Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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EQUIPMENT SECURITY APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a security apparatus for the
protection of equipment against theft and tampering. More specifically,
the invention aims at providing a simple, aesthetical, adjustable, reliable
and economical solution to the increasing problem of electronic
equipment theft and/or tampering. The invention particularly addresses
the even more actual problem of computer mutilation, that is theft of
specific parts thereof, such as disk drives, expansion boards etc. from
inside the equipment, leaving the most cumbersome pieces of hardware
on the site.
2. Brief description of the prior art:
Solutions to this kind of problem have been proposed in the
past but these prior art solutions all suffer from major drawbacks. US
patent N°- 5,660,451 (Glynn) issued on August 26, 1997 discloses a type
of solution providing a closed while vented housing, fastened to the work
surface, in which the equipment is nested leaving access to the front
panel only. Although it is true that such a solution generally provides an
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efficient remedy against tampering, its main drawback is its very low level
of flexibility to match the different sizes and shapes of equipment on the
market.
A certain level of adaptability to size and shape is provided by
the type of solution disclosed in US patent N°- 5,076,079 granted to
Monoson et al., on December 31, 1991 which squeezes the equipment
between a pair of jaws, one of which can be moved to provide an
adjustable width, while the other is removably assembled to the fastened
base plate using a locking mechanism. That proposed solution however
allows unlimited access to the inside of the equipment from the rear or
front panel.
Other solutions such as those disclosed in US patent N°-
4,696,449 (Woo et al.) issued on September 29, 1987, US patent N°-
5,085,395 granted to Frater et al., on February 4, 1992 and US patent
N°-
5,135,197 granted to Kelley et al., on August 4, 1992 provide a
reasonable protection against theft and tampering since the equipment
lies on a fastened base having fixed members limiting its movement in
two axis and one or two U-shaped arms assembled to the base and
retraining the movement of the equipment in the third axis. Those
solutions still provide a very minimal restriction regarding the access to
the rear panel and to the inside components of the equipment.
Furthermore, they include no adjustment capability to receive equipments
of various sizes and shapes.
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OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to overcome the
limitations and drawbacks of the above mentioned solutions of the prior
art, and more specifically:
- a first object of the instant invention is to provide restriction of
the equipment displacement along three axes with respect to the
base;
- a second object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus which prevents the integral theft of a protected equipment
when the base is attached to a fixed element, for example through
fastening to a work surface;
- a third object of the present invention is to prevent access to
the inside components of the equipment from any face thereof, while
maintaining access to the functional elements of the front, rear and
side panels;
- a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a safety
apparatus that is easily customer adaptable to a wide range of
equipment sizes and shapes;
- another object of the present invention is to provide easy
access to size adjustment members and work surtace fastening
means when the equipment is not in place, while efficiently preventing
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access to said members when the equipment is placed in the apparatus;
- a sixth object of the present invention is to provide a safety
apparatus that permits to simultaneously lock and protect a video monitor
placed on top of the equipment; and
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a safety
apparatus that comprises a minimum number of parts, is aesthetical and
economical to produce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, present invention relates to a security apparatus for
preventing theft and/or tampering of an equipment or a part of this equipment,
composing:
(a) a base member having a peripheral portion;
(b) an equipment-restraining assembly comprising:
- first spaced apart portions through which, in operation, the
equipment-restraining assembly is secured to corresponding
spaced apart points of the peripheral portion of the base member;
- second, third and fourth portions which, in operation, extend
along first, second and third generally vertical faces of the
equipment, respectively, the second face being substantially
opposite to the third face; and
- a fifth portion which, in operation, extends along a fourth top face
of the equipment; and
(c) a locking member which, in operation, extends along a fifth generally
vertical face of the equipment generally opposite to the first face, this
locking
member comprising a lock mechanism which, in operation, removably locks the
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locking member to the base member in order to confine the equipment within a
space delimited by the base member, the second, third, fourth and fifth
portions,
and the locking member.
5 According to a first aspect of the invention:
- the security apparatus further comprises a cable means having one
end locked to the security apparatus and a second end locked to a
non transportable structure for thereby locking the apparatus.
According to a second aspect of the invention:
- the security apparatus further comprises a drawer structure sliding on
the base member between extended and retracted positions,
wherein:
- the drawer structure comprises a top face on which the
equipment is placed, and a front face on which the locking
member, including the lock mechanism are mounted;
- in the retracted position of the drawer structure, the locking
member extends along the fifth generally vertical face of the
equipment; and
- the peripheral portion of the base member comprises a lock-
receiving structure which, in operation, receives the lock
mechanism in order to removably lock both the drawer
structure and the locking member to the base member in
order to confine the equipment within the space delimited by
the base member, the second, third, fourth and fifth portions,
and the locking member.
