Data port security lock

Abstract

A security device includes: a body having an opening at a front edge of the body; the lock cylinder is positioned in the main body; and an engagement mechanism including a first finger and a second finger extending out of the body through the opening. The lock cylinder is configured to move the first finger and the second finger between a first position in which the engagement mechanism is removable from the data port and a second position in which the engagement mechanism is removable from the data port. In the second position, the engagement mechanism is secured to the data port. Each of the first and second fingers includes a surface configured to engage a sidewall of the portable electronic device. The alignment member is configured to extend into the opening and remain within the opening when the engagement mechanism is in the second position, where the alignment member includes a surface configured to engage the front edge of the body.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 637,132, filed April 22, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a security device for a portable electronic device, such as a laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, and other mobile devices, and a data port that receives the security device. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device configured to extend through an opening of a data port to engage a sidewall of a portable electronic device, the security device comprising: a body having an opening at a front edge of the body; a lock cylinder located within the body; an engagement mechanism comprising a first finger and a second finger, the first finger and the second finger extending outside the body through the opening, wherein the lock cylinder is configured to move the first finger and the second finger between a first position, in which the engagement mechanism is removable from the data port, and a second position, in which the engagement mechanism is secured to the data port, and wherein each of the first finger and the second finger comprises a surface configured to engage the sidewall of the portable electronic device; and an alignment member configured to extend into the opening and remain within the opening when the engagement mechanism is in the second position, wherein the alignment member comprises a surface configured to engage the front edge of the body.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the alignment member is integrally formed with the first finger and the second finger as a single component.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger is parallel to the surface of the alignment member.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the surface of the first finger is coplanar with the surface of the second finger.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the surface of the first finger is offset from the surface of the alignment member by a step therebetween, such that the surface of the first finger is radially and axially offset from the surface of the alignment member.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein each of the first and second fingers includes an enlarged distal end having a raised lip defining a recessed bowl such that the raised lip is configured to extend around a data connector positioned within the data port, wherein a surface of each of the first and second fingers configured to engage the sidewall is formed on the raised lip.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the raised lip defines an axial extension of each of the first and second fingers, wherein a surface of the recessed bowl is axially spaced apart from the raised lip, and wherein the surface of each of the first and second fingers configured to engage the sidewall is disposed axially between the axial extension and the surface of the recessed bowl.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the surface of each of the first and second fingers configured to engage the sidewall is located radially outward of the recessed bowl.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the lock core is a lock core of a combination lock or a lock core of a key lock.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the front edge of the body includes a plate member made of a wear-resistant material, wherein the surface of the alignment member is configured to engage the plate member.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the alignment member is configured to prevent the security device from rotating relative to the portable electronic device when the security device is positioned within the opening of the data port.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, wherein the alignment member inhibits the engagement mechanism from being inserted eccentrically or askew into the opening, the engagement mechanism contacting the data connector positioned within the data port in the opening.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, further comprising a plunger coupled to the lock core, the plunger configured to translate within the body between the first and second fingers to move the first and second fingers between the first and second positions.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device, further comprising an input member coupled to the plunger and externally accessible on the body, wherein the input member is movable in response to input by a user to translate the plunger relative to the body.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device further comprising a resilient ring configured to bias the first finger and the second finger to the first position.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device configured to extend through an opening of a data port to engage a sidewall of a portable electronic device, the security device comprising: a body having an opening at a front edge of the body; a lock cylinder located within the body; an engagement mechanism comprising a first finger and a second finger, the first finger and the second finger extending outside the body through the opening, wherein the lock cylinder is configured to move the first finger and the second finger between a first position in which the engagement mechanism is removable from the data port and a second position in which the engagement mechanism is secured to the data port, and wherein each of the first finger and the second finger comprises a surface configured to engage the sidewall of the portable electronic device; wherein each of the first finger and the second finger comprises an enlarged distal end having a raised lip defining a recessed bowl, such that the raised lip is configured to extend around a data connector located within the data port, wherein the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is formed on the raised lip.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device wherein the raised lip defines an axial extension of each of the first finger and the second finger, wherein a surface of the recessed bowl is axially spaced apart from the raised lip, and wherein the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is disposed axially between the axial extension and the surface of the recessed bowl.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device wherein the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is located radially outward of the recessed bowl.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device wherein the raised lip of the first finger and the raised lip of the second finger collectively surround the recessed bowl, the recessed bowl being formed in part by the first finger and in part by the second finger.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a security device configured to extend through an opening formed in a sidewall of a portable electronic device, the security device comprising: a body; a lock cylinder positioned within the body; an engagement mechanism comprising a first finger, a second finger, and a plunger, the plunger configured to move the first finger and the second finger from a first position, in which the engagement mechanism is removable from the opening, to a second position, in which the engagement mechanism is secured within the opening, wherein the first finger comprises an enlarged distal end having a raised lip about a perimeter of the enlarged distal end to define a recessed bowl within the raised lip, the raised lip defining a surface configured to engage the sidewall of the portable electronic device in the second position and disengage the sidewall of the portable electronic device in the first position; and wherein the second finger comprises an enlarged distal end having a raised lip about a perimeter of the enlarged distal end to define a recessed bowl within the raised lip, the raised lip defining a surface configured to engage the sidewall of the portable electronic device in the second position and disengage the sidewall of the portable electronic device in the first position.

