Locking device for computer equipment extension arm

Abstract

The present invention provides a locking device for a computer equipment extension arm. The locking device prevents theft of electronic equipment by securely fastening an equipment extension arm to another object, such as a piece of furniture, a wall, a section of an office cubicle, etc. Specifically, a locking member is provided, which prevents the equipment extension arm from being removed from the mounting assembly. Additionally, uncommon or specially shaped fastener heads may be provided to prevent tampering.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a device for securing electronic equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a locking device for use on a variety of versatile equipment extension arms.[0002]Currently, there exist different equipment extension arms. One such extension arm is shown and described in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 141,348, filed May 31, 2005, and entitled “Angled Mini Arm Having a Clevis Assembly,” the entire disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference herein. Such extension arms are quite versatile and can be used to support a variety of electronic devices, such as flat panel displays, keyboards, etc. Many of these electronic devices can be quite expensive, and there is, therefore, a need to protect these devices from theft, removal, or falling.[0003]Many of these extension arms are able to fasten the equipment securely to the arm itself. However, such extension arms often do not provide ways of suf...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In another alternative, the bushing may or may not be included, but a protruding rim may be included on the inner surface of the mounting member. Such rim may act as a locking surface and may similarly prevent the locking member from lifting up out of the mounting member. Additionally, in order to permit the extension arm to rotate more easily, the inner surface of the mounting member or the inner surface of the bushing, if provided, may be coated with a lubricating substance, as described above.

[0012]An alternative embodiment for mounting the extension arm to a desk may not include the clamping assembly. Instead, the mounting member may be provided with a threaded opening on the bottom surface thereof. In this manner, the mounting member may be mounted directly onto the desk or other mounting surface by threadedly fastening a bolt through a hole in the surface of such desk and into the threaded opening. As in the previously described embodiment, such bolt head may also include an uncommon or nonstandard head, for additional security.

[0022]Optionally, the system further includes an opening disposed on a base surface of the mounting member for fastening the mounting member to a surface of the workspace. Here, the opening is operable to provide access to a release mechanism of the locking member for disengaging the locking tabs from the locking surface when the base surface is not fastened to the workspace surface. For instance, a user may insert a tool to remove a fastener which secures the locking mechanism to the endcap of the extension arm. Upon removal of the fastener, the tabs of the locking mechanism can disengage from the locking surface, allowing the user to remove the shaft of the endcap from the mounting member. In this manner, the user may remove the extension arm, and any attached user device, from the mounting member.

[0024]In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of securing a user device to a workspace is provided. The method comprises providing an extension arm for positioning the user device relative to the workspace, the extension arm having an endcap at a first end thereof; connecting the user device to a second end of the extension arm; providing a mounting member for supporting the extension arm, the mounting member having a receptacle therein aligned along an axis, the receptacle being operable to receive a shaft of the endcap; providing a locking member for securing the extension arm to the mounting member, the locking member including a plurality of locking tabs for securing the locking member to the mounting member; inserting the locking member and the shaft of the first endcap within the receptacle; and engaging the locking tabs with a locking surface in the receptacle so that the locking surface prevents disengagement of the locking member and the shaft from the receptacle of the mounting member.

[0026]In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for locking an extension arm to a mounting member is provided. The extension arm positions a user device in a spaced-apart relationship from the mounting member. The extension arm has an endcap at a first end thereof. The mounting member has a receptacle therein. The receptacle includes a locking surface disposed therein and the receptacle is operable to receive the locking apparatus and a shaft of the endcap therein. The apparatus comprises a locking member operable to be connected to the shaft of the endcap. The locking member is operable to be at least partly received within the receptacle of the mounting member. The locking member has a central portion and a plurality of locking tabs. Each locking tab has a first end disposed on the central portion and a second end remote therefrom. The second end is operable to engage the locking surface within the receptacle to prevent removal of the locking member and the shaft of the endcap from the receptacle.

Problems solved by technology

In this way, the extension arm may not be easily separated from the mounting assembly, and the tabs of the locking member will preferably be disposed within the receptacle of the mounting member, where they may not be easily tampered with.

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