Security device with removable lock head

Abstract

A security device includes a lock body, an actuator assembly supported by the lock body, the actuator assembly having an engagement feature configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The security device further includes a lock head removably connected to the lock body. The lock head is movable between a locked position, in which the lock head is secured to a portable electronic device, and an unlocked position, in which the lock head is unsecured to the portable electronic device, by the actuator assembly. Rotating the engagement feature from the second position to the first position locks the lock head to the lock body while simultaneously locking the lock head to the portable electronic device. Rotating the engagement feature from the first position to the second position unlocks the lock head from the lock body while simultaneously unlocking the lock head from the portable electronic device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 117,159, filed November 23, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a security device for securing portable electronic devices, and more specifically, to a security device for various interfaces on portable electronic devices. Background Technology

[0004] Security devices are commonly used to secure laptops, tablets, and other portable electronic devices in place. Some security devices are designed to engage and lock into slots formed within the portable electronic device. Different portable electronic devices may have slots of different shapes and / or sizes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a security device for a portable electronic device. The security device includes a lock body and an actuator assembly supported by the lock body, the actuator assembly having an engagement feature configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The security device further includes a lock head removably connected to the lock body. The lock head is configured to selectively engage with the portable electronic device. The lock head is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position via the actuator assembly, in which the lock head is secured to the portable electronic device, and in an unlocked position, the lock head is not secured to the portable electronic device. Rotating the engagement feature from the second position to the first position locks the lock head to the lock body, and simultaneously locks the lock head to the portable electronic device. Rotating the engagement feature from the first position to the second position unlocks the lock head from the lock body, and simultaneously unlocks the lock head from the portable electronic device.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a security device for a portable electronic device. The security device includes: a lock body; an actuator assembly supported by the lock body, the actuator assembly configured to move between a first position and a second position; a lock head removably coupled to the lock body, the lock head configured to selectively engage the portable electronic device, wherein the lock head is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position by means of the actuator assembly, the lock head being secured to the portable electronic device in the locked position and not secured to the portable electronic device in the unlocked position; and a retainer coupled to the lock body and detached from the actuator assembly, the retainer configured to move between a holding position and a released position, the retainer holding the lock head relative to the lock body in the holding position and allowing the lock head to be removed from the lock body in the released position. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1This is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the safety device of the present invention, which includes a lock head, a lock body, and an actuator assembly.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D diagram of the security device and key.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the lock body of the safety device.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the lock body of the safety device.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the lock body of the safety device.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the lock cylinder of the safety device.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the lock of the safety device.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the lock head of the safety device.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the lock cylinder of the safety device.

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The lock of the safety device and the lock that can be used Figure 1 A side view of the lock body of the safety device, replacing the lock cylinder.

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of the lock of a security device in a slot of a portable electronic device.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a partially exploded side view illustrating the safety device of the present invention, which includes a lock head, a lock body, and an actuator assembly.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Partially exploded perspective view of the safety device.

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the lock body of the safety device.

[0021] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 Side view of the actuator assembly of the safety device.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a box with a lid, which is used for... Figure 10 The lock body shown.

[0023] Figure 17 It doesn't have a lid. Figure 16 A 3D view of the box.

[0024] Figure 18 It doesn't have a lid. Figure 16 A top view of the box. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Before providing a detailed description of any embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to applying it to the structural details and component arrangements described in the following specification or drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0026] Figure 1-5 A safety device 100 embodying the present invention is shown. The safety device 100 is configured to work with a portable electronic device 104. Figure 11 (e.g., tablet computer, laptop computer, smartphone, MP3 player, e-reader, etc.) are coupled to secure the portable electronic device 104 in a certain position. The illustrated security device 100 includes a lock body 108, a lock head 112A removable from the lock body 108, and an actuator assembly 116.

