-9C are schematic views illustrating pivotal travel
of an exemplary collar assembly with respect to an exemplary base
section;
[0021] FIG. 10 shows a cross section of an exemplary hook; and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the adjustability
of an exemplary main body with respect to an exemplary base
section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] One exemplary embodiment of a securing apparatus for
securing a portable electronic device includes a main body
configured to be disposed on a surface, and an arm coupled to the
main body. The main body and the arm are capable of at least
partially enclosing the portable electronic device when the
apparatus is in a locked configuration. The apparatus is capable of
being adjusted in three or more degrees of freedom when the
portable electronic device is enclosed by and locked to the arm and
the main body.
[0024] The portable electronic device may be, for example, a laptop
computer, a monitor, a personal digital assistant, an electronic
book reader, or a tablet computer.
[0025] The main body and the arm may be of any suitable sizes and
shapes for the portable electronic device to be secured thereto.
For example, if the portable electronic device is a laptop
computer, the main body may be generally elongate with a length
approximately equal to the width of a laptop computer, such as
between about 200 mm and about 500 mm. The arm may be of any
suitable configuration to at least partially enclose the device,
such as an arm that is laterally slidable with respect to the main
body, with a hook on an end thereof. The hook may be shaped to
enclose a portion of the electronic device therein. For example,
the hook may protrude longitudinally outward from the arm by
between about 5 mm and about 50 mm, and laterally inward toward the
main body by at least about 5 mm to thereby enclose a portion of
the edge of the screen of the laptop between the hook and the
arm.
[0026] The main body may be configured to be disposed directly on
the surface, or may be placed on the surface via an intervening
element such as a base member. The degrees of freedom may include
longitudinal, vertical, and pivotable movement.
[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the above-described components and
functionalities are described in further detail below, with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
Securement of a Portable Electronic Device
[0028] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a securing apparatus 100
according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention. A main
body 110 of generally elongate shape has two arms: a first arm 120
and a second arm 130, at its ends. The main body 110 and arms 120,
130 are shaped so that they can at least partially surround a
portion of an electronic device (e.g. edges of a top, screen
portion of a laptop computer) to thereby secure the electronic
device. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each
arm 120, 130 has a hook: a first hook 122, and a second hook 132,
shaped in such a way that an electronic device can be placed
between the hooks 122, 132 and the arms 120, 130. The hooks 122,
132 and the arms 120, 130 thus at least partially surround at least
a portion of the electronic device. Exemplary electronic devices
are laptop computers, monitors, personal digital assistants,
electronic book readers, and tablet computers, but the invention is
not limited thereto.
[0029] In some embodiments, at least one of the arms 120, 130 is a
ratchet arm. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,
the second arm 130 is a ratchet arm, and is slidable with respect
to the main body 110. In operation, referring also to FIG. 2, the
second arm 130 can be slid outwards (diagonally down and to the
right in FIGS. 1 and 2) by a user, so that the distance between the
ends 124, 134 of the hooks 122, 132 is larger than the width of the
electronic device 200 to be secured. The electronic device 200 is
then placed between the hooks 122, 132, and slid back to abut the
main body 110. The device 200 is then slid up and to the left in
FIGS. 1 and 2 so that a portion of the device 200 is positioned
between the hook 122 and the first arm 120. The second arm 130 is
then manipulated to slide inwards with respect to the main body 110
(up and to the left in FIGS. 1 and 2) to decrease the distance
between the hooks 122, 132, until another portion of the device 200
is positioned between the hook 132 and the second arm 130, to
secure and at least partially enclose the electronic device 200
between the hooks 122, 132 and the arms 120, 130. The second arm
130 is then locked to this position, such as by the insertion and
turning of a key (not shown) in a key hole 182, which engages a
locking system 180 (not shown in FIG. 1 or 2) in the interior of
the second arm 130 to block it to its position, so that the
securing apparatus is in a locked configuration. Any suitable type
of locking system can be used.
