Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
ELECTRONIC ARTICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
Technical field
The present invention is directed toward apparatus, methods, and systems for
securing electronic articles, such as computers, for theft deterrence or
prevention.
Background
Electronic articles such as personal computers, laptop computers, gaming
consoles etc can be attractive target for thieves stealing from homes or
vehicles.
Electronic articles (EAs) including personal computers (PC) have traditionally
been made
secure by many means which have included locks, cables, partial housings,
complete
housings. Such articles have also previously been fastened (screwing, bolting,
nailing)
to immovable objects, such as floors, tables, and stands. Each form of
security has its
drawbacks.
Summary
According to one aspect to the present invention there is provided a system
for
securing an electronic article, the system comprising: a moveable body; an
intermediary
structure adapted to enable an electronic article to be secured to the body;
and a
coupling mechanism to enable the body to be secured to an external fixture,
wherein the
body is shaped to inhibit unauthorized decoupling from the external fixture of
the mass
and secured electronic article.
It should be understood that any references herein to a personal computer,
laptop
computer, or other specific electronic article, may be considered to apply,
unless
otherwise specified, to any other electronic article, such as a stereo system,
gaming
console, etc.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Understanding that drawings depict only certain preferred embodiments of the
invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the
preferred
embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail
through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the invention in which a
personal computer is secured to an intermediary that is, in turn, secured to a
mass.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
1
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the invention in
which
the personal computer is secured in an overhanging fashion to an intermediary
structure
to give the illusion of a "floating PC."
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of still another embodiment of the invention
in
which a personal computer is secured to a slidable intermediary structure.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 illustrates some examples of non-standard drive socket screw/bolt head
shapes for added security.
FIGS. 8A-8E depict cross-sectional views of various other embodiments of the
invention.
FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of an intermediary structure including teeth to
provide further theft deterrent.
FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of an intermediary structure including a
variety of internal modifications and armaments, including a motion sensor,
central
processing unit, battery, and alarm.
FIG. 11 depicts a cutaway view of yet another embodiment of the invention that
includes a laptop computer secured to an intermediary structure comprising a
locked
metallic cage, which is, in turn, secured to a mass.
FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment comprising a mold kit for creating a mass
FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupling mechanism
for connecting a mass to a fixed, external surface, such as a seat rail
bolt/anchor point
area in a vehicle.
FIGS. 14A-E depict cross-sectional views of various other embodiments of the
invention that includes a laptop computer secured to an intermediary structure
comprising a lockable metallic cage. FIG. 14A is a top cross sectional view in
yet
another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14B is a side cross-sectional view
of the
embodiment of FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C is a top cross sectional view of the side
restraint
and outer protective alloy. FIG. 14D is an oblique cross sectional view of the
side
restraint and outer protective alloy. FIG. 14E is a side non-
elevation/declination view of
a protective alloy shaped to protect a "side" restraint.
FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an intermediary
structure comprising two L-shaped side restraints, one of which comprises two
projections configured to be received in two corresponding openings in the
other.
FIG. 15B a cross-sectional side elevation view of the intermediary structure
of
FIG. 15A, shown with the two L-shaped side restraints engaged together.
2
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
FIG. 15C is an example of a further embodiment of the invention adapted for a
laptop computer or case.
FIG. 16A-C illustrate various components of a further embodiment of the
invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a further embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a
thorough
understanding of specific preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the
art will
recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the
specific details,
or with other methods, components, materials, etc.
In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown
or
described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the preferred
embodiments.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be
combined in
any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
Described herein are various embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems
for securing electronic articles, such as computers, for theft deterrence or
prevention.
Embodiments of the present invention provided a system for securing an
electronic article, the system comprising a moveable body or mass 130, 330,
1130, an
intermediary structure 120, 320, 1120, and a coupling mechanism 392-394, 1490-
1491.
The intermediary structure 120, 320, 1120 is adapted to enable an electronic
article 110,
310, 1111 to be secured to the mass. The coupling mechanism 392, 394, 1490,
1491 is
adapted to enable the mass to be secured to an external fixture. The mass 130,
330,
1130 has significant height, width and depth to inhibit unauthorized
decoupling from the
external fixture of the mass and secured electronic article.
In some embodiments the height, width and depth of the mass adds
significant bulk to the secured electronic article. For example, when coupled
to the
external fixture, the bulk can inhibit relative movement between the external
fixture and
the mass to inhibit unauthorized decoupling from the external fixture.
Alternatively, when
coupled to the external fixture, the bulk inhibits access to the coupling
mechanism to
inhibit unauthorized decoupling from the external fixture.
In some embodiments the coupling mechanism comprises a first coupling
integral with the mass and a second coupling attachable to the first coupling
and the
external fixture. The first coupling can include a fastener which is
cooperative with the
second coupling. For example, the first coupling fastener can be an eyebolt
392 fixed in
the mass and the second coupling is adapted to permanently or removably attach
the
eyebolt 392 to the external fixture whereby the electronic article is secured
to the
3
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
external fixture 393. For example the second coupling can be an irreversible
fastener
such as one or more chain links. Alternatively the second coupling can be a
lock 394.
One example of an external fixture is an eyebolt 393 fixed to a floor, wall,
or permanently
fixed furniture. In another example, the external fixture is a seat rail in a
vehicle.
In some embodiments of the system the intermediary structure 120 comprises
a first surface 162 adapted to be secured to the body or mass using at least
one first
fastener, and a second surface 161 adapted to be secured to an electronic
article using
at least one second fastener in a manner which inhibits unauthorized removal
of the
secured electronic article without damaging the electronic article. The
intermediary
structure can be configured to impede access to both the first and second
fasteners
when the movable mass and electronic article are secured to the first and
second
surfaces respectively. Such embodiments are advantageously suited for securing
electronic articles which are not regularly moved, such as desktop PCs,
stereos and
gaming consoles.
In some embodiments of this intermediate structure, the first surface includes
one or more first holes and the second surface includes one or more second
holes
wherein at least one of the one or more second holes is aligned with at least
one or more
first holes.
In an embodiment the intermediary structure is configured to allow the
electronic article to be moved relative to the body or mass.
In some alternative embodiments the intermediary structure 1120 comprises
at least one securing member and the body 1130 includes a cavity configured to
receive
at least part of the intermediary structure and at least part of the
electronic article 1111.
At least one securing member of the intermediary structure 1120 is secured to
the body
1130 within the cavity using a binding mechanism 1191 whereby the presence of
the
electronic article within the cavity renders the binding mechanism
inaccessible, and
wherein the intermediary structure is adapted to releasably secure the
electronic article
within the cavity.
In some embodiments the intermediary structure includes two or more side
restraints 1121 which are lockable 1123 to form a cage to secure the
electronic article
within the cavity. The side restraints can be collapsible such that they may
be selectively
extended above the movable body.
Embodiments of the system can further comprise a security component for
further deterring theft of the electronic article. For example the security
component can
comprise at least one or more of: a motion sensor; a camera; an electronic
ignition; a
transmitter; a detector; and an alarm. The intermediary structure of some
embodiments
4
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
includes a hollow structure and wherein the security component is disposed
within the
hollow structure of the intermediary structure.
The crowbar is one of the most common tools of a would-be thief. Most
methods of securing an electronic article are often rapidly overcome by a
crowbar and
yet may leave the article saleable at the conclusion of the theft. Herein is
presented
devices, methods, and systems for gravitationally securing, for example, a
personal
computer, that are not easily defeated by a crowbar unless the thief is
willing to severely
damage the casing 'box' of the computer, thereby drastically reducing the pawn
value of
the PC. In some embodiments, the theft deterrence is provided by securing the
electronic article(s) to an object that makes the task of moving the article
more difficult for
a would-be thief. In some embodiments, the connection between the electronic
article(s)
and the object (hereinafter referred to as a "mass") is facilitated by
providing an
intermediary structure. Some embodiments of the invention utilize tubes and/or
extrusions to make hidden from view, and inaccessible to a thief, fastening
hardware,
while creating attachments of maximal strength between a personal computer and
a
mass. In some embodiments, the article could only be removed from the mass if
a
would-be-thief were carrying specialized tools. Thus, with only standard
burglar tooling,
such as crowbar, screwdriver, knife, bolt-cutters, pliers, etc., some
embodiments would
deter theft by requiring substantial amounts of time and/or effort to detach
the article for
transport. Otherwise, the PC could only be removed by destroying it beyond
practical
salability or by significant physical effort if the computer was to be moved
over a
substantial distance without a dolly or wheeled cart.
Some embodiments of the present invention provide for the fastening of a
preformed, geometrically shaped, body or mass, usually made of mineral,
directly or
indirectly with an electronic article or articles. The body may, in some
preferred
embodiments, be made up of a piece of formed cement or concrete, cut stone,
metals
such as iron or lead, or the like. In other embodiments, the body may instead,
or
additionally, be made up of dense wood, dense plastic, and/or glass.
Various embodiments may also elevate the PC off of the floor by several inches
and thereby offers some additional advantages, which include improved
ventilation,
improved cooling, reduced dust capture, slideable rear or side access
provision, and
reduced flood or water damage potential in the case of natural disaster,
nearby water
pipe burst, or continual daily wet mopping.
In some embodiments, an intermediary structure is also provided to facilitate
the
connection between the body and the article. The intermediary structure may
allow for
the electronic age to meet the Stone Age. In other words, because the
manufacturing
tolerances involved in placing high-strength fasteners in stone/concrete work
have
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
previously been too large to allow in practical useful combination with
articles of
electronic manufacture such as PC, the intermediary structure may allow a user
to
combine the two technologies and tolerance ranges.
In some embodiments, the body may have external areas of attachment available
to place one or more fasteners which may be further linked by a lock to
another object to
reduce the ability to move the body. These other objects may include, but are
not limited
to, eyebolts, eyescrews, or other fastening devices, which may be, in turn,
attached to a
floor or wall. In some embodiments, the body may be weighted so as to be
sufficiently
light so as to be liftable by a physically fit adult human, but sufficiently
heavy such that
such an individual could only lift the body for only a few moments
comfortably. Other
embodiments are contemplated in which the mass is sufficiently heavy such that
no
human could lift the mass without assistance from a transport device, such as
a dolly or
cart.
The intermediary structure in some embodiments may be hollow and may also be
metallic. However, the intermediary structure may also be mineral-based,
plastic, glass,
or wooden. The EAs may comprise PC, but, alternatively, may be peripheral
devices,
such external hard drives or battery back-ups. The unified combination of the
mass,
intermediary structure, and PC may be situated on the floor, but may instead
sit upon a
sturdy table, desk, or the like. The EA is usually positioned upright on the
other
structure(s) and thus the base of the EA may be fastened to the top of the
intermediary
structure. Such a combination usually elevates the EA off of the floor by
several inches
and offers some additional advantages, as mentioned above.
The intermediary structure may be have secondary uses such as acting as a
housing for sensors (motion, sound activated, magnetic, electronic, wired, or
wireless),
detectors (GPS, smoke, or heat), alarms (sounding or silent), lights
(decorative or
warning, such as strobe, flashing or colored), gas/vapor/aerosol emitters
(such as fire
retardant, noxious smell (such as butyric acid), toxic emitters (including
nerve gas, mace,
pepper-capsaiciniods such as capsaicin and smoke)). The intermediary structure
may
also contain a cellphone or other transmitter, receiver, or transceiver that
may transmit
information regarding the attempted theft to a user and/or a centralized
security system
location. The intermediary structure may also house other defensive or
offensive
measures or countermeasures, which may include smoke bombs, stink bombs,
rasps,
barbs, etc. Other security features may be included in the intermediary
structure,
including batteries, alarms, flashing lights, smell emitters, fixed or
moveable sharp teeth
or points, pointed objects, projectiles, materials or devices capable of
generating a shock
wave, mouse traps, GPS, motion sensor, electromagnetic spectral sensor,
electrical
capacitor for electric shock (especially the teeth modification), fire
extinguisher, physical
6
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
storage, hiding place, finger print surface retainer, perpetrator marking
paint, smoke
bomb holder, tear gas holder, capsaiciniods (such as capsaicin or mace
reservoir),
and/or speaker (preprogrammed with phrases such as "Help, Police, I'm being
stolen,"
"Stop Thief," etc.).