[0027] The lock body 108 shown is generally T-shaped, having a first portion 120 extending perpendicularly to the second portion 124. The first portion 120 is cylindrical, extending between a first end 120A and a second end 120B, and houses a locking mechanism in the form of a lock cylinder 128. Figure 2 The lock cylinder 128 includes an opening 132 located at the second end 120B of the first portion 120 for receiving a key 136, as shown. Figure 5 The second part 124 is a dihedron formed by two curved elongated ovals and defines a chamber 140 for receiving a portion of the lock head 112A. The second part 124 is non-removably coupled to the first part 120 at a first end 120A of the first part 120. Figure 5 As shown, the first portion 120 is received within the chamber 140 of the second portion 124. In some embodiments, the first portion 120 may be rotatable relative to the second portion 124. In other embodiments, the lock body 108 may have other shapes or configurations.

[0028] The safety device 100 also includes a cable 144. A first end of the cable 144 is connected to the lock body 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end of the cable 144 is connected to a second portion 124 of the lock body 108. At the second end (not shown), the cable 144 can be connected to a relatively fixed object so that when the lock head 112A is connected to the lock body 108 and the portable electronic device 104, the portable electronic device 104 is connected to the relatively fixed object via the safety device 100. This relatively fixed object can be a table, chair, stand, etc.

[0029] like Figure 3-5 As shown, actuator assembly 116 includes a rotatable actuator 148, which has a different cross-section along its length L, the length L ( Figure 5 The actuator 148 extends from a first longitudinal end 152 to a second longitudinal end 156. The rotatable actuator 148 is rotatable relative to the lock body 108 (i.e., the first portion 120 of the lock body 108) about a rotation axis 160 extending parallel to the length L of the actuator 148. The first longitudinal end 152 is coupled to the lock cylinder 128 such that rotation of the lock cylinder 128 also causes the rotatable actuator 148 to rotate about its rotation axis 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the first longitudinal end 152 extends into an opening 164 in the lock cylinder 128.

[0030] The second elongated end 156 of the actuator 148 includes a plurality of non-cylindrical engagement features 168, 172 positioned adjacent to each other along the length L of the rotatable actuator 148. Engagement features 168, 172 connect the lock body 108 to the lock head 112A and assist the lock head 112A in transitioning between locked and unlocked positions, as described in more detail below. The first engagement feature 168 has an elongated oval cross-section defined by two semicircles connected by parallel lines. The second engagement feature 172 also has an elongated oval cross-section, but is rotated a quarter turn relative to the first engagement feature 168. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second engagement feature 172 is larger than that of the first engagement feature 168 and is located between the first engagement feature 168 and the first elongated end 152. Figure 4 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second joining feature 172 (perpendicular to the axis of rotation 160) completely surrounds (i.e., encloses) the first joining feature 168. Figure 3-5 As shown, the spacer 176 can be located between the first engagement feature 168 and the second engagement feature 172, such that the engagement features 168 and 172 are spaced apart from each other along the length L of the actuator 148.

[0031] As shown, the actuator 148 is formed as a single piece, and the first and second engagement features 168, 172 and the portion coupled to the lock cylinder 128 are integrally formed. In another embodiment, the first and second engagement features 168, 172 may be formed separately and attached to the rest of the actuator 148.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, actuator 148 extends from lock cylinder 128 into chamber 180 of first portion 120 of lock body 108, chamber 180 being defined by a sidewall of first portion 120 positioned within chamber 140 of second portion 124 of lock body 108. Thus, chamber 180 of first portion 120 is at least partially located within chamber 140 of second portion 124. Chambers 140 and 180 are generally cylindrical and concentric with each other. First and second engagement features 168 and 172 are located within chamber 180 of first portion 120, and therefore also within chamber 140 of second portion 124. Overall, chambers 140 and 180 define a lock head chamber 184 for receiving lock head 112A.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the lock cylinder 112A can be inserted into and removed from the lock body 108. More specifically, the lock cylinder 112A can be inserted into and removed from the lock cylinder chamber 184. The lock cylinder 112A in Figure 6-11 It is shown in more detail below.