[0023] Other aspects of the application will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a side view of a system having a portable electronic device and a security device

[0025] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an engagement mechanism of the security device.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the engagement mechanism of the security device and components of a locking mechanism that engage the engagement mechanism.

[0027] Figure 4 is a top view of the engagement mechanism.

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the system of Figure 1 illustrating a data connector within the portable electronic device.

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the system of Figure 1 .

[0030] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a security device according to another embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the security device in an unlocked state relative to a data port of the portable electronic device.

[0032] Figure 9is a cross-sectional view of a security device in a locked state relative to a data port of a portable electronic device.

[0033] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a hole of a data port of a portable electronic device according to the prior art.

[0034] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a hole of a data port of a portable electronic device according to the prior art. Figure 1

[0035] Figure 12 is a top view of a data connector positioned within a prior art portable electronic device of Figure 10

[0036] Figure 13 is a top view of a data connector positioned within a portable electronic device of Figure 11 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Before any embodiments of the application are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

[0038] Figure 1 A system 10 is shown that includes a portable electronic device 14 and a security device 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable electronic device 14 is a laptop computer, but can also be a tablet computer, a smartphone, an e-reader, an MP3 player, etc. The illustrated portable electronic device 14 includes a housing 22, a processor (not shown) positioned within the housing 22, and a screen (not shown) supported by the housing 22. In some embodiments, the screen can be a touch screen. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the portable electronic device 14 can also or alternatively include other input mechanisms, such as a keyboard, a numeric keypad, or a touchpad. The security device 18 is connected to the portable electronic device 14 and includes a cable 26 to secure the portable electronic device 14 to a non-movable object, such as a desk, a chair, a stand, a wall, etc.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the portable electronic device 14 has a hole 30 (e.g., an opening, a slot) formed in the housing 22. The illustrated hole 30 is a data port 34 that provides access to a data connector 38 (e.g., a USB connector) positioned within an interior space 42 of the portable electronic device 14. Figure 11 13 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the portable electronic device 14 has a hole 30 (e.g., an opening, a slot) formed in the housing 22. The illustrated hole 30 is a data port 34 that provides access to a data connector 38 (e.g., a USB connector) positioned within an interior space 42 of the portable electronic device 14. Figure 13 ​​​​) access. In some embodiments, the data port is a USB port (e.g., a USB-A port, a USB-B port, a USB mini port, a USB micro port, a USB-C port, etc.), and as shown, is a USB-C port. In other embodiments, the data port can be a data port of an alternative design.

[0040] Unlike some security devices that are designed to engage with a conventional security slot (i.e., a non-data port, i.e., a slot that does not provide access to a data port), the security device 18 is configured to engage with the aperture 30 of the data port 34, thereby effectively blocking access to the data port 34 and the data connector 38 positioned therein. Thus, the data port 34 is configured to serve the following purposes: a first purpose is to provide access for the data line to the data connector 38, and a second purpose is to provide a mating surface for the security device 18.