Amenities can also be incorporated into or attached to the body or mass, such
as
protective and/or decorative carpet or other materials, paint, a sticker, or a
sign with a
message such as "Help, I'm being stolen," a pressure sensor, communications,
etc.
In one implementation of a method for securing an electronic article according
to
the invention, a heavy, moveable mass is formed to facilitate securing the
mass to an
intermediary structure. The mass is secured to the intermediary structure and
an
electronic article is secured to the intermediary structure. The mass may be
configured
such that it is sufficiently heavy to deter theft of the electronic article
once the mass has
been connected with the electronic article, yet sufficiently light to allow
for the electronic
article to be moved once the mass has been connected with the electronic
article. In
some embodiments, the mass may be movable, although with great effort
required, by
an average adult human. In other embodiments, the mass may only be movable
with a
dolly, wheeled cart, or other such device. A preferred weight range for the
mass is
between about 5 kg and about 60 kg. Any of the various masses described herein
are
examples of means for deterring theft of an electronic article by adding
weight to the
electronic article. In addition, or alternatively, the mass may be of a size
and/or shape
that makes it awkward to transport. In such embodiments it is the bulk of the
mass
rather than the weight of the mass which inhibits theft of the secured
electronic article.
Further, the time and effort required to remove the electronic article from
the mass or to
remove the mass and electronic article in combination acts as a further
deterrent to theft.
In other embodiments, the mass may have external areas of attachment available
to place one or more fasteners which may be further linked by a lock or
locking
mechanism to another object to reduce the ability to move the mass. Examples
of such
other objects may include, but are not limited to, eyebolts, eyescrews, or
fastening
devices, which may be, in turn, attached to a floor or a wall, for example.
In one embodiment of a system for securing an electronic article according to
the
invention, an electronic article is connected with a heavy, moveable mass with
an
intermediary structure secured and interposed therebetween so as to facilitate
a secure
connection between the electronic article and the mass. Any of the various
intermediary
structures disclosed herein are examples of means for facilitating a secure
connection
between an electronic article and a means for deterring theft.
In some embodiments, the intermediary structure may be configured to
facilitate a
more precise connection with the electronic article than with the mass. For
example, if
7
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
the mass is formed from concrete and the intermediary structure is formed from
aluminum, it is well known that aluminum can facilitate a connection with a
fastening
member within a much tighter tolerance range than concrete. The mass may
comprise,
for example, one or more of aluminum, basalt, brick, carbon, cement, copper,
chromium,
concrete, limestone, dolomite, glass, gold, granite, iron, lead, limestone,
marble, nickel,
porcelain, quartz, tin, sandstone, steel, stone, uranium, and zinc. The mass
is preferably
made from a dense material. In preferred embodiments, the density of the mass
material
is between about 1,800 and 20,000 kg/meter cubed. In other embodiments, the
density
of the mass material is between about 800 and 1,800 kg/meter cubed.
In some embodiments, the mass may include a recessed region within at least a
portion of the mass. The recessed region may be shaped and configured to
receive the
intermediary structure. In other words, the intermediary structure and/or
electronic article
may sit recessed within the mass with respect to a top surface of the mass if
desired.
In some embodiments, the intermediary structure may be formed so as to
facilitate connection with the electronic article. Similarly, the intermediary
structure may
be formed so as to facilitate connection with the body or mass. For example,
one or
more first holes may be formed in a first surface of the intermediary
structure, and one or
more second holes may be formed in a second surface of the intermediary
structure.
The first surface may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the
electronic article and
the second surface may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the body or
mass. At
least one of the one or more second holes may be aligned with at least one of
the one or
more first holes to allow a user to have access to the second surface during
the process
of attaching the intermediary structure to the mass.
In some embodiments, the second holes may be larger than the first holes so as
to facilitate securing the second surface of the intermediary structure to the
mass and the
first surface of the intermediary structure to the electronic article. In some
embodiments,
the intermediary structure may comprise a hollow structure to allow for access
to a first
wall secured to the electronic article and to a second wall secured to the
mass. In some
embodiments, one or more added security components for further deterring theft
of the
electronic article may be included, such as motion sensors, cameras,
electronic ignition
devices, transmitters, detectors, alarms, etc. These security components may
be
secured to the intermediary structure. In embodiments in which the
intermediary
structure comprises a hollow structure, the security component may be secured
to the
intermediary structure within a hollow region of the intermediary structure so
as to make
these components inaccessible, or less accessible, to thieves.
The following definitions reflect the standards of related arts. Bolts: bolts
are
defined as headed fasteners having external threads that meet an exacting,
uniform bolt
8
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
thread specification (such as M, MJ, UN, UNR and UNJ) such that they can
accept a
non-tapered nut.
Screws: screws are defined as headed, externally threaded fasteners that do
not
meet the above definition of bolts.
Polymeric concrete: Uses binders, compounds and aggregate mixtures, including
epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, and other polymer resin bonds. They cure or set
through
chemical reactions, thermoset bonds, and/or multiple component binder systems.
Extrusion (metalworking): The conversion of a billet of metal into a length of
uniform cross section by forcing the billet through orifice of a die. An
example of a
simple and convenient metal for use in this area is aluminum.
Fastener: a hardware device that mechanically joins or aff ixes two or more
objects together.
Reversible fastener: an object or a pair of objects (such as a male-female
type in
a screw/bolt-nut combination) intended to bind a plurality of objects together
but may be
reversed or unfastened without destroying or permanently altering any of the
bound or
binding objects. Other examples of reversible fasteners that are not paired
and not
male-female include cotter pins, and obstructive/protruding-portion fasteners,
such as
spring-loaded ball-tipped pin fasteners.
Irreversible fastener: an object or a plurality of objects intended to bind a
plurality
of objects together but may not be reversed or unfastened without destroying
or
permanently altering any of the bound or binding objects. Examples of
irreversible
fasteners include pop rivets, rivets, expansion inserts (including those that
are screw
activated and impact activated), glues, epoxies, gums, resins, etc.
Concrete fibers: fibers put into concrete to enhance strength and form.
Lock Washer: a substantially planar object, usually metallic, with a central
opening that is larger than the threaded diameter of a screw/bolt that passes
through it
but smaller than the head of the screw/bolt or nut made adjacent. As opposed
to a
regular washer, a lock washer is usually selected to be not much larger in
diameter than
the outermost diameter of the bolt head or nut that it is intended to lie
adjacent. The
effect of a lock washer is to place axial pressure on the head of a bolt or
nut to reduce
vibration or stress induced un-tightening.
Mineral: any material that is not animal or vegetable in nature.
Natural rock: occurring in nature; not unnatural or man-made (like cement or
concrete).
Nut: a type of hardware fastener with a threaded hole. Nuts are typically used
opposite a mating bolt to fasten a stack of parts together. The two partners
are kept
together by a combination of their threads' friction, a slight stretch of the
bolt, and
9
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
compression of the parts. In application where vibration or rotation may work
a nut
loose, adhesives, safety pins, and/or other methods may be used to prevent
fastener
rotation.
Rivet: a mechanical fastener which before installation consists of smooth
cylindrical shaft with a head on one end. The opposing end is called the buck-
tail. On
installation, the rivet is placed in a pre-drilled hole. Then the tail is
upset or deformed so
that it expands to about 1.5 times the original shaft diameter and holds the
rivet in place.
Rivets tolerate shear load (loads perpendicular to the axis of the shaft)
better, whereas
bolts and screws are better suited for tension applications (loads parallel to
the axis of a
shaft).
Synthetic Rock: Hardened material, usually comprised substantially of
substances found in types of stone or rock that is bound by additional
input/work from
man, including those ingredients found in concrete or cement. Ground rock
bound
together by epoxy or plastics or glues may also qualify.
Screw/bolt: a threaded object usually acting in the male sense, that is
inserting
into a recipient object, such as a nut or female recipient threaded insert for
the purpose
of fastening a plurality of objects that lie between the ends of the female
and male ends.
Socket Screw: a screw or bolt with a depression or centralized deformity
(socket)
in the head that is designed to fit/match a special "key"-shaped socket
driver, often
hexagon shaped. However, uncommon shapes (security shapes, see FIG. 7) may be
desired to further thwart theft attempts.
Threaded insert: A female object (often metallic), with inner diameter
recipient
threads intended to receive a matching a male object, such as a bolt or screw.
The
threaded insert may be attached into an object, for example, in concrete by
placing the
insert in the concrete prior to hardening. A threaded insert may also be
placed into an
already hardened object by drilling a hole in the object that is slightly
larger, e.g., by 1-2
mm (if there is no protruding base edge), than the outer diameter of the
threaded insert
and placing epoxy or an acrylate glue (cyanoacrylate, methacrylate,
methylmethacrylate,
for example) into the hole and then placing the insert into the hole.
Washer: a substantially planar object, often metallic, with a central opening
that is
larger than the threaded diameter a screw/bolt that passes through it but
smaller than the
head of the screw/bolt or nut made adjacent. The effect of the washer is to
distribute
the force per square unit area of the fastening device. The shape of a washer
when
viewed from the top is traditionally circular or square, but may take on any
geometric
shape for the purposes of this disclosure.
It should be appreciated that body and mass are used interchangeable
throughout the specification to describe the main body of system with mass
tending to be
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
used for describing embodiments where the body can be both bulky and weighty.
However a skilled person should understand that a reference to the mass of the
system
is also a reference to the main body of the system.
Further specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a front view
of an
electronic article security system 100. System 100 includes a vertically-
positioned PC
110 secured to an intermediary structure 120 located directly below it. The
intermediary
structure 120 is, in turn, secured to a mass 130, which may be positioned on a
piece of
upside-down cut carpeting 140, or another similar cushioning material.
Cushioning 140
protects the underlying floor from being scratched or impressed by mass 130. A
more
detailed description of this embodiment is provided in connection with the
description of
FIG. 2 due to a clearer view from that angle.
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of system 100. As shown in the figure, a
vertically positioned PC 110 fastened to an intermediary structure 120 located
directly
below it. The intermediary structure is in turn fastened to mass 130. In some
embodiments, the intermediary structure 120 may have wall thicknesses of 2-4
mm.
Most casings (housings, boxes, shells) for PC open from the side by swinging
or removal
of a side door leaving opening 114. Holes 150 may be drilled into the PC's
base or side
casing to accommodate a fastening device. In a preferred embodiment, the holes
150
measure about 6 mm and the fastening device may comprise a 5 mm drive socket
screw/bolt.
While it should be appreciated that countless variations are possible, FIG. 1
depicts one of four fasteners 170 (reversibly fastening the intermediary
structure to the
PC), with four matching diameter lock-washers 171, eight progressively larger
washers
172 matched to the diameter of the fasteners 170. The depicted system also
includes
four hex lock nuts 173, reversibly binding the PC 110 to the intermediary
structure 120.
Also shown as a cut away are two 10 mm threaded inserts 180, which have been
countersunk into mass 130. Threaded inserts 180 are configured to receive two
bolts
181, with a similar number of matching diameter lock-washers 183, and four
progressively larger washers 182 (matched to the diameter of the threaded
insert's
counterpart bolt). These fastening structures may be placed in the central
part of the
intermediary structure if desired to make disassembly more difficult for a
thief.
The intermediary structure and body may also, or instead, be attached to one
or
more other sides of the PC. The side door of a PC may be made lockable by the
manufacturer as indicated at location 141 and this locking may be accomplished
with a
keyed or combination padlock 142 inserted at location 141. Opening the PC's
side door
usually allows access to one or more other sides for repairs, maintenance, or
hardware
11
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
changes. Opening the side door may allow for access for inserting bolts/screws
and
washers, or other fasteners, on the inside of the computer (often on the base
side).
The location of the components within the PC often varies substantially by
manufacturer. Accordingly, the location of the fasteners may similarly vary by
brand of
computer. Location problems may be overcome by using an easily drillable metal
as the
intermediary structure and simply placing the drill holes 151 that will
capacitate the
fasteners 170 in places in the PC where there is tolerance for the screw/bolt
head (of 5
mm thickness and 1-2 mm washer thickness, for example). Depending upon the
height
of the intermediary structure and thickness of the walls of the intermediary
structure, the
fasteners used to fasten the PC to the intermediary structure may vary widely,
such as
between 15-20 mm in length.