The present invention also relates to a security apparatus for preventing
theft and/or tampering of an equipment or a part of this equipment,
comprising:
(a) a base member having a peripheral portion;
(b) first and second elongated bent rods each including:
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- a first end rod section to secure the elongated bent rod to a first
point of the peripheral portion;
- a second end rod section to secure the elongated bent rod to a
second point of the peripheral portion spaced apart from the first
point;
- a third rod section to extend along a rear face of the equipment;
- a fourth rod section to extend along a top face of the equipment;
and
- the first and second elongated bent rods further comprising
respective fifth rod sections to extend along two opposite side
faces of the equipment, respectively; and
(c) at least one movement-restraining member to extend along a front face
of the equipment, this movement-restraining member comprising a lock
mechanism through which, in operation, the movement-restraining member is
removably locked to the base member in order to confine the equipment within
a space delimited by the base member, the first and second elongated bent
rods,
and the movement-restraining member.
According to illustrative embodiments, the first and second elongated
bent rods are of generally circular cross section, and the security apparatus
further comprises a bridging member for interconnecting the fourth sections of
the first and second elongated bent rods.
The present invention further relates to a security apparatus for
preventing theft and/or tampering of an equipment or a part of that equipment,
comprising:
(a) a base member having a peripheral portion;
(b) first and second elongated bent members each including:
- a first end section to secure the elongated bent member to a first
point of the peripheral portion;
- a second end section to secure the elongated bent member to a
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second point of the peripheral portion spaced apart from the first
point;
- a third section to extend along a rear face of the equipment;
- a fourth section to extend along a top face of the equipment; and
- the first and second elongated bent members further comprising
respective fifth sections to extend along two opposite side faces
of the equipment, respectively; and
(c) at least one movement-restraining member to extend along a front face
of the equipment, this movement-restraining member comprising a lock
mechanism through which, in operation, the movement-restraining member is
removably locked to the base member in order to confine the equipment within
a space delimited by the base member, the first and second elongated bent
members, and the movement-restraining member.
According to a first aspect of the invention:
- the security apparatus further comprises fasteners which, in operation,
secure the first and second end sections of each elongated bent member
to the first and second points of the peripheral portion, these fasteners
being inaccessible when the equipment is confined within the space;
- the peripheral portion of the base member comprises a first side wall, a
rear wall, and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall;
- the first end section of the first elongated bent member is secured to a
point of the peripheral portion situated on the rear wall;
- the second end section of the first elongated bent member is secured to
a point of the peripheral portion situated on the first side wall;
- the first end section of the second elongated bent member is secured to
a point of the peripheral portion situated on the rear wall; and
- the second end section of the second elongated bent member is secured
to a point of the peripheral portion situated on the second side wall.
According to a second aspect of the invention:
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- the security apparatus further comprises a mechanical position-adjusting
system interposed between the base member and the first and second
end sections of each of said first and second elongated bent members,
said mechanical position-adjusting system having mechanisms of
adjustment of the position of the first and second elongated members
along three orthogonal axes, thereby enabling adaptation of the
dimensions of the security apparatus to equipments of different sizes and
shapes.
According to a third aspect of the invention:
- the security apparatus further comprises means for adjusting the position
of the movement-restraining member along a front wall of the peripheral
portion of the base member.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention:
- the fourth member sections of the first and second elongated bent
members define a collar for encircling and holding a base of a second
piece of equipment.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention:
the security apparatus further comprises a drawer structure sliding on the
base member between extended and retracted positions, wherein:
- the drawer structure comprises a top face on which the
equipment is placed, and a front face on which the movement
restraining member, including the lock mechanism are mounted;
- in the retracted position of the drawer structure, the movement-
restraining member extends along the front face of the
equipment; and
- the peripheral portion of the base member comprises a lock-
receiving structure which, in operation, receives the lock
mechanism in order to removably lock both the drawer structure
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and the movement-restraining member to the base member in
order to confine the equipment within the space delimited by the
base member, the first and second elongated bent members, and
the movement-restraining member.