[0030] The term "ratchet arm" as used herein may refer to
embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, in which a
tooth 196 of a pivotable ratchet latch 190 engages with a toothed
bar 111 of the main body 110. Exploded perspective views of the
main body 110 and second arm 130 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
respectively. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the engagement between the latch
190 and the toothed bar 111 as seen from below in FIGS. 3 and 4.
FIG. 5 shows the ratchet latch 190 in its locked configuration, and
FIG. 6 shows it in the unlocked configuration.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary locking system 180 in its
locked configuration. A cam surface 186 of an actuator bar 184 is
clear of the ratchet latch 190, which is held against the toothed
bar 111 (FIG. 3) by a ratchet latch return spring (not shown).
Referring also to FIG. 5, in this locked configuration, when the
ratchet arm 130 is pressed inwards (up and to the left in FIGS. 3
and 4; to the right in FIG. 5), the tooth 196 of the ratchet latch
slides along the ramped teeth 111a, 111b of the toothed bar 111,
pivoting the latch 190 about a pivot point 194 against the ratchet
latch return spring. In more detail, starting from its rest
position of FIG. 5A, the latch 190 is pushed right to the position
of FIG. 5B, during which time the tooth 196 slides up the ramped
tooth 111a, thus pivoting the latch 190 clockwise in FIG. 5 about
the pivot point 194 and out of engagement with the tooth 111a. As
it is pushed farther, as shown in FIG. 5C, the tooth 196 comes
entirely out of engagement with the tooth 111a, and as it is pushed
farther yet, as shown in FIG. 5D, it is snapped back into
engagement with the next tooth 111b by the ratchet latch return
spring. In this way, the ratchet arm 130 can be ratcheted closed
along the toothed bar 111, but cannot be pulled open, because of
the interference between the tooth 196 and the teeth 111a, 111b in
the other direction (left in FIG. 5, down and to the right in FIGS.
3 and 4).
[0032] To unlock the apparatus, referring to FIG. 4, a user inserts
a key (not shown) in the keyhole 182, and rotates it 180.degree.
clockwise, thus rotating the actuator bar 184 180.degree.
clockwise. The cam surface 186 of the actuator bar 184 engages a
corresponding cam surface 192 of the ratchet latch 190, pivoting
the ratchet latch 190 counterclockwise in FIG. 4 and out of
engagement with the toothed bar 111. Referring also to FIG. 6, the
ratchet latch 190 is held in this outwardly pivoted configuration
by the cam surface 186 for the duration of the time that the
apparatus is unlocked, leaving the ratchet arm 130 free to slide in
either direction (open or closed) with respect to the toothed bar
111 without engaging with the teeth 111a, 111b. In some
embodiments, when the apparatus is unlocked, a ratchet arm return
spring 116 (see FIG. 3) opens the ratchet arm 130 to its full
extended position.
[0033] While one exemplary ratcheting system has been shown and
described, the invention is not limited thereto. For example and
without limitation, the main body 110 may include one or more
ratchet latches 190 and the arm 130 may include a toothed bar 111,
or both the main body 110 and the arm 130 may include toothed bars
that engage with each other. Alternatively, the arm 130 may slide
freely to any continuous position within the main body 110, in any
suitable manner. While the term "ratchet arm" is used throughout
the specification for consistency, the claims should in no way be
construed as being limited thereto.