[0041] Figure 10 12 show an aperture 30' on a portable electronic device 14' according to the prior art. The aperture 30' provides access to the interior volume 42' of the device 14', and in particular, provides access to the data connector 38' positioned therein, as shown in FIG12. The aperture 30' is defined by an upper wall 43', a lower wall 44', and two opposing side walls 45'. Figure 10 As shown, upper wall 43' and lower wall 44' are generally parallel to each other. Walls 43', 44', and 45' collectively form an aperture 30' through which a data cable can be inserted, thereby electrically and mechanically coupling with data connector 38'. Some devices can be coupled to the data connector without a physical data cable (e.g., data storage devices such as flash drives), or other devices having a data connector that mates with data connector 38'. Similarly, such devices are inserted through aperture 30'.

[0042] The aperture 30' extends from an outer surface 46' of the portable electronic device 14' to an inner surface 48' of the portable electronic device 14'. The inner surface 48' defines a portion of a recess 50' within the interior volume 42' in which the data connector 38' is positioned and secured. The inner surface 48' at the recess 50' is defined in part by curved sidewalls 54' adjacent to the sidewalls 45' of the aperture 30', which extend away from the outer wall 46' and further into the interior volume 42' of the portable electronic device 14'. Figure 12 shows the data connector 38' relative to the aperture 30', and in particular shows the relatively close gap between the data connector 38' and the aperture 30', which prevents a security device, such as the security device 18, from engaging with the aperture 30' and forming a secure connection.

[0043] Figure 11 and 13A hole 30 is shown which is similar to hole 30' in Figure 13 The hole 30 includes an intermediate step 58 between the outer surface 46 and the inner surface 48 along both side walls 45 of the hole 30. The curved side walls 54 form a portion of the pocket 50 for receiving the data connector 38, while the step 58 cuts into the curved side walls 54 and forms a protrusion 62 adjacent each side wall 45. The protrusion 62 is generally parallel to the outer surface 46 (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the data connector into the hole). In other words, on the inner surface 48 of the housing 22, a first profile and a second profile are defined around the hole 30. With reference to the thickness of the housing 22 between the outer surface 46 and the inner surface 48, the second profile is between the first profile and the interior volume 42 of the portable electronic device 14. The first profile has a first height and a first width, and the second profile has a second height and a second width. The second width is greater than the first width to define the protrusion 62 adjacent the opposite edges 45 of the hole 30.

[0044] In addition to the modification to the hole 30 of the portable electronic device 14, the data connector 38 itself is modified to facilitate use of the security device 18. Figure 12 shows a data connector 38' according to the prior art, Figure 13 A data connector 38 is shown configured to allow insertion of the security device 18 into the hole 30. As shown, each data connector 38', 38 includes a contact carrier 66' that supports a plurality of contacts 70', 70 thereon. The connector 38', 38 extends in a first direction from a rear end 72', 72 to a front or distal end 74', 74. In operation, when a data cord is inserted through the data port 34', 34 and engages the contacts 70', 70 of the contact carrier 66', 66, the data cord first slides over the distal end 74', 74 and then slides toward the rear end 72', 72. The contacts 66, 66' extend longitudinally in the first direction. A receptacle housing 78', 78 surrounds the contact carrier 66', 66 of the connector 38', 38 and defines a receptacle opening 82', 82 through which the contacts 70', 70 are accessible. As shown by the difference between Figures 12 and 13, the receptacle opening 82' of the prior art is forward of the contact carrier 66', such that the entire contact carrier 66' is surrounded by and within the receptacle housing 78'. In contrast, Figure 13The illustrated receptacle housing 78 is shortened (e.g., by 1.1 mm, or by more than 1.0 mm, or by 0.5-1.5 mm) such that the receptacle opening 82 is located between the rear end 72 and the front end 74 of the connector. This allows a first portion 86 of the contact carrier 66 to be positioned within the receptacle housing 78, while a second portion 88 of the contact carrier 66 is positioned outside the receptacle housing 78. At least some of the contacts 70 extend from the first portion 86 to the second portion 88. The receptacle housing 78 includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and first and second side walls connecting the upper and lower walls. A cross-section of the first portion 86 of the connector 38 is positioned entirely within the receptacle housing 78. The reduction in size of the receptacle housing 78, including the protrusion 62, provides clearance for the security device to engage with the aperture 30 of the data port 34 of the portable electronic device 14. In some embodiments, more than one contact carrier 66 of the data connector 38 shares the same receptacle housing 78. In some embodiments, each contact carrier 66 is positioned adjacent to the aperture 30 of the housing 22, which is configured to be coupled to the security device 18. In other embodiments, only one of the two contact carriers 66 may be positioned adjacent an aperture 30 configured to couple to a security device 18, with the other contact carrier 66 positioned adjacent an opening (similar to opening 30') that only allows insertion of a data line.