The present invention still further relates to a security apparatus for
preventing theft and/or tampering of an equipment or a part of this equipment,
comprising:
(a) a base member having a peripheral portion;
(b) a movement-restraining member which, in operation, is secured to the
peripheral portion of the base member and extends along a first generally
vertical
face of the equipment;
(c) a pivotal equipment-restraining assembly comprising:
- a first elongated movement-restraining bent rod including (a) a
first rod portion pivotally connecting the first bent rod to the
peripheral portion of the base member, (b) a second rod portion
to extend along a second generally vertical face of the
equipment, (c) a third rod portion to extend along a third top face
of the equipment, and (d) a fourth rod portion to extend along a
fourth generally vertical face of the equipment opposite to the first
face; and
- a second elongated movement-restraining bent rod including (a)
a first rod portion pivotally connecting the second elongated
movement-restraining rod to the peripheral portion of the base
member, the first portions of the first and second bent rods being
pivotally connected on opposite sides of the peripheral portion of
the base member, (b) a second rod portion to extend along a fifth
generally vertical face of the equipment generally opposite to the
second face, (c) a third rod portion to extend along the third top
face of the equipment, and (d) a fourth rod portion to extend
along the fourth generally vertical face of the equipment; and
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- a locking member connected to the fourth portions of the first and
second elongated movement-restraining bent rods, this locking
member comprising a lock mechanism which, in operation, locks
the locking member to the base member and thereby confine the
5 equipment within a space delimited by the base member, the
movement-restraining member, and the first and second
elongated movement-restraining rods.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention
10 will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive
description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of
exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first preferred embodiment of the
equipment security apparatus according to the present invention, protecting an
equipment;
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the first preferred embodiment
without equipment;
Figure 3 is an isometric, exploded view of the first preferred
embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the invention, showing
a base member, elongated movement-restraining bent members with end
sections, and a first embodiment of bushing assembly for securing the end
sections of the elongated members to the base member;
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Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the first embodiment of bushing
assembly shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an isometric, exploded view of the first preferred
embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the invention,
showing a second embodiment of bushing assembly for securing the end
sections of the elongated members to the base member;
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the second embodiment of
bushing assembly shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is an isometric view of a pair of elongated movement-
restraining bent members to be used in the first preferred embodiment of
equipment security apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 8 is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of a
locking movement-restraining member of the first embodiment of
equipment security apparatus as shown in Figures 3 and 5;
Figure 9 is an isometric view of a second preferred embodiment
of equipment security apparatus according to the present invention,
protecting an equipment;
Figure 10 is an isometric, exploded view of the second
preferred embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the
invention, showing a base member, and elongated movement-restraining
bent members;
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Figure 11 is an isometric view of a pair of elongated movement-
restraining bent members to be used in the second preferred embodiment
of equipment security apparatus as shown in Figures 9 and 10;
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a third preferred
embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the present
invention, incorporating a drawer structure on which the equipment is
placed;
Figure 13 is an isometric view of the third preferred
embodiment of equipment security apparatus as shown in Figure 12;
Figure 14 is an isometric view of the third preferred
embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the present
invention, protecting an equipment;
Figure 15 is an isometric view of the fourth preferred
embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the invention,
without equipment and comprising a pair of pivotal, elongated equipment-
restraining rod members; and
Figure 16 is an isometric view of the fourth preferred
embodiment of equipment security apparatus according to the present
invention, protecting an equipment.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First preferred embodiment:
This first preferred embodiment of the equipment security
apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference
to Figures 1-8 the appended drawings.
In Figures 1-8 of the appended drawings, the same elements
are identified by the same reference numerals.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, the first preferred
embodiment 20 of equipment security apparatus according to the present
invention is illustrated. Apparatus 20 comprises a base member 2 on
which an equipment 1 (a central processing unit of a computer in the
illustrated example) is placed.
In the first preferred embodiment 20, the base member 2
defines a peripheral portion formed of four inverted U-shaped members
44, 45, 46 and 47 made of sheet metal cut and shaped as required. Each
inverted U-shaped members 44, 45, 46 and 47 is formed with an inner
flange such as 48 used to secure the base member 2 to a work surface.
In the illustrated example, the equipment 1 presents the
general configuration of a parallelepiped. Of course, it is within the scope
of the present invention to adapt the apparatus 20 to other equipment
configurations.
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Apparatus 20 further comprises elongated movement-
restraining bent members constituted, in the preferred embodiment, by
rods 3 and 4 having a generally circular cross section. A locking
movement-restraining member 6 cooperates with the rods 3 and 4 to
appropriately restrict movement of the equipment 1 in any direction with
respect to the base member 2. As illustrated, locking member 6
comprises a key lock 7.
Referring to Figure 7, rod 3 comprises end sections 3a and 3b,
rod sections 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f, and right angles 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j and 3k. End
section 3a extends horizontally and rearwardly toward right angle 3g.
Rod section 3c extends vertically and upwardly from right angle 3g to
right angle 3h. Rod section 3d extends horizontally and forwardly from
right angle 3h to right angle 3i. Rod section 3e extends horizontally
toward the right from right angle 3i to right angle 3j. Rod section 3f
extends vertically and downwardly from right angle 3j to right angle 3k.
Finally, end section 3b extends horizontally toward the left from right
angle 3k.
Still referring to Figure 7, rod 4 comprises end sections 4a and
4b, rod sections 4c, 4d, 4e and 4f, and right angles 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j and 4k.
Free end section 4a extends horizontally and rearwardly toward right
angle 4g. Rod section 4c extends vertically and upwardly from right angle
4g to right angle 4h. Rod section 4d extends horizontally and forwardly
from right angle 4h to right angle 4i. Rod section 4e extends horizontally
toward the left from right angle 4i to right angle 4j. Rod section 4f extends
vertically and downwardly from right angle 4j to right angle 4k. Finally,
end section 4b extends horizontally toward the right from right angle 4k.