[0034] Turning back to FIGS. 1 and 2, operation of an exemplary
apparatus will now be described in more detail. If the device 200
to be secured is a laptop computer, the computer is first opened
(i.e. the top, screen portion, or "lid" 210 of the computer is
hinged open from the bottom, keyboard portion 220). The second arm
130 is then unlocked and slid, such as by the reverse sequential
order shown in FIG. 6, to a substantially open position, either
manually or by the ratchet arm return spring 116. A "substantially
open position" refers to the second arm 130 being far enough down
and to the right in FIGS. 1 and 2 (left in FIGS. 5 and 6) that the
distance between the ends 124, 134 of the hooks 122, 132 is greater
than the width of the laptop 200. The back of the laptop lid 210 is
positioned against the front of the main body 110 (the surface
located the farthest down and to the left in FIGS. 1 and 2) and the
laptop 200 is slid up and to the left until the left edge 212 of
the lid 210 abuts the first arm 120, thereby enclosing a small
portion of the lid 210 between the first hook 122 and the first arm
120. The second arm 130 is then closed (slid up and to the left in
FIGS. 1 and 2; to the right, in sequential order in FIG. 6) until
it abuts the other edge 214 of the lid 210, enclosing another
portion of the lid 210 between the second hook 132 and the second
arm 130. The second arm 130 is then locked to this position, such
as by the locking system 180 described above.
[0035] Alternatively, the locking system 180 is locked before
closing the second arm 130, such as by placing the apparatus in the
locked configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and then ratcheting
the arm 130 closed, such as by the sequential order of FIG. 5. In
embodiments which include a ratchet arm return spring 116, locking
the ratchet arm 130 before closing it may assist in closing it
against the return spring 116, but it should be appreciated that
the ratcheting locked configuration such as that shown in FIG. 5
may also be used in embodiments which do not include a ratchet arm
return spring 116.
[0036] It will be appreciated that in the closed configuration
shown in FIG. 2B, as long as the laptop is prevented from being
slid downward with respect to the main body 110 (by modes described
later), that the laptop is secured to the main body and thus to the
apparatus 100.
[0037] The device 200 to be secured may also be a monitor. This is
deemed particularly useful for monitors of the type that are
integrated with a computer processor, motherboard, hard disk, etc,
in a housing the size and shape of a traditional monitor, but may
also be used with traditional monitors. The device 200 may also be
a tablet computer, or other similarly shaped device, that does not
include a bottom section 220. To secure such a device, the second
arm 130 is unlocked and slid to a substantially open position, so
that the distance between the ends 124, 134 of the hooks 122, 132
is greater than the width of the device. The back of the device is
positioned against the front of the main body 110 and the device is
slid up and to the left in FIG. 2 until it is operatively encased
between the hook 122 and the first arm 120. The second arm 130 is
then closed until the other edge of the device is operatively
encased between the second hook 132 and the second arm 130. The
second arm 130 is then locked to this position. Alternatively, the
second arm 130 is first locked, then closed. It will be appreciated
that in this configuration, shown in FIG. 2B, if the device is
prevented from being slid either upward or downward with respect to
the main body 110 (by modes described later), that the device is
secured to the main body, and thus to the securing apparatus
100.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, only one of
the arms 130 is a ratchet arm, but it should be appreciated that
both arms 120, 130 may be ratchet arms. In some such embodiments,
electronic devices with a wider variety of sizes can be enclosed by
the securing apparatus 100. In some embodiments with two slidable
ratchet arms 120, 130, two locking systems 180 are provided: one to
each arm 120, 130, but other locking systems to secure a device
between the arms 120, 130 are possible.
[0039] Securement of the Apparatus to a Location
[0040] Referring back to FIG. 1, methods of securing the apparatus
100 to a location, and methods of preventing the electronic device
200 from being slid vertically out of engagement with the main body
110, will now be described. It should be understood from the
foregoing that, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, to secure
a monitor, tablet computer, or other device without a bottom
section 220, the device needs to be prevented from being slid
either upward or downward and out of engagement with the hooks 122,
132. To secure a laptop, on the other hand, the laptop needs to be
prevented only from being slid downward and out of engagement with
the hooks. The structure of a laptop itself prevents it from being
slid upward, as the lower section 220 of the laptop (the section
including the keyboard, touchpad, etc) would interfere with the
hooks 122, 132.