[0034] The illustrated lock cylinder 112A includes a body 200, a first expandable finger 204, a second expandable finger 208, and a plunger or paddle-shaped portion 212. The body 200 is cylindrical and is received within a lock cylinder chamber 184. The fingers 204, 208 and the paddle-shaped portion 212 are coupled to and extend outward from the body 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the fingers 204, 208 and the paddle-shaped portion 212 extend axially from the body 200 and are generally aligned with the longitudinal axis L when positioned within the lock cylinder chamber 184. The two fingers 204, 208 are adjacent to and radially outward from the paddle-shaped portion 212. The fingers 204, 208, or tabs or latches, are movable relative to the body 200 between an unlocked position and a locked position by actuation of the paddle-shaped portion 212, as described in more detail below. A resilient element (e.g., an O-ring or rubber band) may surround the fingers 204, 208 to help bias the fingers 204, 208 toward the plunger 212 and toward the unlocked position. A resilient shield 216 may cover the resilient element and part of the fingers 204, 208, providing a seal against dirt and debris and acting as a buffer between the lock body 108 of the safety device 100 and the portable electronic device 104. When in the unlocked position, the fingers 204, 208 are radially inwardly positioned, spaced apart from and disengaged from the portable electronic device 104. Figure 11In this position, the lock head 112A can be inserted into and removed from the slot 104A of the device 104. When in the locked position, the fingers 204, 208 move away from each other and radially outward relative to the body 200 (e.g., pivot). In this positioning, the fingers 204, 208 engage with the portable electronic device 104 to secure the lock head 112 to the device 104.

[0035] The paddle-shaped part 212 in the figure rotates about the rotation axis 220. Figure 6 When the lock cylinder 112A is connected to the lock body 208, the rotation axis 220 is parallel to, or as shown in the figure, coaxial with, the rotation axis 160 of the actuator 148. Figure 7 As shown, the paddle-shaped portion 212 includes a non-circular (e.g., oblong, rectangular, elongated elliptical) cross-section (perpendicular to its axis of rotation 220) with a width W significantly different from the height H. For example, as shown, the width W may be less than half the height H. In another embodiment, the width may be less than one-quarter or one-third of the height. Due to the difference between the width W and the height H of the cross-section of the paddle-shaped portion 212, when the paddle-shaped portion 212 rotates one-quarter of a turn from the unlocked position, the paddle-shaped portion 212 applies a radial force to the fingers 204, 208, causing the fingers 204, 208 to pivot radially outward to the locked position, as shown. Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0036] like Figure 6 , 8 As shown in Figure 9, the body 200 of the lock cylinder 112A includes a chamber 228 for receiving engagement features 168, 172 of the actuator 148. Furthermore, the chamber 228 extends to both axial ends of the body 200, thus the body 200 is a hollow tube, having a first opening 232 of the chamber 228 at one axial end and a second opening 236 of the chamber 228 at the opposite axial ends. Fingers 204, 208 and a rotatable paddle-shaped portion 212 extend through the first opening 232 and are secured relative to the body 200 within the opening 232 by means of a component plate 238. The actuator 148 extends through the second opening 236 such that both the first and second engagement features 168, 172 are located within the chamber 228.

[0037] Within chamber 228, the paddle portion 212 includes an elongated recess 240, sized to receive the first engagement feature 168 when the lock head 112A is positioned within the lock head chamber 184 of the lock body 208. If the shape or size of the first engagement feature is different (rectangular, elongated elliptical, cross-shaped, star-shaped, etc.), the shape or size of the recess 240 is also additionally different to match it. The first engagement feature 168 functions as a key in the lock cylinder, such that rotation of the first engagement feature 168 causes a similar (e.g., matching) rotation of the paddle portion 212 between locked and unlocked positions.