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Therefore, each rod 3,4 is bent in such a manner that one of its
free end sections 3b,4b can be secured to a side wall 21,22 of the base
member 2 while the other free end section 3a,4a thereof can be secured
to the rear wall 23 of the base member 2. Rod section 3c,4c of the rod
3,4 extends over the rear face of the equipment 1, rod sections 3d;4d and
5 3e;4e of the rod 3,4 extends over the top face of the equipment 1, rod
section 3f of rod 3 and rod section 4f of rod 4 extend over the opposite
side faces of the equipment 1, respectively. When the locking member
6 is installed, such an arrangement of the rods 3 and 4 prevents access
to the interior of the equipment 1 and removal of inner parts from any
10 side, and also restrains displacement of the equipment 1 along three
orthogonal axis. Therefore, the safety apparatus 20 also prevents theft of
the entire equipment 1 when the base member 2 is properly secured to
the work surface or when any appropriate part of the apparatus 20 is
connected to a fixed object through the use of steel cable 99 shown for
15 example in Figure 1.
Once the restraining bent rods 3 and 4 are secured to the base
member 2, the equipment 1 can be inserted, that is slid in the apparatus
from the front and confined in the apparatus 20 by installing and
20 locking the locking member 6. More specifically, the equipment 1 is
confined within a space delimited by the base member 2, the movement-
restraining bent rods 3 and 4 and the locking member 6 to prevent theft
and tampering of the equipment 1.
Also, as illustrated in Figure 2, the restraining bent rods 3 and
4 can optionally have their respective rod sections 3d and 4d, respectively
formed with curved, for example semicircular portions add and Odd, in the
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place of linear rod sections 3d and 4d. The two curved portions add and
Odd cooperate to form a nearly circular collar that can be used to hold the
base of a video monitor (not shown) placed on top of the equipment 1 so
as to simultaneously prevent theft of both pieces of equipment.
The top rod sections 3d and 4d of the restraining bent rod 3
and 4 can also be tied together through a bridging member 24 (Figure 1 )
to make sure that one cannot spread these rod sections 3d and 4d apart
by using sufficient force (especially in the case of a high equipment 1
requiring long rods more easily bendable) and thereby free the equipment
1. The bridging member 24 can be terminated by two bushings 25 and
26 at the two ends thereof, respectively, to slide along the rod sections 3d
and 4d. Alternatively, each bushing can be formed of two semicylindrical
upper and lower halves (see 27 and 28 for bushing 25), the two halves 27
and 28 being assembled together by means of fasteners (not shown)
which are not accessible after the equipment is placed in the apparatus
20.
Figures 3 and 5 show systems for adjusting the dimensions of
the equipment security apparatus 20 to the dimensions of the equipment
1 along three orthogonal axes. Each end section 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b of the
rods 3 and 4 can be inserted in one slot of a respective set of elongated,
superposed slots (set of slots 5a, 5b, 5c in side wall 21 for end section 3b,
set of slots (not shown) in rear wall 23 for end sections 3a and 4a, and set
of slots (not shown) in side wall 22 for free end section 4b) at the desired
depth and locked in that position using a bushing assembly 39 provided
with a set screw 29. Just a word to mention that in the inner walls 80, 81
and 82, corresponding sets of elongated superposed slots are provided.
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For example, set of superposed slots 32a, 32b and 32c are provided in
inner wall 81 in alignment with the slots in the rear wall 23, and set of
superposed slots 33a, 33b and 33c are provided in inner wall 80 in
alignment with the slots in side wall 22. In the illustrated example, the
end section 3b of the rod 3 is assembled to the base member 2 using the
lowermost slot 5a on the left side wall 21 and the lowermost slot (not
shown) in the inner wall 82 to match an equipment 1 of minimal height.
The other free end sections 3a, 4a and 4b are also inserted in the
corresponding lowermost slots in the corresponding walls of the base
member 2. The length of the slots (for example 5a) in a pair of walls (for
example side wall 21 and inner wall 82) receiving one free end section
(for example 3b) determines the allowable stroke between minimum and
maximum insertion depths of the other end (for example 3a) of the rod
(for example 3) in the slots (for example the lowermost slots including slot
32a) of the orthogonal walls (for example rear wall 23 and inner wall 81)
of the base member 2. Reciprocally, in the same example, the depth of
insertion of the free end section 3b in the slot 5a and the lowermost slot
of inner wall 82 is limited by the length of the lowermost slots receiving
the free end section 3a in the rear wall 23 and the inner wall 81. Of
course, the same applies to rod 4, the free end sections 4a and 4b, the
slots in side wall 22, inner wall 80, rear wall 23 and inner wall 81.
The bushing assembly 39 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is provided
with a bushing member 9 having a head portion 40 and a flat threaded
portion 30 adapted to be inserted through a pair of aligned slots, for
example the lowermost slot in side wall 22 and the lowermost slot 33a of
inner wall 80 from the external side of the side wall 22. From the inner
side of inner wall 80, a ring 10 having a slot 31 is inserted on the flat
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threaded portion 30 and a nut 11 is screwed onto the flat threaded portion
30. The end section 4b of rod 4 can then be inserted into the bushing
member 9 and locked at the desired depth using the set screw 29
screwed into a threaded hole 35 of the slotted ring 10. The set screw 29
is screwed into the threaded hole 35 until the set screw 29 engages the
rod section 4b. Of course similar bushings are used to secure the free
end sections 3a, 3b and 4a in the corresponding slots of the walls 21 and
23.