In some embodiments, the intermediary structure may comprise a hollow tube. In
some embodiments, aluminum may be used to form the intermediary structure. For
example, aluminum extrusions may be used to form a hollow tube that will
suffice for use
as an intermediary structure. A variety of different shapes and sizes of
intermediary
structures may be used and may vary in accordance with the width of the
computer
base. For example, a 200mm x 50mm (with a wall thickness of over 3mm in some
preferred embodiments) intermediary structure may suffice in many cases with
the
exception that a special tool may be necessary to hold nuts in place while
tightening in
the limited space. It should be understood, however, that smaller (or larger)
intermediary
structures may be used, such as a 150mm x 50 mm intermediary structure, for
example.
An intermediary structure with additional security items may need to increase
the
measurement of its smallest axis.
The intermediary structure may be cut or trimmed by sawing (with a hacksaw or
circular-saw or band-saw if the intermediary structure is metal) to
approximate the length
of the base of the computer. If the intermediary structure is aluminum, it may
be easily
trimmed with a hacksaw in seconds to tailor it to match an individual PC's
base. The PC
may also be pre-drilled with the necessary holes prior to shipment.
Usually starting on one of the intermediary structure's sides of greatest
surface
area, a multiplicity of 15-20 mm large holes 152 (holes preferably 10% larger
than the
threaded diameter) may be cut, dye stamped, or drilled, preferably on along
the middle
axis at least 5 cm from any end, with a separation of between 10-20 cm in a
uniform
distribution. The 15-20mm holes may be deliberately larger than the head of
the
anticipated fastener that will be used to fasten the intermediary structure to
the mass
because most cement fabricators/manufacturers or rock workers cannot place a
threaded insert into hardening concrete/cement within a tolerance of less than
2 mm
continually.
12
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
Having the 15-20 mm hole space may help to overcome tolerance issues and
also allows for bimodal insertion of the typical heavy duty (10 mm, for
example) plus
thread diameter fastener and its bolt head (14 mm diameter, for example)
through the
15-20 mm hole.
In some embodiments, the intermediary structure comprises a hollow structure
to
allow for access to a first wall secured to the electronic article and to a
second wall
secured to the mass. In addition, the intermediary structure 120 shown in FIG.
2 is
elongated with one or more fastening members positioned away from the edge of
the
opening creating the hollow structure. This provides additional security
because, even if
a specialized tool were available to access the fastening member(s), the
length of the
hollow space defined by the intermediary structure and the position of the
fastening
members may prohibit such a tool from rotating a sufficient amount to allow
for
unscrewing or otherwise removing the fastening member(s). This is particularly
true in
the case of a hex nut, which must be back-ratcheted about sixty degrees in
order to
reach an adjacent side surface of the hex nut to maintain a continuous
rotation
operation. In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the fastening members
and
the width of the opening of the intermediary structure does not exceed about
sixty
degrees.
Although a socket wrench can ratchet with fewer degrees of motion, standard
socket wrenches can easily be defeated by placing an obstruction on the
opposing
internal side of the intermediary structure from the nuts, or an obstruction
at the opening
of a hollow intermediary structure, such as angle, bar, tube. In one
embodiment, such
obstructions exceed 1 cm in vertical dimension and may be made of metal. The
obstruction(s) may also be secured by rivet or screw, or may be glued or
welded into
place. With the presence of such a partial obstruction, a socket set will not
fit within the
vertical confines of the dimension of a preferred embodiment (4.6 cm) to undo
nuts
because the standard width for a ratchet head at the end of a socket wrench
handle is 2
cm and the standard socket is 2cm and a 1 cm obstruction would not allow
enough space
for the socket to fit over the nut.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a hollow space 160 is provided between
upper wall 161 and lower wall 162. On upper wall 161, a multiplicity of the
largest holes
153 may be drilled/ stamped/cut into intermediary structure 120. In some
preferred
embodiments, holes 153 are 200% (or more) greater in diameter (20-35 mm, for
example, in embodiments having 10-12 mm diameter openings 152) than holes 152.
In one embodiment, on the diametrically opposite side of the intermediary
structure from the previously drilled large holes, larger holes may be drilled
to allow for
manual placement (dropping) of the appropriate fasteners into what will be an
easily
13
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
visible, easily accessible, open female threaded insert situated in the mass
which will be
placed below the upper holes.
To prepare for the unification of the intermediary structure and the PC,
several
sets of holes 151 (6 mm, for example) may be drilled in the intermediary
structure (in
preferred implementations within a 2 cm distance of the largest diameter holes
on the
side with the holes of the largest diameter). This proximity of drilling the
small holes
allows for manual placement of preferably about 5 mm thread diameter hex head
nuts
with even larger washers similar to above (to eventually receive the
preferably about 5
mm fasteners).
Regardless of the fastener used between the PC and the intermediary structure,
the base or bottom of the PC is often malleable or somewhat deformable. It is
therefore
preferred to strengthen the connection by the use of washers with the
fasteners. Thus,
in a preferred embodiment, the placement of oversized metal washes (around the
fasteners connecting the intermediary structure to the PC) with a washer
diameter
exceeding (or largest cross measurement of at least 1 cm, most preferably
exceeding
1.5-2 cm) is desirable. Single or multiple (progressively larger) washers may
also be
used to redistribute any possible crowbar/lever forces from the higher
force/unit area
away from the metal of the PC's base immediately adjacent the holes. It is
also
preferable that the holes 151 are made on both (opposite) greatest surface
area sides of
the intermediary structure. This will allow a thin pencil mark or other marker
or drill bit or
metal object the ability to scratch through both holes to make a mark on the
bottom of
the PC for proper later drilling there into the inside of the PC.
Preparing the base of the PC to match the pre-made holes of the intermediary
structure will now be described. The computer should be shut down and
unplugged from
any energy source, after which the sliding latch 141 (usually at the top back
of the
computer) is moved to deploy the side door or expose the PC's components and
inner
sides.
The intermediary structure may be placed against at least a portion of one
side of
the PC (most preferably the base). Using the double drilled holes 151 (in a
preferred
embodiment, of about 6 mm diameter) that are in alignment of the intermediary
structure,
marks may be made on the base of the PC that will be estimated to result in a
drill hole
150 in the bottom of the PC. This will allow for the tool fit, manipulation,
and final resting
of at least one fastener 170 (possibly plus or minus screw head and several
washers)
Once the holes are selected, a scratch or other mark may be made in the
outside
of the chosen side (usually base) of the PC. The intermediary structure may
then be
removed and the areas on the inside of the PC may be protected from the
metallic debris
resulting from drilling into the casing of the PC at the marked areas. Double
stick tape,
14
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
a wad of regular tape, a moist towel, or a small plastic medicine cup rimmed
with double
stick tape may be attached near the expected entrance site to catch the
debris. The hole
150 may be drilled, most preferably with progressively larger drill bits,
starting, for
example, at 2 mm, 4 mm, and finally 6 mm. Once all holes 150 have been drilled
and
reamed, the PC 110 may be stood vertically up, thereby allowing the holes to
be at the
gravitational base. Pressurized gas may also be injected into the computer to
clean any
potential missed metallic drilling debris and blown out of the PC. In an
alternative
embodiment the PC may be fixed to the intermediary structure using strong glue
or other
type of adhesive. In this embodiment drilling in to the PC case can be
avoided.
Creation of the mass 130 will now be described. Various sizes of masses may be
made. However, a standard size may be configured to match aluminum extrusions
that
are roughly the width and length of the average computer base. A wood or
fiberglass
mold may be used to create the mass. In some embodiments, it may be desirable
to
round or bevel the corners of the mass 130 to make it more difficult for a
would-be thief
to pick up the structure. If minor or decorative beveling is desired, then
silicone may be
forced into the corners and edges of a mold for a pleasing appearance. Once
the mold
is ready, threaded inserts 180 may be placed or suspended in their desired
final resting
places to match the large holes 152 on the intermediary structure. Cement or
concrete
may be placed into the mold. In some embodiments, the cement, concrete, or
other
liquid hardening material may be enhanced or strengthened by placing fibers
131 into
the mix, including but not limited to polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene,
and/or
fiberglass. The concrete may also be strengthened by placing metal, preferably
steel,
reinforcing wire 132, usually cut from a grid or woven mat and placing it
preferably in a
middle or lower level of the mass 130. It may be helpful to use a threaded
insert having
a pre-formed base hole-for example, a smaller (smaller than the internal
thread
diameter) base hole in a 10 mm internal thread diameter/16mm external diameter
threaded insert or in a 12 mm internal thread diameter/18 mm external diameter
threaded insert, excluding base extrusions-through which part of the
reinforcing steel
may be passed so as to further enhance strength. Alternatively, such holes may
be
placed in threaded inserts lacking a pre-formed base hole.
In a preferred embodiment, the number of threaded inserts 180 placed in the
face
of the cement to abut the intermediary structure 130 is at least one and
should match the
proper intermediary structure predrilled holes and visa-versa. Placement of
the threaded
inserts may be such that when the concrete has hardened properly their final
resting
place is countersunk below the level of the surrounding concrete, such as by
about 1-2
mm.
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
Unfortunately, the usual tolerance (difference between desired dimension or
placement and final product) for threaded insert placement into concrete under
standard
conditions is about 2-3 mm. In other words, the final product insert may be
off by 2-3
mm. It is noteworthy that the tolerance or error numbers may be additive
between
fixtures.
This is one of the benefits of having the intermediary structure system. The
intermediary structure helps bring/refine the exactitude of a PC down to the
crude
heaviness of stone or stone-like materials. Threaded inserts in the stone or
stone-like
materials or minerals making up the mass preferably number at least two to
prevent
rotation and theft.
It may also be desirable to place one or more threaded inserts in the back
lower
outer locations 133 of the mass (at least 2 cm from any edge to maintain
strength). The
purpose of these threaded inserts, which may somewhat resemble the tail-lights
of a car,
is to receive by screwing motion eye-bolts (bolts with a closed circle at the
outer
terminus). Eyebolt placement allows padlock(s) to join one or more PC/mass
units
together, which makes theft even more difficult.
If the threaded insert is misplaced or a new threaded insert desirable in
another
location, or if it is desired not to associate the threaded insert with the
mold or hardening
concrete, then the threaded inserts may be epoxied or glued into place. A
preferred
implementation of this process is as follows. A masonry drill bit is chosen
that is slightly
larger in both width and depth than the insert to be placed. The hole is
drilled in
sufficiently hardened concrete to match the planned intermediary structure
holed as
mentioned previously. Epoxy made for building fasteners is injected into the
drilled hole.
If the threaded insert also has a hole at its base, then it is beneficial to
place epoxy there
too prior to pushing the threaded insert into the epoxy-containing drilled
hole. The hole
should be drilled deep enough to allow the threaded insert to fit comfortably
and bond in
a position that is preferably slightly counter-sunk, such as by 1-2 mm, for
example.
After having prepared the aforementioned items, some techniques may be used
to facilitate the final attachment process. On the side of the intermediary
structure
intended to abut the PC, epoxy or glue (preferably superglue (cyanoacrylate))
may be
lightly dabbed onto the nut 173 and several progressively larger washers 174
so that
they resist gravity and sit upside down in place and more easily receive the
bolt coming
from within the PC. The largest holes 153 already drilled into the
intermediary structure
120 permit easy manual access to glue the nut 173 and washers 174 to the
"roof" of the
intermediary structure 120. Temporary use of one of the fasteners (that will
be used to
finally attach the PC to the intermediary structure) as a guide may be useful.
16
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
The guide may remain in place temporarily until the superglue has bound the
nut
173 and progressively larger washers 174 temporarily into place. A handheld
tool for
tightening or un-tightening may be made from a common wrench set where in the
distal
end matches the shape of the nut (preferably thin and hex) but limits its
ability to fall
through the receiving end of the wrench by slight obstructions. This slightly
modified
distal end of a wrench may be cut and welded to a length of metal to become
the shaft
and handle to a length sufficient to allow the distal tip to sit under the
most far reaching
nut and restrict its motion while the fastener from within the PC is screwed
into the nut. It
would be exceedingly rare for such a would-be thief to carry such a
specialized tool.