[0038] like Figure 8 As shown, chamber 228 includes a shelf or backstop 244. The shelf 244 partially defines a recess 248, or undercut, within chamber 228, which is located at the radial periphery of body 200 and terminates before reaching the axial end of body 200. As shown, the body 200 of lock head 112A includes two shelves 244 and recesses 248, which are diametrically opposed to each other. When actuator 148 is in the second position, second engagement feature 172 extends axially across the shelf, but lock head 112A is still removable from lock body 108, therefore the second engagement feature does not extend into recess 248. When actuator 148 is rotated to the first position, second engagement feature 172 rotates into recess 248, thereby preventing axial movement of lock head 112A relative to lock body 208. In the first position, the first engagement feature 168 has rotated the paddle-shaped portion 212 to the locked position, preventing the lock head 112A from being removed from the portable electronic device 104, and the second engagement feature 172 has rotated into the recess 248, preventing the lock head 112A from being removed from the lock body 208. Therefore, the portable electronic device 104 is locked to an immovable object via the security device 100.

[0039] like Figure 8-9 As shown, the outer surface of the body 200 of the lock cylinder 112A includes an alignment feature 252, in the form of a cut or groove, which aligns with (albeit opposite) mating alignment features 192 within the lock cylinder chamber 184. Figure 3 The alignment features 192 and 252 help to insert the lock head 112a into the lock body 108 in the correct orientation, so that the engagement features 168 and 172 are properly seated within the lock head 112A.

[0040] refer to Figure 3-4 The retainer 260 is connected to the lock body 108 adjacent to the lock cylinder chamber 184. The retainer 260 shown can be in a holding position (…). Figure 3-4 The device moves between the release position and the position specified in the manual input method. The release position is relative to the position specified in the manual input method. Figure 13 The illustrated embodiment will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 260 is rotatable between a held position and a released position. In another embodiment, the retainer 260 is linearly slidable between the held position and the released position. The illustrated retainer 260 is fixed to the lock body 108 such that the retainer 260 maintains attachment to the lock body 108 regardless of its position. In another embodiment, the retainer 260 can be removed from the lock body 108 to move between the held position and the released position.

[0041] In the held position, retainer 260 holds lock head 112A within lock head chamber 184, even if the second engagement feature 172 is not rotated into the recess 248 of chamber 228. Lock head 112A is not locked to lock body 108 via retainer 260, as retainer 260 is easily accessible to anyone. Instead, retainer 260 holds lock head 112A and lock body 108 together to prevent accidental disassembly. In the released position, retainer 260 allows lock head 112A to be removed from lock head chamber 184. As shown, retainer 260 has a crescent-shaped body that can be rotated via user interaction. In the released position, if engagement feature 172 rotates out of recess 248, the crescent does not obstruct lock head chamber 184, thus allowing lock head 112A to be inserted and removed from lock head chamber 184. In the holding position, the crescent shape is rotated to obstruct the lock cylinder chamber 184, thereby preventing the lock cylinder 112A from being removed from the lock cylinder chamber 184. As shown, the retainer 260 includes a slot 264 that can be gripped by a finger, nail, coin, or screwdriver to induce rotation of the retainer 260.

[0042] like Figure 10 As shown, lock head 112A is one of a plurality of lock heads 112A, 112B, 112C that can be inserted into the lock head chamber 184 of lock body 108. Therefore, the user can interchange which lock head 112A, 112B, 112C is used with lock body 108 to facilitate locking with slots 104A of different shapes and sizes. As shown, lock head 112A is sized to engage large slots, such as… Safety lock slot ( Security Slot). The size setting of the lock head 112B is designed for use with a smaller slot (relative to the smaller slot size). (Regarding the safety slot) engagement, such as Small safety lock slot ( (Nano Security Slot). The lock head 112C is shaped to engage with a wedge-shaped lock slot. In another embodiment, multiple lock heads may be attached, including lock heads with other constructions, for use with other types of slots. Lock heads 112A, 112B, and 112C may also be referred to as lock heads.