Figures 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of the bushing
assembly 39 in which the slotted ring 10 has been eliminated and the set
screw 36 inserted in a threaded hole 37 provided in the head portion 38
of the bushing member 41. Although that alternate construction permits
a cost reduction with respect to the preferred assembly, it presents the
limitation of requiring the nut 42 to be installed between the outer wall (for
example side wall 21 ) and internal wall (for example inner wall 82) of the
base member 2, that space being accessible only from the underside of
the base member 2. Therefore, that system requires to be installed
before the base member 2 is fastened to a work surface.
An even more basic alternative system illustrated in Figure 7
consists of threading the end sections of the rods 3 and 4. The threaded
end sections 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b of the rods 3 and 4 (see Figure 5 showing
a threaded free end section 4b) receive respective nuts such as 49 from
the inner side of the inner walls such as 80, 81 or 82, instead of a bushing
assembly 39 provided with a set screw such as 29 or 36. Such a system
has the drawback of enabling rotation of the rods 3 and 4 in the slots,
thus resulting in a generally looser assembly. However, that limitation
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can be compensated by the installation of a second nut (not shown) firmly
locked on the other side of the inner wall such as 80, 81 or 82, to the cost
of limited accessibility.
An optional bottom plate 12 can be installed in the central area
34 of the base member 2. For example, the bottom plate 12 can be
screwed to a work surface (not shown) along with the flanges such as 48
through holes such as 50. The base member 2 is therefore fastened to
the work surface from that central area 34 which is not accessible when
the equipment 1 is installed and locked in the equipment security
apparatus 20. As provided in many solutions of the prior art, screws or
double side adhesive tape can be used to firmly hold the bottom of the
base member 2 on the work surface. It shall also be noted that the
equipment 1 in its security apparatus 20 can be installed on a vertical
surface as well as on an horizontal surface.
After the free end sections 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b of the rods 3 and
4 have been secured in the appropriate slots by means of the systems
described in the foregoing description, and after the base member 2 has
been secured to the work surface, the equipment 1 is slid into the
apparatus 20 from the front thereof. The locking member 6 is then
installed.
Locking member 6 can also be positioned at a plurality of
positions on the front portion of the base member 2 using a plurality of
holes or slots such as 8a, 8b and 8c or a unique very long slot 52 (shown
in dashed lines), made either in the front wall 51 of the base member 2
or on the top wall 52 at the front of that base member 2. The purpose of
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this feature is to enable appropriate positioning of the locking member 6
so as not to interFere with normal operation of the equipment 1. Locking
member 6 can be easily and rapidly removed or locked in place using key
lock 7 to allow convenient insertion or removal of the equipment 1.
5 As illustrated in Figure 8, the key lock 7 comprises a plate 55
to be fixed to the locking member 6 as shown in Figures 3 and 5. Fixedly
mounted on the rear face of the plate 55 is a key-operated cylinder 56
having an axial threaded pin 57 with a square base 58. Also formed on
the rear face of the plate 55 are trapezoidal plate members 66 and 67.
Pin 57 can be rotated by means of a key (not shown) in keyhole
63 (Figures 3 and 4). A U-shaped latch 59 comprises a central bar 60
provided with a central square hole 61 to be placed onto the square base
58. A nut 62 is then screwed on the threaded pin 57 to retain the central
hole 61 on the square base 58 whereby rotation of the pin 57 by means
of the key will cause rotation of the latch 59. The opposite ends of the
central bar 60 of the latch 59 are finally formed with respective right-angle
short arms 64 and 65 extending toward the plate 55 and having rounded
free ends.
In operation, the latch 59 is aligned on the trapezoidal plate
members 66 and 67 and inserted in one slot such as 8a, 8b, 8c or 52.
The key is then inserted in keyhole 63 and the pin 57 is rotated to position
the latch 59 at right angle with respect to the slot 8a, 8b, 8c or 52. The
key is removed from keyhole 63 and the locking member 6 is then locked
in position to prevent any forward sliding of the equipment 1.
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After the latch 59 has been positioned at right angle with
respect to the slot 8a, 8b, 8c or 52, the rounded free ends of the arms 64
and 65 are applied to the rear face of the front wall 51 to prevent removal
of the key lock 7. Also, the trapezoidal plate members 66 and 67 are then
inserted in the slot 8a, 8b, 8c or 52 to prevent rotation of the key lock in
this slot.
In the case of the unique very long slot 52, the rear face of the
plate 55 is provided with pins such as 68 and the front wall 51 of the base
member 2 is provided with a series of holes such as 69 to receive the
pins 68 and therefore prevent longitudinal movement of the locking
member 6 in the unique very long slot 52.
As can be appreciated, the key lock 7 can be placed in any of
the slots 8a, 8b and 8c and in any position along the slot 52 to avoid
interference of the locking member 6 with normal operation of the
equipment 1.