Button head hexagon drive socket screws are a preferred screw design and shape
for
the screws/bolts of used in various embodiments disclosed herein. Other
preferred
screw/bolt types include cylinder head, hex head, pan head, and flat head
screws. Many
of these preferred screw/bolt types may be used to make wrenches virtually
useless in
separating the components of the security system. Again, it is also possible
that the
bolts placed within the PC can have security heads (such as shown in FIG. 7)
so as to
make it even more improbable for a would-be thief to be carrying the proper
tooling for
fast detachment. Security nut shapes are possible as well to fit another
specialized
tightening or un-tightening tool.
Once the attached nuts' and progressively larger washers' glue has dried, the
intermediary structure may be oriented over the matching sites for the mass
threaded
insert attachments. An option exists prior to seating the intermediary
structure over the
mass to completely seal the edge tolerances of the junctions between the
concrete and
the intermediary structure. This option involves placing plastic, preferably
the long axis
of a 'T" cross-sectional shape of plastic (measuring less than 7mm in any
dimension, for
example) into the potential gap between the intermediary structure and the
mass.
Preferably 10 mm diameter threaded fasteners 181 are slid through one or two
lock-
washers 183, followed by one or more of the progressively larger washers 182,
and then
placed through the large median manipulation holes 153 of the intermediary
structure
and through the opposing median intermediary structure holes and into the
threaded
inserts 180 in the mass 130.
A matching shape of "socket/key/driver" to the shape of the recipient location
in
the fasteners may be used to tighten the fasteners into the countersunk
threaded inserts
180 located in the mass. Once the intermediary structure 180 is fastened
firmly to the
mass 130, the PC 110 may be replaced upon the matching holes in the
intermediary
structure 120.
The fasteners (with hex or security shape head key shapes, if desired) are
then
inserted through lock-washers 171, and progressively larger washers 172
(preferably
17
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
between 1-2 cm) and then passed through the holes 150 in the base of the PC
and
screwed into alignment in the recipient acrylate glued nuts 173, lock-washers,
and
progressively larger washers 174 in the intermediary structure. The previously
described
embodiment thus demonstrates a system wherein access is impeded to the
fastening
hardware between the intermediary structure and the mass and between the
electronic
article and the intermediary structure. Of course, other embodiments are
contemplated
in which access to less than all of the fastening hardware, such as at least
one fastening
member, is impeded by the system. Moreover, in other embodiments, access to
only the
fastening hardware between the intermediary structure and the mass may be
impeded,
or access to only the fastening hardware between the electronic article and
the
intermediary structure may be impeded.
Furthermore, additional deterrence to internal access of the electronic
article may
be provided (for example, by an external door padlock or trailer lock). And,
when
selectively positioned, next to a corner or edge, for example, the size and/or
shape of the
mass of the system may prohibit rotation of the device about an axis which
passes
through or close to an external threaded insert sufficiently to release either
of the bolts or
screws or threaded inserts to allow disconnection or theft.
As the fasteners are tightened, the acrylate glue will often break loose and
the
unit will spin and fail to secure. It is as this point that the specialized
extended about
5mm nut receiving wrench may be placed into the intermediary structure just
under the
nut 173 of the unit to be tightened. Whatever computer hardware is in the way
of the
tightening keys or screwdrivers or shaped keys is temporarily removed until
all fasteners
have been placed and tightened sufficiently. The hardware and the side door of
the PC
may then be replaced, thereby closing the side opening 140, and lock 142 may
also be
replaced. Energy and leads may then be reconnected to the PC. The bound unit
is
now ready to be placed atop a protective surface such as inverted carpet
against flooring
or tile, wood or concrete.
The space that is the remainder of the intermediary structure may be utilized
for
security. For example, one or more components may be placed within the
intermediary
structure and/or remaining dead space in the PC such as sensors (motion,
magnetic,
electronic, wired or wireless), detectors (GPS, smoke or heat), alarms
(sounding or
silent), lights (decorative or warning such as strobe, flashing or colored),
gas/vapor/aerosol emitters (such as fire retardant, noxious smell (such as
butyric acid),
toxic emitters (including nerve gas, mace, pepper-capsaiciniods, such as
capsaicin, and
smoke). The intermediary structure may also house other defensive or offensive
measures or countermeasures which may include smoke bombs, stink bombs,
traps/clamps (mouse, rat), rasps, barbs, etc. The intermediary structure may
also
18
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
include a battery, alarm, flashing light, smell, fixed, or moveable sharp
teeth or points,
GPS, electromagnetic spectral sensor, electrical capacitor for electric shock,
fire
extinguisher, physical storage, hiding place, finger print surface retainer,
perpetrator
marking paint, speaker (stating such phrases as "Help, Police, I'm being
stolen" or "Stop
thief"). Still other security measures that may be provided with the system
include flares,
fireworks, incendiary devices, fuses, heating elements, electronic ignitions,
cameras,
paint (able to drip to leave trail and/or airborne distributable to mark the
perpetrator),
odoriferous compounds (for example, butyric acid), and/or a bell clapper
(could strike the
intermediary structure and make it act like a bell thus attracting attention).
In one illustrative embodiment, a speaker connected to a motion sensor may be
connected with an integrated circuit controlling alarm pattern sounds powered
by a
battery. If the bound unit of PC/intermediary structure/mass were to be picked
up, one of
the areas likely to be gripped in the inner upper top portion of the
intermediary structure.
This may be discouraged by affixing angle shaped metal with sharpened teeth or
projections capable of causing discomfort then grasped made from one side of
the angle.
The other side of the angle may be epoxied or acrylate glued to the upper
inner top
portions of the intermediary structure so that the teeth reside where a would-
be-thief's
grip is likely to be placed when absconding with the unit.
Alternatively, tubes can replace angled extrusions by pressing the circular
tubes
in vices or presses until sufficiently flattened. Tubes can maintain their
shape and
replace extrusions if used in a multiplicity however, outer tubes should align
with the
edges of the mass to prevent lever (crowbar) application and be attached
firmly to
centrally located tubes, which may be used to allow the hardware connection
between
the PC and the mass.
In another illustrative embodiment, computer hardware and/or software may be
used to control any combination of the materials/countermeasures mentioned
above to
function in concert. Furthermore, the aforementioned security/countermeasures
may be
secured in the available space in many ways. For example, with respect to the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, an added security component may be secured to
main
bolt 181. Alternatively, a security components may be added by placing the
component(s) in a mesh of dense plastic and attaching the mesh by a standard
(in the
field of electricity) conduit clip. The hole in the conduit clip may be
included in the
passage of main bolt 181 just below lock-washer 183 should the customer choose
to
purchase various extra security components/countermeasures.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an alternative embodiment. As shown in these figures,
a
vertically-positioned PC 310 is moved partially forward along with a portion
of the
intermediary structure, thereby causing the bound unit of PC and intermediary
structure
19
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
320 to override and overhang the mass 330. This formation is intended to give
the
illusion of a "floating PC" and may also provide some footspace under the
front of the
PC.
FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a vertically positioned PC 310 and intermediary
structure 320 bound unit fastened in a fashion to overhang over the mass 330
to give the
illusion of a "floating PC" because of eyesight viewing angle 312. As can be
seen from
this figure, the electronic article 310 is secured to the intermediary
structure 320 such
that the electronic article 310 extends substantially beyond an end of the
intermediary
structure 320 and substantially beyond an end of the mass 330. Note computer
power
plugs 311 and cords and information transfer plugs and cords usually require 6-
10cm
clearance from a wall anyway because of rigidity of these cords. Therefore,
moving the
mass back does not result in a loss of space or distance from a wall. Fan 314
also
requires airspace for airflow. Care must be maintained to consider the center
of gravity
so the PC does not fall forward if one were to attempt a mass of smaller
weight and
dimensions or lighter concrete (aerated for example).
In an alternative embodiment, the hardware (bolts and nuts) fastening the PC
310
and intermediary structure 320 may enhance tamper resistance by use of a tube-
washer-
complex. The tube-washer-complex may be comprised of a tube 391, one or more
larger washers 398 and one or more smaller washers. The tube may be located
adjacent to or bonded to one or more large washers. If metal, the tube may be
welded to
a large washer, preferably of outer diameter equal to or greater than the
outer diameter
of the tube, and of inner diameter capable of receiving bolt 381 (preferably
exceeding
5mm diameter threads). Welding a metal washer to the tube can reduce the
ability of a
tool to deform the washer and may enhance the washer's ability to resist
tampering from
prying instruments such as a chisels. Tube-washer-complexes applied to both
the top
391 A and bottom 391 B ends of a particular hardware grouping can offer
additional
resistance to tampering once contained bolt 381 is sufficiently screw-
tightened into its
opposing lock nut.
A tube selected for a tube-washer complex, is preferably comprised of a metal
such as steel, and has an internal diameter exceeding the external diameter of
a socket-
wrench-probe and a height less than the height of the socket portion of a
socket wrench,
excluding the handle and shaft. The socket-wrench-probe may be constructed of
metal
shaft 396 fastened, bonded or welded to the base of socket portion 397 of a
socket
wrench. It may be beneficial if the outer diameter of the socket or external
washers in
the socket-wrench probe would still allow passage past
impediments/obstructions 389
placed in the intermediary structure 320. Impediments/obstructions 389 are
preferably
right angle or'U' shaped metal such as aluminum or steel exceeding 2mm
thickness and
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
may be rivet fastened to the inner, upper portion of the intermediary
structure (preferably
an aluminum extrusion). The socket end portion 397 of the socket-wrench-probe
may
need to be rotated axially to bypass the impediments/obstructions 389.
The shaft of the socket-wrench-probe preferably exceeds the length of the
intermediary structure 320 and preferably less than 3mm thick or 12mm wide;
the socket
portion 397 welded to the shaft is preferably less than 15mm diameter. The
socket-
wrench-probe and tube-washer-complex are preferably used as follows: the tube-
washer-complex is loaded with a small washer (preferably metal with a hole
large
enough to allow passage of bolt 381) of outer diameter less than the internal
diameter of
the tube, followed by a small reduced-friction washer (preferably comprised of
polytetrafluroethylene) or lubricated ball bearings, followed by a small
washer (preferably
metal with a hole large enough to allow passage of bolt 381). The socket-
wrench-probe
is loaded with a lock washer 397 (preferably metal with a friction ring of
polyamide)
capable of receiving bolt 381. The loaded socket-wrench-probe is then fit into
the loaded
tube-washer-complex and the probe and complex are passed through the
intermediary
structure until the large washer 398 hole is aligned with bolt 381. The
portion of the
probe handle lying outside the intermediary structure may be forced in such a
fashion to
bring rotating bolt 381 through washer 398 and the other contained aligned
washers into
locknut 397. The purpose of the reduced friction is that a locknut cannot be
undone
unless some friction or force can be exerted upon it while an attached bolt is
in motion;
thus a prying device acting upon the junction washer 398 and intermediary
structure 320
would eventually have reduced forces applied upon locknut 397 after more than
a few
turns, additionally, tube 391 surrounding locknut 397 would be difficult to
collapse
against the locknut by pliers or other means because of limited space within
the
intermediary structure.
In one embodiment, as also shown in FIG. 4, the system may have at least one
threaded insert 390 placed and hardened into the rear of the mass at a lower
edge of a
shorter vertical side end of the mass 330. Alternatively, threaded inserts may
be placed
in other surfaces of the mass, preferably the lower regions of the mass. In
some
embodiments, these inserts may be positioned such that they are sufficiently
spaced
from the edges of the mass to resist removal by hammer chipping. The threaded
inserts
may have a size of 10 mm for the threaded inner, and may have an outer
dimension 16
mm, and may have a depth of 35 mm depth. Alternatively, the threaded inserts
may
have an inner dimension of 12 mm, a depth, of 50 mm, and an outer dimension of
18
mm). An appropriately sized eyebolt 392 may be screwed into the matching sized
threaded insert. The base of system may have a plurality of bevels which can
enable the
user to alter the placement, accessibility of threaded inserts and thus
possible theft
21
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
resistance. A bevel 331 at the rear of the base may contain the orifice of a
threaded
insert 380 into which may be screwed eyebolt 395. The location and orientation
of
such an eyebolt may facilitate locking with a floor eyebolt. Increasing the
bottom bevels
of the base, forward and especially aft/back increases the difficulty to pick
up and carry
off the unit, and may aid in hiding or sequesters the eyebolt/threaded inserts
or wood
screws thus increasing the level of difficulty of tampering by saw or bolt-
cutters.