[0043] In operation, to lock the portable electronic device 104 with the security device 100, the user secures the cable 144 around a relatively fixed object with the security device 100 in the unlocked position. The user selects appropriate lock heads 112A, 112B, 112C to engage the slot 104A of the portable electronic device 104. Using alignment features 192, 252 as guides, the lock head 112 is inserted into the lock head chamber 184, thereby engaging the first engagement feature 168 with the paddle portion 212 and inserting the second engagement feature 172 into the chamber 228. The user moves (e.g., rotates) the retainer 260 to the blocking position, holding the lock head 112A within the lock head chamber 184. The fingers 204, 208 of the lock head 112A are inserted into the slot 104A of the portable electronic device 104. The user actuates the locking mechanism by rotating the key 136 within the key opening 132 of the lock cylinder 128, thereby rotating the actuator 148 and engagement features 168, 172. The first engagement feature 168 rotates the paddle-shaped portion 212 from the unlocked position to the locked position, expands the fingers 204, 208, and locks the lock cylinder 112A to the portable electronic device 104. Simultaneously, the second engagement feature 172 rotates into the recess 248, thereby locking the lock cylinder 112A to the lock body 108.

[0044] To unlock the portable electronic device 104 from the security device 100, the user rotates the key 136 within the lock cylinder 128 from a first, locked position to a second, unlocked position, thereby rotating the actuator 148 and engaging features 168 and 172. The first engaging feature 168 rotates the paddle portion 212 from the locked position to the unlocked position, causing the fingers 204 and 208 to retract radially inward, thereby unlocking the lock cylinder 112A from the portable electronic device 104. Simultaneously, the second engaging feature 172 rotates out of the recess 248, thereby unlocking the lock cylinder 112A from the lock body 108. The lock cylinder 112A remains within the lock body 108 as the retainer 260 rotates into the holding position. If it is necessary to replace the lock cylinder 112A, the retainer 260 is moved (e.g., rotated) to the release position, and the lock cylinder 112A can be removed from the lock body 108.

[0045] Figure 12-15 Other safety devices 300 are shown. Safety device 300 and lock body 308 are similar to those shown in the reference above. Figure 1-5 The safety device 100 and lock body 108 are discussed. Furthermore, the safety device 300 uses... Figure 6-11 The same lock cylinders 112A, 112B, and 112C are shown in more detail below. For details regarding the structure and operation of the safety device 300, which is not included below, refer to the description of the safety device 100 above. The illustrated safety device 300 includes a lock body 308, a lock cylinder 112A removable from the lock body 308, and an actuator assembly 316.

[0046] Security device 100 includes a key-operated lock cylinder 128, and security device 300 includes a locking mechanism in the form of a combination lock 328. The illustrated combination lock 328 requires a four-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) to lock and unlock security device 300. When the correct PIN is entered into combination lock 328, manual interface 332 can move relative to lock body 308. In the illustrated embodiment, manual interface 332 is a slider. In other embodiments, manual interface 332 can be a button, lever, rotary dial, or the like. The illustrated slider 332 is constrained to linear movement along the longitudinal direction 338 relative to lock body 308. When the PIN is scrambled and misidentified, slider 332 cannot move relative to lock body 308.

[0047] Actuator assembly 316 includes a slider 332 and additionally includes an actuator 348 coupled to the slider 332. Actuator 348 includes a first portion forming a pin or cam 350 and a second portion forming a follower 354 having a slot 358. As shown, the cam 350 and slider 332 of actuator 348 are integrally formed as a single component, such that translation of slider 332 causes translation of cam 350. Cam 350 may include one or more cam members 370 that interact with cam follower 354. Cam follower 354 has one or more slots 358 (two slots 358 as shown), formed as arcuate slots curved around the circumference of cam follower 354. In another embodiment, the cam follower slot may alternatively be formed in other shapes, such as a pure helix. Slot 358 is also angled relative to longitudinal axis 360, such that slot 358 spirally wraps around cam follower 354. Figure 15 As shown, each slot 358 includes a first end 362 closer to the combination lock 328 and a second end 366 opposite to the first end 362. Each cam member 370 is positioned within one of the slots 358, thereby engaging a cam 350 with a cam follower 354. The cam follower 354 is constrained to prevent translation relative to the lock body 308, although rotation relative to the lock body 308 is permitted.