Alternatively, the locking member 6 can be replaced by any
equivalent device, for example two or more locking pins or U-shaped
members inserted in holes in the front wall 51 of the base member 2,
these pins or U-shaped members being locked and unlocked by means
of a locking mechanism inside the base member 2 and activated by a
key lock on one side of the base through an action similar to the one of
a padlock.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as
described in the foregoing description uses rods each having two free end
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sections respectively secured to side and rear walls of the base member,
it is within the scope of the present invention to design other
configurations of rods having two free end sections secured either to
many rear and side walls or to a single side or rear wall. It is also within
the scope of the present invention to replace the key lock 7 by another
type of lock, for example a combination lock (not shown).
Second preferred embodiment:
Figure 9 of the appended drawings illustrates this second
preferred embodiment 100 of the equipment security apparatus according
to the present invention. Apparatus 100 comprises a base member 101
on which an equipment 102 (laptop computer in the illustrated example)
is placed.
In the illustrated example, the equipment 1 presents the
general configuration of a parallelepiped. Of course, it is within the scope
of the present invention to adapt the apparatus 100 to other equipment
configurations.
Referring to Figure 10, base member 101 comprises inner and
outer portions 103 and 104. Both portions 103 and 104 are made of
sheet metal cut and shaped as required. Inner portion 103 comprises a
top outwardly extending flange 105 spot welded to the underside of a top
wall 106 of the outer portion 104. Inner and outer portions 103 and 104
defines a rectangular base member 101 formed of four inverted U-shaped
members 107, 108, 109 and 110. The inner portion 103 is formed with
CA 02291365 1999-11-30
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a bottom wall 111 that can be screwed to, for example, the top face of a
work surface such as a table.
Four corner plastic bumpers such as 116 are adhered to the
underside of the base member 101 for smooth contact with the work
surface.
Apparatus 100 further comprises elongated movement-
restraining bent members constituted, in the preferred embodiment, by
rods 112 and 113 having a generally circular cross section. A locking
movement-restraining member 114 cooperates with the rods 112 and 113
to appropriately restrict, as illustrated in Figure 9, movement of the
equipment 102 in any direction with respect to the base member 101. As
illustrated, locking member 114 comprises a key lock 115.
Referring to Figure 10, rod 112 comprises end sections 112a
and 112b, rod sections 112c, 112d, 112e and 112f, and right angles
112g, 112h, 1121, 112j and 112k. End section 112a extends horizontally
and rearwardly toward right angle 112g. Rod section 112c extends
vertically and upwardly from right angle 112g to right angle 112h. Rod
section 112d extends horizontally and forwardly from right angle 112h to
right angle 1121. Rod section 112e extends horizontally toward the left
from right angle 112i to right angle 112j. Rod section 112f extends
vertically and downwardly from right angle 112j to right angle 112k.
Finally, end section 112b extends horizontally toward the right from right
angle 112k.
CA 02291365 1999-11-30
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Still referring to Figure 10, rod 113 comprises end sections
113a and 113b, rod sections 113c, 113d, 113e and 113f, and right angles
113g, 113h, 113i, 113j and 113k. Free end section 113a extends
horizontally and rearwardly toward right angle 113g. Rod section 113c
extends vertically and upwardly from right angle 1138 to right angle 113h.
Rod section 113d extends horizontally and forwardly from right angle
113h to right angle 1131. Rod section 113e extends horizontally toward
the right from right angle 1131 to right angle 113j. Rod section 113f
extends vertically and downwardly from right angle 113j to right angle
113k. Finally, end section 113b extends horizontally toward the left from
right angle 113k.
Therefore, each rod 112,113 is bent in such a manner that one
of its free end sections 112b,113b can be secured to a side wall 117,118
of the base member 101 while the other free end section 112a,113a
thereof can be secured to the rear wall 119 of the base member 101.
Rod section 112c,113c of the rod 112,113 extends over the rear face of
the equipment 102, rod sections 112d;112d and 112e;113e of the rod
112,113 extends over the top face of the equipment 102, rod section 112f
of rod 112 and rod section 113f of rod 113 extend over the opposite side
faces of the equipment 102, respectively. When the locking member 114
is installed, such an arrangement of the rods 112 and 113 prevents
access to the interior of the equipment 102 and therefor removal and theft
of inner parts from any side. As can be appreciated, displacement of the
equipment 102 along the three orthogonal axis is prevented. The safety
apparatus 100 also prevents theft of the entire equipment 1 when the
base member 101 is properly secured to the work surface or when any
CA 02291365 1999-11-30
appropriate part of the apparatus 100 or base member 101 is connected
to a fixed object through the use of steel cable (not shown).
Once the restraining bent rods 112 and 113 are secured to the
base member 101, the equipment 102 can be inserted, that is slid in the
5 apparatus 100 from the front and confined in the apparatus 100 by
installing and locking the locking member 114. More specifically, the
equipment 102 is confined within a space delimited by the base member
101, the movement-restraining bent rods 112 and 113 and the locking
member 114 to prevent theft and tampering of the equipment 102.