The floor, or other surface such as a wall or cabinet, may also have an
eyebolt
393 fixedly attached thereto. Eyebolt 393 may be screwed through the hole in
the floor
or placed into a threaded insert in the floor. The eyebolt 392 or 395 in one
of the
threaded insert of the mass 330 may then be padlocked 394 into the eyebolt or
eyescrew
393 of the floor. Thus, the mass is coupled to an external fixture to inhibit
removal.
Installing the system within around one-half of the length of the base plus
electronic
article form a wall, corner or large immovable object prevents a potential
thief from being
able to move or rotate the system sufficiently to unscrew any of the eyebolts
from the
threaded inserts. Installing the system in close proximity to walls, corners
or large
immovable objects can also serve to inhibit access to the coupling mechanism,
for
example to make sawing through any coupling members or compromising any locks
difficult, due to the bulk of the system and the proximity of immovable
obstructions. The
distance from the wall or other obstacles required to inhibit access to the
eyebolts or
inhibit rotation of the mass and article in combination can be tested using a
"spin test" to
determine a suitable position to secure the mass. It may be determined that
this
distance from the wall or other obstacle may be more or less than one half the
base
length of the mass depending on the geometry of the space in which the
electronic
article is being secured.
An eyebolt or eyescrew can be applied to the floor or wall or large immovable
object which can, in turn, be locked or fastened to the eyebolts on the mass.
Many types
of locks may be used, including padlocks and discus-locks. Although an example
has
been given using eyebolts as coupling members attached to the mass and the
floor,
other types of coupling are envisaged. For example, drop-in anchor, hammer
drive
anchor or Dynabolts may be used to secure fittings in concrete floors. A
person skilled in
the art should appreciate that any suitable type of coupling mechanism may be
employed and all such alternatives presently known and to be developed in the
future
are envisaged.
One or more threaded inserts may be placed in the mass to match the uniform
distribution distance of the holes in the intermediary structure. In this way,
the
PC/intermediary structure combination may be "marched" forward to override the
mass
by a variety of uniform multiples of distance (that distance being the
distance between
22
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
the center of each intermediary structure hole which should match or equal the
distance
between the uniformly spaced threaded inserts in the mass). Again, placement
of the
threaded inserts may be such that when the concrete has hardened properly
their final
resting place is countersunk below the level of the surrounding concrete by
about 1-2mm
and a short distance (preferably at least 2 cm) from any edge to maintain
strength. If the
threaded insert is improperly placed or a new threaded insert desirable in
another
location, or if it is desired not to associate the threaded insert with the
mold or hardening
concrete then the threaded inserts may be epoxied or glued into place as
previously
described.
The preferred embodiment of this design is created similarly to the embodiment
of Figures 1 and 2 with the following enhancements. On the intermediary
structure's
side of greatest surface area, at least one 15-20 mm hole (holes preferably at
least 10%
larger than the threaded diameter) are cut, dye stamped or drilled, preferably
on along
the middle axis and a matching separation distance (between 5-20 cm, for
example) in a
uniform distribution.
One or more threaded inserts may be placed in the mass to match the uniform
distribution distance of the holes in the intermediary structure. In this way,
the
PC/intermediary structure combination may be "marched" forward to override the
mass
by a variety of uniform multiples of distance (that distance being the
distance between
the center of each intermediary structure hole which should match or equal the
distance
between the uniformly spaced threaded inserts in the mass). Again, placement
of the
threaded inserts may be such that when the concrete has hardened properly
their final
resting place is countersunk below the level of the surrounding concrete by
about 1-2mm
and a short distance (preferably at least 2 cm) from any edge to maintain
strength. If the
threaded insert is improperly placed or a new threaded insert desirable in
another
location, or if it is desired not to associate the threaded insert with the
mold or hardening
concrete then the threaded inserts may be epoxied or glued into place as
previously
described.
It is also possible to fasten a PC or another electronic article directly to a
mass.
For example, once the concrete or another hardenable liquid has hardened with
the
threaded insert/fasteners in place, the PC may be placed directly over the
openings of
the threaded inserts in the mass. A marking object may be placed into the
insert to
scratch the desired drill-hole selection into the bottom of the PC, or a paper
transfer
template may be made to transfer the desired drill information to the bottom
of the PC.
Then, the bottom of the PC, with holes drilled, may be placed over the
concrete block
containing the recipient threaded inserts. Non-standard (security shaped
heads, see
23
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
FIG. 7) may be used to provide another layer of security. Using steel concrete
screws is
a possible alternative.
FIG. 5 depicts still another embodiment. The intermediary structure 520 in
this
embodiment is configured to allow the electronic article 510 to be moved
relative to the
mass 530. More particularly, the intermediary structure 520 includes a means
for
allowing the electronic article 510 to slide relative to the mass 530.
The sliding intermediary structure may be divided into a superior half 523 and
an
inferior half 521. Note the vertically positioned PC 510 fastened on an
intermediary
structure comprised of sliding halves (inferior half 521, wheels 522, and
superior half 523
and superior half extension/encasement 524). The inferior half is fastened to
threaded
inserts 580 in the mass 530 by fasteners, such as button head hexagon drive
socket
screw/bolts 570 and locknuts and progressively larger washers or other
fasteners,
recipients and counterparts. The preferred shape to the inferior half is a 'U'
(of similar
dimensions and characteristics to the lower portion of the previously
described
rectangular cross section aluminum extrusions) and may contain outwardly
placed and
superiorly protruding wheels, or bearings (in a channel). The preferred shape
of the
superior half of the sliding unit is an inverted 'U' that is appropriately
wider than and
extends over the inferior half's wheels (or bearings as the case may be) and
also is
formed/bent to capture and restrict motion about the lowermost aspects of the
wheels.
The remainder of the assembly and attachments to the PC and mass of the
sliding device are similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2 regarding attachments
and
fasteners. This is because the central and axial aspects of the superior and
inferior
halves are designed to be similar to maintain uniformity in their drill hole
and fixation
sites.
FIG. 6 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5. This formation may be
locked in place by such methods as an eye loop bolt and padlock and give a
more
variable illusion of a 'floating PC' which provides footspace under the front
of the PC.
FIG. 7 illustrates some examples of non-standard Drive Socket Screw/bolt
shaped heads for added security. The hole in the top of the bolt may also be
filled with a
substance that may be reversibly removed so as to make theft by defeating or
breaking
the casing lock and unscrewing the screw/bolt heads and even more difficult.
Such
substances may include acrylate glues, epoxies, waxes, and plastics or shaped
plugs.
FIG. 8 illustrates views of the frontal cross section of a mass of various
other
preferred embodiments. In FIG. 8A, note the L-shaped mass 831 that may be
shaped in
and/or attached to concrete. Note further that this embodiment may, but need
not,
placed extend all the way to the top of a PC and/or completely to the
posterior.
24
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
In FIG. 8B, note the inverted 'T' shape, wherein the mass 832 is shaped to
accommodate at least two PCs 810 and/or intermediary structures 820.
In FIG. 8C, note the partial 'U' shaped mass 833, wherein a recessed region is
formed in the mass to accommodate the PC 810 and/or intermediary structure
820. This
design lowers the center of gravity for the PC. It also allows a lower height
to the overall
unit for use under desks of limited size or height.
In FIG. 8D, note the inwardly formed partial 'U' shaped mass 834, wherein a
groove is formed in the mass to accommodate a trapezoidal (possibly sliding or
advancing, with restriction) version of an intermediary structure 821.
In FIG. 8E, note the completely encasing 'U' shaped mass 835 with a large
groove (that preferably does not extend through either the front or the back
end of the
concrete) is formed therein. Also shown are laterally placed steel (8mm x
40mm, for
example) steel straps 836 with drilled holes 837 (17 mm, for example). The
steel straps
are sunk deep in the mass 835. Restraint may be made in this embodiment by
standard
hardware, cables, and locks placed across holes 837.
FIGS. 9 and 10 depict alternative embodiments having various internal
modifications to be preferably used in connection with the intermediary
structure. The
embodiment of FIG. 9 includes metal teeth 921 and plastic teeth cover 922.
Cover 922
comprises an upper surface that matches teeth 921 to cover teeth 921 when the
owner
needs to briefly lift on the area 921.
The ends of the intermediary structure may be modified to make it difficult
for a
would-be-thief to lift up the composite PC, intermediary structure, mass unit.
As it is
natural for said thief to lift the unit at the intermediary structure top end
areas, these
locations may be modified by epoxying, or riveting in angle shaped metal such
as
aluminum wherein one angle limb has been formed into sharp projections or
teeth 921.
These teeth may also be made from a metal hinge which is left in the down
position and
occludes much of the opening of the intermediary structure. When a hand is
inserted in
the end of the intermediary structure, the hand pushes in the hinged teeth and
pulling the
hand back out pulls the teeth out but occludes the passage thus catching the
hand of the
perpetrator in the intermediary structure's hinged teeth.
FIG. 10 illustrates other modifications for intermediary structure 923,
including a
motion sensor 924, central processing unit 925, battery 926, and siren/speaker
927
preferably at least 110dB. These devices may be located towards the center of
the
intermediary structure to thwart unwanted disabling.
Upon detecting that the PC has been moved, the motion sensor may trigger the
CPU to send a signal to the alarm unit to emit a loud sound that will continue
while the
perpetrator runs carrying what may be a heavy object (that may even be painted
with
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
fluorescent paint `stolen' on the bottom of the mass). The intermediary
structure may
also contain a cellphone, antenna, or another transmitter, receiver, or
transceiver that
may send and/or receive information or communications over the electromagnetic
spectrum.
FIG. 11 depicts yet another embodiment that is particularly desirable for use
in
connection with securing laptop computers. The system includes a vertically
positioned
laptop-PC 1111 releaseably encased in a in a metallic or plastic cage 1120,
which is
fastened directly to a body 1130 by fastener 1181 (bolt in a preferred
embodiment) into
fasteners 1180 (threaded inserts in a preferred embodiment). In a preferred
embodiment, threaded inserts 1180 may be positioned such that they are
inaccessible in
the presence of a space-occupying laptop 1111.
The "cage" in this embodiment may be comprised of two or more steel 8mm x
40mm cross-sectional-dimensional "side" restraints 1121 which may be
predrilled at the
top end to accept and lock in the laptop-PC. The bottoms of the side
restraints may also
be predrilled to allow for fixed or adjustable attachment to the body's
recipient threaded
insert 1180. The term "side" here is used to indicate the side of the cage
1120 and body
1130 as a composite security unit and these "sides" actually only contact the
top and
bottom of a laptop (as one refers to a laptop in its traditional position of
sitting closed
laying flat on a desk). The side (really laptop-top and laptop-bottom)
restraints 1121 in
this embodiment are bent in mirror images in the shape of an "L" so that the
bases of the
L may interlock or slide over one another to achieve a desirable `grip' to the
apparent
sides (top and bottom). Pre-drilling superiorly may be done in a plurality of
holes 1122
(17 mm, for example) to accept a lock 1123, such as a standard trailer lock,
and
accommodate varying laptop sizes. Pre-drilling at the bottom may be done as a
slot or
hole (13 mm, for example) to accept an appropriate fastener.
If the siderails are comprised of metals offering greater saw resistance, for
example hardened steel, alloy steel and spring steel, then the ability to
adjust the
distance between side-rails and laptop is less problematic. Fixed side-rails
may be
custom made to fit an individual computer or delivered as a standard size. A
preferred
embodiment of fixed side-rails may be comprised of one or more pieces. Such
fixed
side-rails may be manufactured relatively easily by welding a common
(ordinary) steel
'U'-shaped bottom to 2 spring steel side-rails. Preferably, the lower central
'U' shaped
portion contains a hole through which a bolt may bind the fixed side-rail unit
to a
threaded insert in the laptop model base. A cylinder shaped lock such as a
trailer lock
may be passed through opposing holes in the upper side-rails to restrain the
laptop.