[0041] In some embodiments, the main body 110 is connected to a
base section 140 and/or a device base 150. The base section 140 or
device base 150 may be configured to be permanently attached to an
object such as a desk or other work surface, such as with glue,
wood screws, or any other suitable attachments. In some
embodiments, the base section 140 or device base 150 has an
attachment system, such as a cable 160, attached thereto. The cable
160 may, at its distal end not shown in the drawings, be configured
to be locked to an immovable object, such as a piece of furniture,
in any suitable manner. The attachment system 160 may additionally
or alternatively include, for example, a chain, a monofilament, an
optic cable that initiates an alarm or other indication, or a
proximity detecting system that issues an alarm or other indication
if objects are separated beyond a pre-established distance. Other
mechanisms to prevent theft of the apparatus 100 and associated
electronic device are within the scope of the claims. For example
and without limitation, the main body 110 itself may be configured
to be secured to a surface, or have an attachment system 160
attached thereto.
[0042] In some embodiments, a single securing apparatus 100 is
compatible with many contemplated uses. For example, the apparatus
100 may be sold in modular form, with the main body assembly 110
attached to the base section 140 as one module, and the device base
150 as another module, with associated screws or other attaching
mechanisms provided separately. The cable 160 may also be provided
separately. The end user can then assemble the apparatus 100
depending on the intended use.
[0043] For example, if the user wishes to secure a laptop computer,
he or she can attach the base section 140 to the device base 150,
making sure the cable 160 is secured therebetween, and lock the
distal end of the cable 160 to an immovable object. Thus, the
laptop computer is blocked from being slid downward out of
engagement with the arms 120, 130 by the device base 150, and the
apparatus 100 (and thus also the laptop) is kept at a location by
the cable 160. Alternatively, the user can discard the device base
150 and cable 160, and affix the base section 140 directly to a
work surface, such as a table or desk, with wood screws or the
like. Thus, the laptop is blocked from being slid downward by the
work surface, and the apparatus 100 (and thus also the laptop) is
also affixed to its location on the work surface.
[0044] If the user wishes to secure a device that does not have a
bottom section 220, he or she can discard the device base 150 and
cable 160, and attach the base section 140 directly to a work
surface. The device is thus blocked from being slid downward by the
work surface, and the apparatus 100 is also affixed to its location
on the work surface. To block the device from being slid upward and
out of engagement with the main body 110, the securing apparatus
100 may be mounted under a securely fixed shelf or the like. Other
methods of blocking the device from being slid upwards are within
the scope of the claims. For example and without limitation, the
main body 110 may have a third, vertically extending, ratcheting or
fixed arm (not shown), with another hook on the end thereof to
block the device from being slid upwards. Alternatively, the device
base may be capable of being attached upside down to the main body
110 to block the device at the top.
[0045] The above-described user-settable modular configurations are
given for purposes of example only, and are not to be construed as
exhaustive or restrictive. In some further embodiments, for
example, the main body 110 may be directly attached to a surface or
an object, fixedly or with a cable, and additional shelves and work
surfaces may be provided in any desired quantity and configuration.
Still further, additional blocking elements, such as more than one
device base 150, additional blocking plates, or ratcheting or fixed
arms, may be provided integrally or modularly to the securing
apparatus 100 to further secure the electronic device 200 from
being slid out of engagement with the securing apparatus. Any
method of blocking the electronic device 200 from being slid out of
engagement with the main body is within the scope of the appended
claims. Further, any method of securing the main body 110 to or
near a location is within the scope of the appended claims.
Adjustability
[0046] In some embodiments, particularly, but not only, those which
include a base section 140, the apparatus 100 may be adjustable in
one or more degrees of freedom, as will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 7-10. The term "adjustability" as used herein
refers to user-settable configurations of the apparatus 100. For
example, in some embodiments, the user can adjust the
configuration, position, or orientation of the main body 110, such
as adjusting its position or orientation with respect to the base
section 140. These configurations can be selected by a user for a
variety of reasons. One reason a user may wish to adjust the main
body 110 would be to secure electronic devices of varying shapes or
sizes (such as laptops with varying widths and/or varying
thicknesses of the bottom section 220). Another reason would be to
adjust the configuration, position, or orientation of the
electronic device itself. For example, in some embodiments, the
user can adjust the main body 110, along with the electronic device
200, with respect to the base section 140, such as to pivot the
device 200 so the screen portion 210 is visible from a variety of
angles, or to move the device 200 closer or farther away from the
user. In some embodiments the user may wish to tilt the screen
portion 210 of the device 200 with respect to the bottom section
220.