[0048] The cam follower 354 additionally includes first and second engagement features 368, 372, similar to engagement features 168, 172 for engaging lock cylinders 112A, 112B, 112C within the lock cylinder chamber 384. Figure 3 ).

[0049] When slider 332 is movable (using the correct PIN code in combination lock 328), movement from the first locked position to the second unlocked position involves translation of slider 332 along the longitudinal direction 338 of actuator 348. When slider 332 is engaged with cam 350, cam 350 also translates relative to lock body 308. As cam member 370 translates axially within groove 358, cam 350 rotates cam follower 354, thereby also rotating first engagement feature 368 and second engagement feature 372 from the unlocked position to the locked position. The rotation of first engagement feature 368 and second engagement feature 372 to the locked position locks lock head 112A to portable electronic device 104 and lock body 308.

[0050] In some embodiments, slider 332 may be biased toward the unlock position and can be held in the locked position by sliding slider 332 and scrambling the PIN code. In another embodiment, slider 332 may not be biased toward either the locked or unlock position, but may be moved manually between the locked and unlock positions as permitted based on the correct PIN code. In a further embodiment, slider 332 may be biased toward the locked position and can be temporarily held in the unlock position when engaged with one of the lock heads 112A, 112B, 112C. In some embodiments, the slider may be replaced by an alternative mechanism interface, such as a rotary dial, lever, or button.

[0051] In operation, to lock the portable electronic device 104 with the security device 300, the user secures the cable 344 around a relatively fixed object. The user selects appropriate lock heads 112A, 112B, 112C to engage the slot 104A of the portable electronic device 104. The PIN code is set to the unlocked position of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism needs to be actuated and held in the unlocked position so that the lock head 112A is inserted in a form-fitting manner. Using alignment features 392, 252 as guides, the lock head 112A is inserted into the lock head chamber 384, thereby engaging the first engagement feature 368 with the paddle portion 212 and inserting the second engagement feature 372 into the chamber 228. The user moves (e.g., rotates) the retainer 360 to the blocking position, holding the lock head 112A within the lock head chamber 384. The fingers 204, 208 of the lock head 112A are inserted into the slot 104A of the portable electronic device 104. The user actuates the locking mechanism by entering a PIN code into the combination lock 328 and translating the slider 332, thereby translating the cam 350 and rotating the cam follower 354 and the engagement features 368 and 372 connected to the cam follower 354. The first engagement feature 368 rotates the paddle portion 212 from the unlocked position to the locked position, expands the fingers 204 and 208, and locks the lock head 112A to the portable electronic device 104. Simultaneously, the second engagement feature 372 rotates into the recess 248, thereby locking the lock head 112A to the lock body 308. The user scrambles the combination lock 328 to prevent the slider 332 from being moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by an unauthorized user.

[0052] To unlock the portable electronic device 104 from the security device 300, the user enters a PIN code into the combination lock 328, moving the slider 332 from a first locked position to a second unlocked position. This causes the cam 350 to translate and rotate the cam follower 354 and engagement features 368, 332. The first engagement feature 368 rotates the paddle portion 212 from the locked position to the unlocked position, causing the fingers 204, 208 to retract radially inward, thereby unlocking the lock cylinder 112A from the portable electronic device 104. Simultaneously, the second engagement feature 372 rotates out of the recess 248, thereby unlocking the lock cylinder 112A from the lock body 308. As the retainer 360 rotates into the holding position, the lock cylinder 112A remains within the lock body 308. If the lock cylinder 112A needs to be replaced, the retainer 360 is moved (e.g., rotated) to the release position, and the lock cylinder 112A can be removed from the lock body 308.