A thinner and smaller (5mm x 20mm, for example) cross-sectional steel L-shaped
slide bar 1190 may be predrilled with one or more holes. An optional slide bar
may be
26
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
used to prevent movement of the laptop within the mass in its longitudinal
axis by
restraining the rotation or movement of the laptop about its smallest axis.
The slide bar
1190 may be variably positioned when tightened into the threaded insert along
with the
side restraints or may be releaseably fastened at another location on the mass
or the
"side" restraints.
In an alternative embodiment, the side restraints may be collapsible such that
they may be selectively extended above the mass. In other words, each of the
side
restraints may be configured to extend above the mass and then be selectively
collapsed
within, next to, or at a lower height above, the mass. For example, the
collapsible side
restraints may each comprise a plurality of telescoping side restraint members
such that
the telescoping side restraint members may be collapsed by telescoping the
members
together and thereby withdrawing the side restraints within the mass.
Alternatively, a
hinge and/or latch system may be used to selectively collapse and extend the
side
restraints.
Alternatively the side restraints may be formed using two or more interlocking
portions adapted to be manually engaged and disengaged, wherein in the
presence of
the space occupying laptop the interlocking portions cannot be disengaged. For
example, as illustrated in Figures 16A-D the side restraints may comprise
first L shaped
portions 1623, 1624, adapted to be attached to the body as described above.
The L
shaped portions 1623, 1624 may reside entirely within the cavity of the body,
and be
connectable to further side restraint portions 1621, 1629 to extend the side
restraints
external to the cavity to accommodate a laptop. In an embodiment the L shaped
portions 1623, 1624 can be engaged with the further side portions 1621, 1629
using an
interference-fit locking mechanism. For example, one portion of the side
restraint 1623
can have a projection having a locking head 1627, for example having a
rectangular
shape, adapted to be passed through one or one or more cooperatively shaped
apertures 1626 in another portion of the side restraint 1621 when the two
portions are
rotated relative to each other. For example, the head 1627 and aperture 1626
may only
match to enable the head 1627 to pass through the aperture 1626 at 90
relative rotation.
Once the two portions of the side restraints 1621, 1623 are aligned,
interference
between the head 1627 and the surface of the side restrain 1621 adjacent the
aperture
prevents the two portions 1621, 1623 being separated. Presence of the laptop
prevents
the two portions 1621, 1623 of the side restraint from being disengaged by
limiting
movement. Further limitation of relative movement can be caused by protective
sleeves,
as illustrated in figures 14c, 14d & 14e, placed about the area where the
portions of the
side restraints are joined. It should be appreciated that each side restraint
may comprise
more than one portion. Use of more than two portions may enable the length of
the side
27
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
restraints to be adjusted to accommodate different sized laptops. For example,
one or
more portions may be omitted depending on the size of the laptop, or a set of
different
length side rail portions may be provided for use with different laptop sizes.
Further,
more than one cooperatively shaped aperture may be provided to also enable
adjustment of the side restraint length.
Access to the binding mechanism 1191 between the laptop-PC cage may be
provided only once the standard lock or trailer-hitch lock 1123 connecting two
or more
portions of the cage sitting atop the laptop has been unlocked and the laptop
removed.
The base and/or sides of the cage may have one or more predrilled holes
allowing
releasable attachment via, in this embodiment, a screw/bolt into a female
threaded insert
1180, or inserts, which may be placed into hardening concrete, for example. To
reduce
the ability of a saw to attack the cage, in one of the few regions where
sawing may
damage the contained PC the least, that being near the junction of lock 1123
and holes
1122 of "side" restraint 1121, hardened alloy inserts may be adjustably or
fixedly
attached; the hardened alloy inserts may bear holes or portions of holes, and
may be
shaped to block perpetrator tool access or shift to thwart efficient tool
movement or may
be formed to partly cover portions of "side" restraints by slide-able, clip-
able or other
means; inserts with boron are a preferred hardened alloy insert, other
preferred inserts
may contain chromium, manganese, vanadium, carbon, tungsten, or titanium. A
tight fit
between laptop 1111 and lock 1123 may be improved by placing a length of space
occupying material above fastener 1181 and along the inside bottom, or hollow,
of mass
1130 where the laptop rests. Adding such space occupying material may provide
cushioning as well as force the laptop directly superiorly into the horizontal
section of the
lock between "side" restraints 1122. For use with an alternative embodiment,
such
space occupying material may be soft and may include but not be limited to
plastic,
rubber, foam, carpet, cotton fabric, synthetic fabric and wood. It may also be
beneficial
to minimize space between laptop 1111 and "side" restraints 1122; minimizing
said
space would thwart attempts to defeat 1122 by hacksaw increasing the chances
of saw
damage to the contained laptop thus reducing potential salability of the
electronic article.
The space between laptop 1111 and "side" restraints 1122 may be minimized by
placing
a spacer between "side" restraint 1122 and the enlarged portions (usually the
ends) of
lock 1123. Such spacers, in an alternative embodiment, may be applied around
all, or a
portion of, the circumference of the shaft of lock 1123 external to "side"
restraints 1121 to
force "side" restraints 1121 near to laptop 1111 thus minimizing gaps. Such
spacers
may include but not be limited to, washers, tubes, clamps, hollow conduits and
nuts;
such spacers may be made of hardened steel or alloys to resist tampering. Such
28
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
spacers may also make it more difficult and time consuming to compromise the
cage to
steal the secured article, thus, further deterring theft.
The cavity of the body may be shaped to provide space below the laptop in
which
additional articles, such as wallet, mobile phone, camera, peripheral device
for the laptop
etc, may also be secured. It should be appreciated that once the laptop is
secured within
the cavity access is inhibited to the articles stored in one or more cavities
below the
laptop. Lids or covers may be provided for such cavities to ensure that very
small
articles, such as coins or jewelry, cannot slip out of the cavity and past the
laptop if any
space remains between the laptop and the sides of the cavity, which may be the
case
with very thin laptops.
In yet another embodiment, the system may be made larger to capacitate a
desktop-PC by enlarging the mass, in conjunction with enlarging the "side"
restraints to
capacitate various sized desktop-PC units, with or without creating a
depression in the
mass to capacitate or surround a portion of the lowermost bottom portion of a
desktop-
PC, with or without enlarging the locking mechanism; if no desktop-PC fitting
depression
is made in the mass, the mass may also be depressed in areas sufficient to
allow "side
restraint" passage, and may also allow one or more slide bars passage beneath
the
desktop-PC to the mass's sequestered threaded insert and bolt. Other preferred
types
of "side" restraints may be of hardened steel, if added security is desired by
consumers
willing to bear the additional costs.
FIG. 12 depicts a frontal (and slightly L oblique) view of a plastic mold kit
for
personal making of a concrete mass in a 'U' shape as previously seen in FIG.
8C. A
polymeric casing 1200 of, for example, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, or
polypropylene,
or some other hydrocarbon-based material, may be made in the form of a desired
mass
shape. A strong wire or other type of draw string 1201 may be incorporated
into the
polymeric mold in at least one circumference. To discourage multiple uses per
mold, the
drawstring may be located in a lower portion (such as lower third) of the
mold.
Following appropriate hardening of the contained concrete, cement, or other
hardenable liquid, the draw string may be pulled, thereby tearing open and
releasing the
contained shape. Pre-fabricated inward dimples 1202 in the surface of the mold
may be
used to form recipient fastening devices, such as threaded inserts 1271
(preassembled
into mold by screwing or gluing to seal) so that the mold holds fast the
fastener in
position while the concrete mix dries.
Again, it may be beneficial if the inner dimple(s) matches the recipient site
relatively closely so as to exclude significant concrete from entering and
fouling the
fastening device. The plastic mold could also act as its own container for dry
cement
lumps, granules, and powder whereupon after purchase the cement could be
poured out
29
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
of the mold, mixed with water or other ingredients such as cement-
strengthening
polymeric fibers 1203 (polypropylene, fiberglass, polyester, nylon, for
example) and
reinserted via larger pour holes 1204 in the gravitationally superior aspects
of the intact
mold. Smaller air vents 1206 at the top of the gravitationally seated mold may
also be
provided so as to allow cement to rise unrestricted by any pressurized air
bubbles.
The insides of the mold may also be formed to give a wood or other grain-like
appearance 1205. The inside of the mold may also be painted or pigmented in
such a
way that the pigments or paints would be imparted to the drying or setting
concrete or
cement surface.
Various embodiments disclosed herein may also be used to secure a laptop or
another electronic article within a vehicle. For example, an eyebolt can be
connected to
seatbelt fixation hardware (often a recessed STEEL rod in a cup). Thus, for
example,
the eyebolt can be padlocked to the seatbelt fixation hardware with a hardened
steel
quality extended shackle lock.
In one embodiment, the system may have at least one threaded insert placed and
hardened into the rear of the body at a lower edge of a shorter vertical side
end of the
body. Alternatively, threaded inserts may be placed in other surfaces of the
body,
preferably the lower regions of the body. In some embodiments, these inserts
may be
positioned such that they are sufficiently spaced from the edges of the mass
to resist
removal by hammer chipping.
An appropriately sized eyebolt may be screwed into the matching sized threaded
insert. A vehicle (bus, van, boat, etc) may also have fixedly attached thereto
(by a
mechanic or properly skilled individual) a seat belt anchor plate (for
example, 80 mm x
50 mm, 3mm thick with 7/16 inch cap and nut). This may be, for example,
attached to
the floor and/or trunk of the vehicle. The plate may be riveted into the
vehicle (preferably
near the hump close to the front of a seat to reduce the ability to twist out
the unit and
reduce access for a hacksaw or bolt cutters). The eyebolt may then be screwed
through
the hole in the floor into the opposing side of the plate that is on the
underside of the car.
The eyebolt in the threaded insert of the mass may then be padlocked into the
eyebolt of
the seatbelt anchor plate.
The laptop embodiment may have at least one threaded insert 1490 placed and
hardened into the rear of the mass at a lower edge of a shorter vertical side
end of the
mass, such as is shown in FIG. 14B, or another side. The threaded inserts may
have an
internal size of 10 mm for the threaded inner diameter, may have an outer
dimension of
16 mm, and may have a depth of 35 mm. Alternatively, the threaded inserts may
have
an inner dimension of 12 mm, a depth of 50 mm, and an outer dimension of 18
mm. An
appropriately sized eyebolt 1491 may be screwed into the matching sized
threaded
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
insert. The vehicle (bus, van, boat, etc) may also have fixedly attached
thereto one or
more modified seat belt anchor plates.
In one embodiment, a coupling mechanism may be provided, as shown in FIG.
13, which is configured to couple any of the electronic article/mass systems
described
herein to an external fixture. External fixtures may be any fixed, external
(external to the
electronic article/mass system) surface or object, such as a seat rail 1303 in
a vehicle, a
wall, a floor, or the like. The coupling mechanism shown in this figure
comprises first and
second coupling members, 1301 and 1302, respectively. The coupling mechanism
is
configured to block access to a fastening member 1320 that is used to connect
the
coupling mechanism to a fixed, external surface 1303. In the depicted
embodiment, the
first and second coupling members both comprise plates.
Thus, an inferior plate 1301 may be fastened over the seat rail 1303,
preferably at
the rear of the driver's seat or rear of the front passenger's seat, and be
fastened as the
seat rail bolt 1320 passes through a hole 1311 in the inferior plate and then
through a
hole 1313 in the seat rail and into the anchor point of the vehicle (not shown
in the figure).
The seat rail bolt 1320 may blocked, or at least made to be less accessible to
tampering,
by having a superior overlying plate 1302 overlaying the rail bolt head 1320.
The
superior plate 1302 may also have a hole 1312 to allow passage of an eyebolt
1324
through and into a hole 1321 in the inferior plate (which has a recipient nut
1322 awaiting
on or about its underside), which may be affixed to the underside of the
inferior plate by
welding.
At least one protrusion 1332 from the superior plate may also be included to
prevent motion that might uncover the seat rail bolt. Alternatively, a seat
belt restraint
plate may be riveted into the floor of the car (preferably near the hump close
to the front
of a seat to reduce the ability to twist out the unit and thereby reduce
access for a
hacksaw or bolt cutters). Alternatively, the trunk of the car may be chosen
for
attachment. The eyebolt may then be screwed through the hole in the floor into
the
opposing side of the plate that is on the underside of the car. The eyebolt in
the
threaded insert of the mass may then be locked, such as padlocked, together
with the
eyebolt of the seatbelt anchor plate or affixed seat railing plate. When
properly
positioned, such as next to a corner or edge, the size, shape, and/or mass of
the system
may help prevent rotation of the unit sufficiently to release either of the
bolts or screws or
threaded inserts so as to allow theft.