[0047] It should be readily appreciated that one aspect of this
adjustability is effected by the slidable or ratcheting second arm
130: portable electronic devices 200 with a variety of widths can
be secured by the apparatus, thanks to the sliding engagement of
the second arm 130 with respect to the main body 110. Since this
aspect of adjustability should be readily appreciated from the
foregoing description, it will not be separately addressed under
this heading.
[0048] Turning to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the main body 110
has a dozer plate 112 at its underside. The dozer plate 112 defines
a slot 114 which engages with a collar assembly 170 of the base
section 140 (see also FIG. 1).
[0049] This collar assembly 170 is partially housed in the base
section 140 by a base cover 142 and a base plate 146. Part of the
collar assembly 170 protrudes up from the base section 140, as best
seen in FIG. 1. The base cover 142 also includes thereon a release
lever 144.
Longitudinal Adjustability
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, in some embodiments, the
slot 114 of the dozer plate 112 is engaged with a boss 175 of a
collar top 171 of the collar assembly 170. The upper surface 176 of
the collar top 171 may have a diameter that is larger than the
width of the slot 114 of the dozer plate 112, so that the dozer
plate 112, and thus the main body 110, is secured to the collar
assembly 170, and thus the base section 140.
[0051] In some embodiments, this combination of slot 114 in dozer
plate 112 along with collar assembly 170 allows the dozer plate 112
to move longitudinally (diagonally up and to the right, and down
and to the left in FIGS. 1 and 7) with respect to the collar
assembly 170. Specifically, referring also to FIG. 8, the dozer
plate has a distance of travel l.sub.travel defined by the length
of the slot l.sub.slot and the length of the boss
l.sub.boss:l.sub.travel=l.sub.slot-l.sub.boss.
[0052] The dozer plate 112 may be fixedly attached to the main body
110, and the collar assembly 170 may be attached in such a way that
it is longitudinally stationary with respect to the base section
140. Therefore, the main body 110 has a longitudinal distance of
travel l.sub.travel with respect to the base section 140. Because
an electronic device 200 can be operatively encased by the main
body 110, the electronic device 200 also has a longitudinal
distance of travel l.sub.travel with respect to the base section
140.
[0053] This is particularly useful in applications where the base
section 140 is fixed to a work surface, especially in public places
where the electronic device 200 is used by a variety of users with
varying arm lengths.
[0054] An exemplary value for l.sub.travel is around 40 mm, but the
invention is not limited thereto.
Vertical Adjustability
[0055] Referring still to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, if a user
pushes the release lever 144, the release lever 144 pushes
downwards against a lever 173, which is pivotably attached to a
bracket 147 on the base plate 146. The lever 173 pivots
counterclockwise in FIG. 7, and pushes rightwards against a
vertical lock 172. The vertical lock 172 then pivots
counterclockwise in FIG. 7, which disengages the grooves in the
vertical lock 172 from a step 177 on the bottom of the lock nut
174. The lock nut 174, and indeed the whole collar assembly 170,
can now be raised or lowered until the user releases the release
lever 144. In some embodiments, a collar assembly return spring
(not shown) raises the collar assembly 170. Once the user releases
the release lever 144, a vertical lock return spring (not shown)
returns the vertical lock 172 and the lever 173 to their home
positions, where the vertical lock 172 re-engages with the step 177
on the bottom of the lock nut 174.
[0056] In such an embodiment, the collar assembly 170 has a
vertical travel h that is essentially equal to the distance between
the topmost and bottommost grooves of the vertical lock 172. The
collar assembly 170 may be attached in such a way that it is
vertically stationary with respect to the main body 110, so the
main body 110 has a vertical travel h with respect to the base
section 140.