In the example of Figure 10, each end section 112a, 112b,
113a and 113b of the rods 112 and 113 can be inserted in one slot of a
respective set of elongated, superposed slots (set of slots 120a, 120b in
side wall 117 for end section 112b, set of slots 121 a,121 b in rear wall 119
for end sections 112a, set of slots 122a,122b in rear wall 119 for end
section 113a, and set of slots 123a,123b in side wall 118 for free end
section 113b). It is worth to be mentioned here that in the inner walls
124, 125 and 126 of inner portion 103, corresponding sets of elongated
superposed slots are provided. For example, set of superposed slots
127a and 127b are provided in inner side wall 124 in alignment with the
slots 120a and 120b in outer side wall 117, set of superposed slots 128a
and 128b are provided in rear inner wall 125 in alignment with the slots
121 a and 121 b in the outer rear wall 119, set of superposed slots 129a
and 129b are provided in inner rear wall 125 in alignment with the slots
122a and 122b in the outer rear wall 119, and set of superposed slots
130a and130b are provided in inner side wall 126 in alignment with the
slots 123a and 123b in the outer side wall 118. The free end sections
CA 02291365 1999-11-30
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112a, 112b, 113a and 113b of the rods are mounted in the lowermost
slots 121 b, 120b, 122b and 123b of the base member 101, respectively
to match an equipment 102 of minimal height. In the same manner, the
free end sections 112a, 112b, 113a and 113b of the rods are mounted in
the uppermost slots 121 a, 120a, 122a and 123a of the base member 101,
respectively, to match a higher equipment 102. The length of the
slots120a, 120b, 127a, 127b, 123a, 123b, 130a and 130b determines the
allowable stroke between minimum and maximum insertion depths of the
free end sections 112a and 113a in the respective slots 121 a, 121 b,
128a, 128b, 122a, 122b, 129a and 129b. Reciprocally, the depth of
insertion of the free end section 112b in the slots 120a, 120b, 127a and
127b is limited by the length of the slots 121 a, 121 b, 128a and 128b.
Finally, the depth of insertion of the free end section 113b in the slots
123a, 123b, 130a and 130b is limited by the length of the slots 122a,
122b, 129a and 129b.
The end sections 112a, 112b, 113a and 113b can be mounted
in the respective slots of the walls 117;124, 118;126 and 119;125 through
bushing assemblies such as 39 described in the foregoing description in
relation to Figures 3-6.
An even more basic alternative system illustrated in Figure 11
consists of threading the end sections 112a, 112b, 113a and 113b of the
rods 112 and 113. The threaded end sections 112a, 112b, 113a and
113b (see Figure 11 showing a threaded free end section 112b) receive
respective nuts such as 131 from the inner side of the inner walls such as
124, 125 or 126, instead of a bushing assembly 39 provided with a set
screw such as 29 or 36. Such a system has the drawback of enabling
CA 02291365 1999-11-30
27
movement of the rods 3 and 4 in the slots, thus resulting in a generally
looser assembly. However, that limitation can be compensated by the
installation of a second nut (not shown) firmly locked on the other side of
the inner wall such as 124, 125 or 126, to the cost of limited accessibility.
As indicated in the foregoing description, the bottom wall 111
can be screwed to a work surface (not shown). The base member 101
is therefore fastened to the work surface from that bottom wall 111 which
is not accessible when the equipment 102 is installed and locked in the
equipment security apparatus 100. As provided in many solutions of the
prior art, screws or double side adhesive tape can be used to firmly hold
the bottom of the base member 101 on the work surface. It shall also be
noted that the equipment 102 in its security apparatus 101 can be
installed on a vertical surface as well as on an horizontal surface.
After the free end sections 112a, 112b, 113a and 113b of the
rods 112 and 113 have been secured in the appropriate slots by means
of the systems described hereinabove, and after the base member 101
has been secured to the work surface, the equipment 102 is slid into the
apparatus 101 from the front thereof. The locking member 114 is then
installed. Locking member 114 can be easily and rapidly removed or
locked in place using key lock 115 to allow convenient insertion or
removal of the equipment 102.
Key lock 115 comprises a pair to tabs such as 132 to be
inserted in a pair of vertical slots 133 and 134, respectively, of a front
wall
135 of the base member 101. Otherwise, key lock 115 can be identical
CA 02291365 1999-11-30
28
to key lock 7 illustrated in Figure 8. As can be appreciated, latch 59 is
inserted in a rectangular opening 136.
Third preferred embodiment:
Figures 12-14 of the appended drawings illustrates a third
preferred embodiment 200 of the equipment security apparatus according
to the present invention.
Equipment security apparatus 200 is similar to apparatus 100.
The difference is that the locking member 114 is mounted on the front
face of a drawer structure 201 slidably mounted on the base member 101
on which the equipment 102 (laptop computer in the illustrated example)
is placed. Key lock 115 is used to lock the drawer structure 201 in
retracted position. Key lock 115 still cooperates with the front wall 135 of
the base member 101 to lock the drawer structure 201 in retracted
position as described in relation to Figure 10.
In operation, the locking member 114 is unlocked through the
key lock 115, the drawer structure 201 is extended and, finally, the
equipment 102 is positioned on this drawer structure 201.