FIGURES 14A-E depict another embodiment that is particularly desirable for use
in connection with securing laptop computers. The depicted system includes a
vertically
positioned laptop-PC 1411 that is releasably partially encased in an
intermediary
structure 1421, which is, in turn, attached to a body 1430. Body 1430
comprises
31
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
superior portion 1431 and inferior portion 1432. In this embodiment,
intermediary
structure 1421 comprises a metallic or plastic cage, which is made up of two
complimentary side restraints 1421. The intermediary structure 1421, may be
fastened
directly to body 1430 by fasteners (including threaded insert 1480 in a
preferred
embodiment and matching bolt 1481). Inferior portion 1432 may be thicker and
more
solid and may contain thicker reinforcing steel 1434. Superior portion 1431
may be
partly hollow to capacitate article 1411, in this example a laptop-PC with
surrounding slot
1415.
At least a portion of superior portion 1431 of the mass (or an object
extending
from the superior portion of the mass) surrounds a portion of the electronic
article.
Depending upon the shape of the embodiment, the "side" restraints 1421 may be
permitted to pass in spaces 1434. The superior portion 1431 of the mass 1430
may
contain reinforcing matter, preferably metal 1433, and, most economically,
steel. In a
preferred embodiment, bolt 1481 and threaded inserts 1480 may be positioned
such that
they are inaccessible in the presence of a space-occupying electronic article
or laptop
1411. The "cage" in this embodiment may be comprised of two or more steel 8mm
x
40mm cross-sectional-dimensional "side" restraints 1421, some of which may be
predrilled at the top end to accept a locking mechanism to lock in the laptop-
PC. The
bottoms of the side restraints may also be predrilled to allow for fixed or
adjustable (via
slots) attachment to the body's recipient threaded insert 1480 via bolt 1481.
The term
"side" here is used to indicate the side of the cage and body 1430 as a
composite
security unit and these "sides" may contact only the top and bottom surfaces
of a laptop
(as one refers to a laptop in its traditional position of sitting closed
laying flat on a desk).
The side (really laptop-top and laptop-bottom) restraints 1421 in this
embodiment
may be bent in mirror images, both in the shape of an "L", so that the bases
of the "L's"
may interlock or slide over one another to achieve a desirable 'grip' to the
apparent sides
(top and bottom) of the laptop. With a proper 'grip,' hacksawing a "side"
restraint would
likely damage the adjacent electronic article thus rendering it less saleable.
Pre-drilling
superiorly may be done in a plurality of holes 1422 (17 mm, for example) to
accept a
lock, such as a standard trailer lock, and accommodate varying laptop sizes.
Pre-drilling
at the bottom may be done as a slot or hole (13 mm, for example) to accept an
appropriate fastener. A slide bar may be used to prevent movement of the
laptop within
the mass by restraining the rotation or movement of the laptop within the
1415.
Access to the binding mechanism, or as suggested in this example bolt 1481,
between the laptop-PC cage may be provided only once the standard lock or
trailer-hitch
lock connecting two or more portions of the cage sitting atop the laptop has
been
unlocked and the laptop removed. A system is thus demonstrated wherein the
presence
32
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
of the electronic article impedes access to fastening hardware. More
particularly, in the
depicted embodiment, the presence of the electronic article renders
inaccessible at least
one of the fastening hardware pieces between the intermediary structure and
the body.
In an embodiment the threaded insert 1480 may extend through the body to
enable the
bolt 1481 or other binding mechanism to form part of the coupling mechanism
for
coupling the body to a fixture, for example the bolt 1481 may be adapted to be
permanently screwed into the floor. Alternatively in such an embodiment the
bolt 1481
may be substituted for a fastener, such as a U-bolt or strap, which can loop
through or
attach to a fixture such as a car seat rail. The fastener can then extend
through the
aperture 1480 into the cavity of the body to be secured, for example using a
lock, bolt or
screw. Thus, the presence of the laptop secured in the cavity will impede
access to both
the coupling mechanism and the binding mechanism. The fastener can form part
of both
the coupling mechanism for attaching the body to a fixture, and the binding
mechanism
for securing the intermediary structure. An advantage of this arrangement is
that only
one fastener needs to be released to remove and disassemble the system when it
is not
in use or to move the system to a different vehicle.
The base and/or sides of the `cage' may have one or more predrilled holes
allowing releasable attachment via, in this embodiment, a screw/bolt into a
female
threaded insert 1480, or inserts, which may be placed into hardening concrete,
for
example. An option exists to fortify the system even further for the customer;
this option
is more costly, but allows for reducing the ability of a saw to attack the
cage. In one of
the few regions where sawing may damage the contained PC the least, that being
near
the junction of the lock and holes 1422 of "side" restraint 1421, one or more
reinforcing
sleeves 1416 may be provided. In one embodiment, a hardened alloy sleeve 1416
may
be adjustably or fixedly attached to one or more "side" restraints 1421. The
hardened
alloy sleeves 1416 may bear holes 1428 or portions of holes, and may be shaped
to
block perpetrator tool access or shift to thwart efficient tool movement or
may be formed
to partly cover portions of "side" restraints by slide-able (see possible
slide path 1417),
clip-able, clamp-able or other means. An example of a sleeve having four bends
is
illustrated in figures 14c, 14d, and 14e, this sleeve 1416 wraps around the
side restraint
1428 such that all surfaces of the side restraint are contacted by the sleeve.
However, a
sleeve having a U shaped cross section with only two bends is also envisaged.
Such a
sleeve may be lower in cost to produce than a four bend sleeve while still
providing
adequate additional protection. For example, if the side restraints are
positioned such
that to bend the sleeve would cause damage to the laptop. Examples of
materials
suitable for use in forming a reinforcing sleeve include boron, chromium,
manganese,
vanadium, carbon, tungsten, and titanium alloys.
33
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
As previously discussed, depending upon the shape of the embodiment, the
"side" restraints may be permitted to pass in spaces 1434 of the mass 1430.
Slot 1434
may be made to extend from portion 1431 into portion 1432, so as to allow
greater
positioning variability. A sufficiently large space differential between slot
1434 and
"side" restraint 1421 may allow sleeve 1416 to slide freely along a path, such
as 1417,
such that the rim of the superior portion 1431 of the mass "protects"
uncovered "side"
restraint 1421, thus allowing a given length of sleeve 1416 to protect a wider
variety of
sizes of electronic articles while allowing hole 1428 to align with a hole
chosen, such as
1422, through which to secure the entire system with a lock, such as a trailer
lock.
In laptop embodiments, it may be desirable to have the cage closely
approximate
the width of the contained electronic article because such measures as hack
sawing to
defeat the security device would likely result in damaging the electronic
article, thereby
reducing salability. Electronic articles, especially laptops, are becoming
progressively
thinner. In one embodiment described above, the horizontal portions of the
L's, when
fastened onto the body, display an overriding/overlying L and an
underlying/inferior L.
This arrangement enables the distance between the two side restraints to be
adjusted to
accommodate different laptops. Once the fastener 1581 is tightened the side
restraints
are held in position at the appropriate width. The horizontal portions of the
L-shaped
side restraints may be slotted with a minimal dimension exceeding the width of
the bolt
used to fasten the L's to the mass's threaded insert, therefore the vertical
portions of the
two L-shaped side restraints can only come as close as the horizontal length
of the
overriding L (because the horizontal edge of the overriding L collides with
the area
adjacent the bend in the underlying L). In such an embodiment, a laptop
thinner than
the horizontal dimension of the overlying L, would show gaps between laptop
and the
`cage' or side restraints (totaling the difference between the horizontal
dimension of the
overlying L and the thickness of the laptop).
Because gaps between the electronic article and the cage may be undesirable,
in
alternative embodiment, to allow a tighter fit, modifications may be made in
and/or near
the horizontal portion of the L's. For example, as shown in the embodiment of
FIGS.
15A and 15B, the horizontal portion of the overlying L or side restraint 1521
may have
projections 1521 A and 1521 B that may pass through corresponding openings,
1529A
and 1529B, respectively, in portions of the underlying L-shaped side restraint
1529.
Opposing side restraint 1529 also comprises a lower horizontal member 1560
which has a slotted opening 1561 formed therein. Thus, as the opposing L-
shaped side
restraints 1521 and 1529 are pushed toward each other prior to tightening of a
fastener
1581, interference between side restraint 1529 and projections 1521 A and 1521
B does
not occur. As also seen in these figures, fastener 1581 (along with, if
desired, washer
34
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
1582) fits through slotted opening 1561 and is received within threaded insert
1580, as
shown in FIG. 15B. The size of the gap formed between the upper portions of
the two L-
shaped side restraints 1521 and 1529 may be selectively adjusted by sliding
the side
restraints together and tightening fastener 1581 at a different location along
slotted
opening 1561.
Figure 15C depicts another embodiment for use in connection with securing
laptop computers. The depicted system includes a metal body 1591 attachable to
an
intermediary structure comprising two L-shaped shaped side rails 1593A + 1593B
and
two rotation-torque inhibition rails 1595 and 1596. Body 1591 is preferably
comprised of
a 'U' shaped metal, preferably steel channel measuring 35cm in length, 6.5cm
width,
2cm in height and 3mm in wall thickness. Symmetrical slots 1952 in base 1591
are cut
to allow passage of siderails 1593A + 1593B. Slots 1592 preferably measure
45mm x
6mm and may capacitate and allow sliding of siderails of preferable cross
sectional
dimensions 40mm x 5mm. Siderails 1593A + 1593B are preferably metal of spring
steel
or saw-resistant alloy and measure 36cm in length and may have one or more
holes
1594 of sufficient diameter to capacitate cylindrical, preferably trailer,
lock 1123. Siderails
1593A + 1593B may be 'L' or 'T' shaped or may have an enlargement at one end
to
prevent passage about slot 1592. If 'L'-shaped, the lower part of the 'L'
preferably
measures 4cm. If 'T'-shaped one smaller length preferably measures 4cm and the
other
2cm.
Slots, holes or geometric defects 1597 are cut into the body 1591 to
capacitate
the passage of an eye of a floor-fastened eyebolt 393 or other fixture-
fastened screw or
bolt. For example, floor-fastened screws or bolts may be fastened into the
floor by such
methods as drop-in threaded anchors. Alternatively a U-bolt could be looped
around a
car seat rail or other fixture. A lock or fastener 394 can be applied to the
eyebolt 393 or
other fastener to couple the body to the floor or fixture. It should be
appreciated that
access to the fastener is inhibited by the presence of a laptop secured in
place using the
lock 1123. Slots or holes or geometric defects 1597 may match or align with
similar slots
or holes or geometric defects cut into torque inhibition rails 1595 and 1596.
In an
embodiment the hole 1597 may be aligned with the siderails such that a bolt
used to
fasten the body to the floor or a fixture further form part of the binding
mechanism to
secure the siderails in place. Thus securing the body to the floor or fixture
and securing
the sinderails in place is performed using a single fasterner or lock. Access
to this lock
or fastener is inhibited when the laptop is present and secured.
A series of slots or holes or geometric defects may be made in torque
inhibition rails 1595 and 1596 to achieve adjustability to match a given
laptop's size. It is
preferable that one rail 1595 be longer (and receive more geometric defects)
than the
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
other 1596. 1595 may thus be slid under 1596 for adjustability in passage of
eyebolt 393
(fastened to floor); eyebolt 393 can pass through the slot 1595 in the base as
well as
slots in 1595 and 1596 before being secured by lock 394. The laptop or
electronic article
bound into the aforementioned system by lock 1123 may overlie and protect a
portion of
lock 394. Torque inhibition rails 1595 and 1596 are preferably 'L'- shaped and
made of
5x5Omm spring steel and 1595 preferably measures 41 cm in longest limb by 6cm
in the
shortest limb of 'L' while 1596 preferably measures 10cm in longest limb by
6cm in the
shortest limb of U. Slots, preferably measuring 35x12mm may releaseably
accommodate a range of eyebolts.