[0057] An exemplary value for h is 10 mm, but the invention is not
limited thereto.
[0058] Thus, portable electronic devices 200 with varying
thicknesses of the bottom section 220 can be secured by the
apparatus 100. In uses in which a single user secures a single
portable electronic device (such as in a home or office), the
height of the main body 110 with respect to the base section 140
only needs to be adjusted once. If that user acquires a new
electronic device 200 (or the apparatus 100 is assigned to a
different user), then the height would be reset. This is considered
especially useful in uses which include a device base 150 and cable
160, as the electronic device 200 can be securely squeezed between
the hooks 120, 130 on one side, and the device base 150 on the
other, so that the combination of the apparatus 100 and device 200
can be moved freely to varying positions, while being rigidly
secured to one another.
Pivotal Adjustability
[0059] Still referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the lock nut
174 can be pivoted within the hole 143 of the base cover 142
through which the collar assembly 170 protrudes. The amount that
the lock nut 174 can pivot is limited by a stopper 178 of the lock
nut 174 in association with the shape of the hole 143.
Specifically, referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, the amount .THETA. that the
lock nut 174 can pivot is defined by the angle .alpha. that the
stopper takes up in the lock nut, and the angle .beta. of the
groove in the hole 143: .THETA.=.beta.-.alpha.. The collar assembly
170 may be attached in such a way that it is pivotally stationary
with respect to the main body 110, so the main body 110, and thus
any electronic device 200 encased therein, has a pivotal travel
.THETA. with respect to the base section 140.
[0060] An exemplary value for .THETA. is 30.degree., but the
invention is not limited thereto.
[0061] In some embodiments, pivotal adjustability can alternatively
or in addition be effected by the dozer plate 112 being in pivotal
engagement with respect to the collar assembly 170, such as by the
boss 175 of FIGS. 7 and 8 being circular rather than having the
illustrated shape. The dozer plate 112, along with the main body
110 and the electronic device 200, can thus pivot until the back of
the electronic device 200 hits the base section 140. In this
instance, the angle of travel .THETA. depends on the longitudinal
position of the main body assembly 110 and electronic device 200:
when the device 200 is slid all the way forward, there is more room
for it to pivot without hitting the base section 140 than when it
is slid all the way back.
[0062] Still further, the hole 143 can alternatively or
additionally be circular, and the lock nut 174 may not include the
stopper, so that .THETA. is not limited by the stopper, but only by
the back of the device 200 hitting the base section 140.
Screen Tilt
[0063] In some embodiments, the hooks 122 and 132 have
cross-sectional shapes such as that shown in FIG. 10, with the
elongated section on the right of FIG. 10 facing the main body 110.
In uses in which the electronic device 200 to be secured is a
laptop computer, this allows the screen portion 210 to be tilted to
any desired angle.
Advantages
[0064] As will be apparent from the foregoing description, the
inventive securing apparatus provides several advantages over the
securing apparatuses of the prior art. Some exemplary embodiments
of the inventive apparatus can secure a portable electronic device
rigidly, and thus more securely than a traditional cable lock
inserted into a slot in a housing of the electronic device. Some
embodiments allow the electronic device to be adjusted in one, two,
three, or more degrees of freedom (such as longitudinally,
vertically, and pivotably), while still rigidly securing it. This
is particularly useful for public settings such as stores,
libraries, and internet cafes, where several different users with
different heights, arm lengths, etc. use the same electronic
device.
[0065] Any recitation of "a", "an" or "the" is intended to mean
"one or more" unless specifically indicated to the contrary.
[0066] The above description is illustrative and is not
restrictive. Many variations of the disclosure will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The
scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined not with
reference to the above description, but instead should be
determined with reference to the pending claims along with their
full scope or equivalents.
[0067] One or more features from any embodiment may be combined
with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing
from the scope of the disclosure.
[0068] All patents, patent applications, publications, and
descriptions mentioned above are herein incorporated by reference
in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior
art.
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