In the extended position of the drawer structure 201, the
equipment 102 (laptop computer) can be unfolded and used as illustrated
in Figures 12 and 13.
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29
After use, the laptop computer 102 can be folded and the
drawer structure 201 retracted and finally locked in the retracted position
by means of key lock 115. The lap top computer 102 is then confined
within a space delimited by base member 101, the drawer structure 201,
the pair of rods 112 and 113 and the locking member 114 as illustrated
in Figure 14 to prevent theft and tampering of the equipment 102. Since
the base member 101 is secured to a surrounding structure (not shown),
theft of the equipment 102 is prevented.
Fourth preferred embodiment:
In this fourth preferred embodiment 300, the equipment 102
and the base member 101 have substantially the same horizontal cross
section (see Figure 16). Base member 101 has substantially the same
structure as described in relation to Figure 10.
A U-shaped vertically extending movement-restraining rod
member 301 is mounted to the rear wall 119 of the base member 101.
Rod member 301 is preferably made of steel. This U-shaped vertically
extending rod member 301 comprises, for that purpose, a pair of
horizontal end rod sections 302 and 303 mounted to the rear wall 119 as
described in relation to Figures 10 and 11 of the appended drawings.
The security equipment apparatus 300 further comprises a pair
of elongated movement-restraining bent members constituted, in the
preferred embodiment, by rods 304 and 305 preferably made of steel and
having a generally circular cross section.
CA 02291365 1999-11-30
Referring to Figure 15, rod 304 comprises end rod sections
304a, rod sections 304b, 304c, 304d and 304e, right angles 304f, 304g,
304h, and 304i.
End section 304a extends horizontally from right angle 304f into
5 coaxial circular holes (not shown) in the walls 117 and 124 of the base
member 101. End section 304a can be threaded and locked in these
circular holes by means of a nut such as 131 as shown in Figure 11. This
will enable rotation of the end rod section 304a in the coaxial holes.
10 Rod section 304b extends in a vertical plane from right angle
304f to right angle 304g; in the locked position of Figure 16, rod section
304b extends adjacent the corresponding side of the base member 101
and equipment 102. Still in the locked position of Figure 16, rod section
304c extends horizontally and inwardly from right angle 304g to right
15 angle 304h over the top face of equipment 102. Rod section 304d
extends horizontally and forwardly over the top face of equipment 102
from right angle 304h to right angle 304i. Rod section 304e extends
vertically and downwardly from right angle 304i to key lock 306 adjacent
the front side of equipment 102 and the front wall 135 of base member
20 101.
Referring to Figure 15, rod 305 comprises end rod sections
305a, rod sections 305b, 305c, 305d and 305e, right angles 305f, 305g,
305h, and 3051.
End section 305a extends horizontally from right angle 305f into
coaxial circular holes (not shown) in the walls 118 and 126 of the base
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31
member 101. End section 305a can be threaded and locked in these
circular holes by means of a nut such as 131 as shown in Figure 11. This
will enable rotation of the end rod section 305a in the coaxial holes.
Rod section 305b extends in a vertical plane from right angle
305f to right angle 3058; in the locked position of Figure 16, rod section
305b extends adjacent the corresponding side of the base member 101
and equipment 102. Still in the locked position of Figure 16, rod section
305c extends horizontally and inwardly from right angle 3058 to right
angle 305h over the top face of equipment 102. Rod section 305d
extends horizontally and forwardly over the top face of equipment 102
from right angle 305h to right angle 305i. Rod section 305e extends
vertically and downwardly from right angle 305i to key lock 306 adjacent
the front side of equipment 102 and the front wall 135 of base member
101.
Key lock 306 is identical to key lock 115 of Figure 10 and will
lock the rod sections 304e and 305e to the front wall 135 of base member
101 through the vertical slots 133 and 134 and the rectangular opening
136.
In operation, key lock 306 is unlocked and the rod 304 - rod
305 - key lock 306 assembly is pivoted about rod sections 304a and 305a
until the position of Figure 15 is reached. Equipment 102, a laptop
computer in the illustrated example, is positioned on the base member
101. The laptop computer 102 can then be unfolded to enable use
thereof.
CA 02291365 1999-11-30
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The rod 304 - rod 305 - key lock 306 assembly can then be
pivoted about rod sections 304a and 305a back to the position of Figure
16. Key lock 306 is finally locked to thereby lock the rod 304 - rod 305 -
key lock 306 assembly on the base member 101.
The equipment 102 (laptop computer in the illustrated example)
then confined within a space delimited by base member 101, the pair of
rods 304 and 305 and the U-shaped vertically extending movement-
restraining rod member 301 to prevent theft and tampering of the
equipment. Since the base member 101 is secured to a surrounding
structure (not shown), theft of the equipment 102 is prevented.
Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to use the
second, third and fourth embodiments to lock an equipment other than a
laptop computer.
Although the present invention has been described by way of a
preferred embodiment thereof, it is contemplated that various
modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the
embodiments described be considered only as illustrative of the present
invention and that the scope thereof should not be limited thereto but be
determined by reference to the claims hereinafter provided and their
equivalents.