Figure 16A depicts another embodiment that is particularly desirable for use
in
connection with securing laptop computers. The depicted system includes an
intermediary structure 1621, which is, in turn, attached to a body 1630. Body
1630 is
comprised of a superior portion 1631 and inferior portion 1632. A hollow or
well 1639
may be provided in or about the location of the internal threaded insert 1680.
The
hollow or well 1639 may be used to store peripheral devices. For example,
flash drives
and memory chips may be stored in the well 1693, obstructed by a laptop when
locked in
place.
In this embodiment, intermediary structure 1621 comprises a metallic or
plastic
cage comprised of two complimentary side restraints 1621 which may interlock
with at
least one adjustable wing 1623. Adjustable wing 1623 may be comprised of at
least one,
preferably metal structure capable of attaching releaseably or non-releaseably
to one or
more side restraints 1621. Adjustable wing 1623 may be made slideable within
the base
by cutting slots, as shown previously to fit with a complimentary adjustable
wing or the
bolt 1681 of threaded insert 1680. Adjustable wing 1623 may be made capable of
attaching releaseably to one or more side restraints 1621 by cutting
complimentary male
and female shapes on or about the areas of attachment. One method, depicted,
is
complimentary squares wherein side restraint 1621 has a smaller peg welded on
the
inferior portion of 1621 with larger metal square-shaped obstruction/male
portion 1627
welded on the opposing side of the smaller peg. Even larger square-shaped
female/hole
1626 is punched or formed into adjustable wing 1623 to accommodate metal
square
obstruction/male portion 1627. It is desirable to have the orientation of
square shapes
between the adjustable wing's square male/obstruction and inferior side
restraint's
female/hole to be about 45 degrees difference.
A laptop may be more tightly fitted within the system in two ways: by placing
padding (such as rubber) in the base under the computer to raise it; and by
ensuring that
the lock is passed through the lowest possible holes 1622 of side restraints.
This fitting
aims to limit the possible movement of the side restraints to less than the 45
degrees
36
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
necessary to release the laptop unless the lock between holes 1622 is
released. The
sliding wing portion 1623 of the intermediary structure, may be fastened
directly to body
1630 by fasteners (including threaded insert 1680 in a preferred embodiment
and
matching bolt 1681).
Again, at least a portion of superior portion 1631 of the body (or an object
extending from the superior portion of the body) surrounds a portion of the
electronic
article. Depending upon the shape of the embodiment, the junction of "side"
restraints
1621 and sliding wing 1623 is preferably hidden between a laptop and body,
superior
portion 1631, but, the junction may be located deeper in well 1639.
The sliding wings 1623 and 1624 in this embodiment may be bent to resemble
mirror images, both in the shape of an "L", so that the bases of the "L's" may
interlock or
slide over one another to achieve a desirable 'grip' to the apparent sides
(top and
bottom) of the laptop when side restraints 1621 are attached. In one
embodiment
described above, the horizontal portions of the L's, when fastened onto the
body, display
an overriding/overlying L and an underlying/inferior L. Again, this
arrangement may
enable the distance between the two side restraints to be adjusted to
accommodate
different laptops. Side restraints may again be fortified by using spring
steel and alloys
including but not limited to silicon, boron, chromium, manganese, vanadium,
carbon,
tungsten, and titanium alloys. Wings may be made of such strong materials,
however
common steel may be easier to forge or punch as are some plastics. Also in
Figure 16a,
metal shields 1692a and 1692b, may be placed about or around eyebolts 1691 or
eyescrews to reduce access to the lock by hacksaws, hammers, etc. Metal
shields
1692a and 1692b, may be placed about or around eyebolts 1692 either passing
over
(1 692a) the threads of the eyebolt (and being secured/sandwiched/compressed
against
the base mass) or passing over (1692b) the entire eye of eyebolt 1692 in a
slotted
fashion (and being restricted by the presence of the padlock shackle). Metal
shields may
be made of hardened spring steel for extra strength. Collared eyebolts are
preferred
fasteners if the base is concrete and eyescrews are preferred fasteners if the
base is
wood. Eyescrews may mimic the strength of a collared eyebolt when a metal
sleeve
sized appropriately is trapped between the eyescrew and the base on tightening
of the
eyescrew.
As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 16B, the horizontal portion of the
overlying L
or sliding wing 1623 may have projections 1621 A and 1621 B that may
interdigitate with
various spaces, 1629A and 1629B, respectively, in portions of the underlying L-
shaped
sliding wing 1624.
Opposing sliding wing 1624 also comprises a lower horizontal member 1660
which has a slotted opening 1661 formed therein. Thus, as the opposing L-
shaped
37
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
sliding wings 1623 and 1624 are moved toward each other prior to tightening of
a
fastener 1681, interference between side restraint 1624 and projections 1621A
and
1621 B does not occur. The size of the gap formed between the upper portions
of the
two L-shaped sliding wings 1623 and 1624 may be selectively adjusted by
sliding the
side restraints together and tightening fastener 1681 at a different location
along slotted
opening 1661.
As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 16C, the horizontal portion of a scored
wing
1693 (which may have projections 1693A and 16936) may overlie or sit level
with the
opposing scored wing 1694 (which may have projections 1694A and 1694B). The
wings
may be scored or incised to create grooves that may serve more than one
purpose
including: allowing manual breakability using pliers so the customer can
shorten the
projections to match laptop size and allowance for increased resistance (or
points of
contact) between the projections and a washer 1682B or wing containment
junction
piece.
Wing projections 1693A and 1693B have slotted openings between them as do
1694A and 1694B. At least one dimension of a slotted opening preferably
exceeds the
width of fastener 1681 Said fastener releaseably attaches to threaded insert
1680 after
passing through washer 1682B which may be bent or contain protruding elements
that
increase contact, friction or resistance with scores/incisions/grooves present
on wings or
wing projections. It is noteworthy, that regarding bent siderails, as
mentioned in
previous Figures 15, that a bent siderail's projections may be scored
similarly so the
customer can break off portions to match a contained electronic article's
size.
FIG. 16D is a side view of FIG. 16C showing identical scored wings 1693 that
may sit level with the opposing scored wing. The wings may contain
scores/grooves
1696 that may serve more than one purpose including: allowing manual
breakability of a
portion of the wing using pliers so the customer can shorten the projections
to match
laptop size and can allow increased resistance (or points of contact) between
the
projections of wing 1693 and wing containment junction piece 1682C which may
also be
a washer. Wing containment junction piece 1682C may be bent or contain
protruding
elements 1682d that increase contact, friction or resistance with
scores/incisions/grooves
1696 present on wings. Fastener 1681 passes through wing containment junction
piece
1682c and portions of wing 1693 before entering threaded insert 1680 which is,
in turn,
bound into base 1630. Although the overall shape of wing containment junction
piece
1682c in this embodiment was of a flat plate with end protruding elements
1682d, the
overall shape of wing containment junction piece 1682c may be curviform,
angulate or
geometric and may have protruding elements capable of enhancing contact with
scores/grooves 1696.
38
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
In alternative embodiments the one or more securing members of the
intermediary structure can include one or more flexible components, such as
straps,
bands, cables, chains etc. Such flexible components can be advantageous for
adjusting
the size and shape of the intermediary structure fit different laptop sizes or
even to easily
adjust the intermediary structure to enable a laptop within a protective
sleeve, laptop bag
or briefcase to be accommodated. For example, the securing member may comprise
a
strap made out of a material which is difficult to cut through without special
tools, such as
a combination of a fabric strap reinforced with spun metallic and/or Kevlar
threads or
cables. However, any suitably strong, non-elastic and difficult to cut
material can be
used. The securing member may have a rigid portion on at least one end adapted
to
cooperate with a locking mechanism to releasably attach the securing member to
the
mass, for example using a combination or key lock.
In some embodiments both ends of the securing member may be locked into the
body, for example using a locking mechanism adapted to engage with both ends
of the
securing member within the body or cavity and having a single key or
combination lock
accessible by a user for locking and unlocking the securing member.
Alternatively the
securing member may be adapted to encircle the laptop and have both ends
secured
together outside the cavity, for example using a lock. In this embodiment the
securing
member is attached to the body using a binding mechanism within the cavity,
such as a
using bolt or other fastener similar to the embodiment illustrated in figure
14b. It should
be appreciated that the flexibility of the securing member enables laptops of
different
widths to be accommodated and if the locking position for the securing member
is
adjustable, for example by providing a number of holes to enable the position
of the lock
to be adjusted to a selected hole or by providing a clamping lock adapted to
lock the two
ends of the strap together at any position, laptops of different sizes could
be easily
accommodated.
The securing member may be provided by a manufacture sized for a given laptop
model or size. Alternatively the binding mechanism disposed within the cavity
may be
adapted to fasten the securing member selectively to enable a user to fit the
securing
member permanently or adjustably to fit a laptop. For example, for use with a
strap the
binding mechanism may include a fastener adapted to grip or clamp a portion of
the
strap to securely hold the strap with one end trailing within the cavity, the
user can apply
the fastener at a position on the strap selected so that the strap, when
secured in the
fastener and the lock, snugly fits the laptop. Where the fastener is
releasable the user
may adjust the position on the strap and thus increase or reduce the length of
the trailing
end to accommodate different laptops, or to accommodate the laptop within a
protective
sleeve, bag or briefcase. As the fastener is disposed within the cavity,
presence of the
39
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
laptop prevents access to the fastener. Permanent binding mechanisms such as
staples
or one way ratchet fasteners are also contemplated.
An example of one such alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 17. The
securing member of the intermediary structure of this embodiment comprises a
flexible
chain, cable, strap, band or mesh metallic restraint, which is, in turn,
lockable or
securable to the body 1730. Figure 17 illustrates a vertically positioned
laptop-PC 1711
releaseably encased in a flexible restraint 1750, which is fastened directly
to body 1730
by fastener 1781 (bolt in the embodiment shown) into fasteners 1780 (threaded
inserts in
the embodiment shown). Threaded insert 1780 may be positioned such that locked
attachment and associated hardware are inaccessible in the presence of a space-
occupying laptop 1711.
The restraint 1750 of this embodiment may be comprised of one or more steel
cables (for example, over 5mm thick) or mesh or metal bands/straps (for
example, over
2mm thick and over 10mm cross-sectional-dimensional). For illustrative
purposes, both
types of restraint are shown in figure 17 wherein one side is metal band/strap
1751
transitioning to metal cable 1752 as it passes over and restrains laptop 1711.
However,
the restraint may be all cable or all strap/bandin alternative embodiments.
The bottom of the cable restraint 1752 is bound to a male locking portion
1753 which in turn may be releaseably secured into a lock 1754 (for example
key-
lockable cylinder bicycle lock type lock). Space 1757, preferably cylindrical,
in base
1730 accommodates all or a portion of lock 1754. Lock 1754 may be further
secured
indirectly to base 1730 by bolt 1781 via the lower portion 1755a and the upper
portion
1755b of lock restraint 1755. Lock restraint may be made out of shaped or bent
steel
preferably exceeding 2mm thickness and 10mm width. One terminus of band 1751
may
also be secured into bolt 1781 by cable-band restraint 1756 which is
preferably solid
shaped metal exceeding 2mm thickness and 10mm width. The opposite portion of
band
or cable 1751 may be releaseably or non-releaseably bound to a terminus
elsewhere in
the base. The restraint may be trimmed or fitted to the laptop, alternatively
a thumb
screw or other releasable or adjustable binding mechanism may allow a portion
of the
cable or band restraint to pass through a portion of rigid metal cable-band
restraint 1756
and be tightened into place. Any excess of cable or band could fit into a
recessed area
such as the hollow well depicted in Figure 16 for convenience; the system
could be
modifiable should a different sized laptop need be protected in the base.
The above description fully discloses the invention including preferred
embodiments thereof. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one
skilled in the art
can use the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest
extent. Therefore,
CA 02713286 2010-09-13
the examples and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely
illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any
way.
It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that many changes may be
made
to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the
underlying
principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should,
therefore, be
determined only by the following claims.
In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention,
except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or
necessary
implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising" is
used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated
features but not to
preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments
of the
invention.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to
herein, such
reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part
of the
common general knowledge in the art, in any country.
41