[0053] Figure 16-18 It shows the use of Figure 10 The storage box 400 shows the three locks 112A, 112B, and 112C. The storage box 400 includes a housing 404 having separate storage locations 408A, 408B, and 408C for each individual lock 112A, 112B, and 112C. Additionally, as shown... Figure 16 As shown, the storage box 400 includes a cover 412 slidably coupled to a housing 404. A brake 424 is located on one or both of the housing 404 and the cover 412 to hold the cover in position relative to the housing 404 until a sliding force overcomes the force of the brake 424, removing the cover 412 from the housing 404. Markers 416A, 416B, 416C are respectively adjacent to each storage location 408A, 408B, 408C, identifying which lock head 112A, 112B, 112C is intended for each location 408A, 408B, 408C. A snap-fit ​​feature 420 is located on one or both of the housing 404 and the cover 412 to engage the cover 412 to the housing 404 without the need for assembly screws or fastening hardware.

[0054] The features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A safety device for a portable electronic device, the safety device comprising: Lock body; An actuator assembly supported by the lock body, the actuator assembly having an engagement feature and configured to rotate between a first position and a second position; as well as A lock head, detachably coupled to the lock body, configured to selectively engage with the portable electronic device, wherein the lock head is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position via the actuator assembly, in which the lock head is fixed to the portable electronic device, and in which the lock head is not fixed to the portable electronic device in the unlocked position; Specifically, rotating the engagement feature from the second position to the first position locks the lock head to the lock body, and simultaneously locks the lock head to the portable electronic device. Specifically, rotating the engagement feature from the first position to the second position unlocks the lock head from the lock body and simultaneously unlocks the lock head from the portable electronic device. The lock head includes a recess, and in a first position, the engagement feature of the actuator assembly rotates into the recess to lock the lock head to the lock body, and in a second position, the engagement feature rotates out of the recess to unlock the lock head from the lock body.

2. The safety device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a locking mechanism coupled to the actuator assembly, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to rotate the engagement feature in response to actuation of the locking mechanism.

3. The safety device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the lock head is attached to the lock body, the lock head is positioned within the lock head chamber defined by the lock body.

4. The safety device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lock head includes a first finger, a second finger, and a paddle-shaped portion positioned between the first finger and the second finger.

5. The safety device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The engagement feature includes an oblong engagement feature that selectively engages with a recess in the lock head to convert rotation of the engagement feature into rotation of the paddle portion.

6. The safety device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes a locking mechanism coupled to the actuator assembly, wherein the engagement feature is configured to rotate in response to actuation of the locking mechanism, and wherein actuation of the locking mechanism causes rotation of the paddle portion when the lock head is coupled to the lock body.

7. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a retainer separate from the actuator assembly and configured to move between a holding position and a releasing position, wherein in the holding position the retainer holds the lock head relative to the lock body, and in the releasing position the retainer allows the lock head to be removed from the lock body.

8. The safety device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When the lock head is engaged with the lock body, the lock head is positioned within the lock head chamber defined by the lock body, and wherein the retainer has a notch such that in the released position, the retainer does not obstruct the lock head chamber, and in the held position, the retainer obstructs a portion of the lock head chamber.

9. The safety device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The retainer can be contacted when the lock is in the unlocked position and the locked position.

10. A safety device for a portable electronic device, the safety device comprising: Lock body; An actuator assembly supported by the lock body, the actuator assembly being configured to move between a first position and a second position; A lock head, detachably coupled to the lock body, configured to selectively engage with the portable electronic device, wherein the lock head is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position by means of the actuator assembly, in which the lock head is fixed to the portable electronic device, and in the unlocked position, the lock head is not fixed to the portable electronic device; and A retainer, coupled to the lock body and detached from the actuator assembly, is configured to move between a holding position and a released position, in which the retainer holds the lock head relative to the lock body, and in the released position, the retainer allows the lock head to be removed from the lock body. The lock head includes a recess, and in a first position, an engagement feature of the actuator assembly rotates into the recess to lock the lock head to the lock body, and in a second position, the engagement feature rotates out of the recess to unlock the lock head from the lock body.

Images