[0045] Figures 1-6 A security device 18 according to a first embodiment is shown. The security device 18 includes a body 100, a locking mechanism 104, and an engagement mechanism 108. The body 100 is made of a relatively rigid material, such as metal, and houses the other components of the security device 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 100 includes a first portion 112 for housing the engagement mechanism 108. The first portion is generally cylindrical and extends in a first direction. The front edge of the body 100 includes an opening through which a portion of the engagement mechanism 108 extends from the body 100 to engage with the portable electronic device 14. The body 100 also includes a second portion 116, which houses the locking mechanism 104 and extends transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the first portion 112. In other embodiments, the body 100 can be a single cylindrical lock body or have other non-cylindrical shapes. As shown, the first portion 112 includes multiple separate components, including a rear portion that supports the input member 128 and a front portion that supports at least a portion of the engagement mechanism 108. In some embodiments, the front portion is movable (eg, rotatable) relative to the rear portion.

[0046] like Figure 1 and 5 As shown, the locking mechanism 104 shown comprises a combination lock, but in other embodiments, such as Figures 7-9The locking mechanism 104 includes a lock cylinder 120 and an output member 124. The lock cylinder 120 and the output member 124 are positioned within the second portion 116 of the body 48 (although at least a portion of the output member 124 extends into the first portion 112).

[0047] like Figures 3-4 As shown, output member 124 is coupled to lock cylinder 120 and is selectively translatable against a spring bias depending on whether lock cylinder 120 is in an unlocked state (e.g., if the correct combination is selected, if the key is rotated to the first position) or a locked state (e.g., if the correct combination is not selected, if the key is rotated to the second position). Output member 124 includes an inclined surface 124A (inclined relative to the direction of travel) that engages with inclined surface 128A of input member 128, such that movement of input member 128 results in movement of output member 124. Specifically, output member 124 includes a rod 132 extending into lock cylinder 120 and a cam body 136 having inclined surface 124A. Inclined surfaces 124A, 128A are biased into engagement with each other via a spring 140 positioned on rod 132. If lock cylinder 120 is unlocked, output member 124 can be moved by a user (indirectly via input member 128) to move engagement mechanism 108. If the lock cylinder 120 is locked, the output member 124 cannot move, thereby preventing the input member 128 from moving.

[0048] like Figures 2-4 6, the illustrated engagement mechanism 108 includes two fingers 152 and a plunger 156. The fingers 152 are movable (e.g., pivotable) between an unlocked or retracted position and a locked or extended position. The unlocked or retracted position may also be referred to as a first position. The locked or extended position may also be referred to as a second position. A resilient ring 148 extends around the two fingers 152 and biases the fingers 152 toward each other (i.e., toward the unlocked position). When the fingers 152 are in the unlocked position, the engagement mechanism 108 can be inserted into and removed from the aperture 30 of the portable electronic device 14. When the fingers 152 are in the locked position, the engagement mechanism 108 engages the housing 22 of the portable electronic device 14 to secure the security device 18 to the device 14. Each finger 152 includes an enlarged, outwardly extending distal end 160 and a relatively narrow stem 164. The enlarged distal end 160 helps engage (e.g., contact or grip) the housing 22 of the portable electronic device 14 so that the security device 18 cannot be removed from the aperture 30. Specifically, the enlarged distal end 160 engages with the protrusion 62 formed adjacent the side wall 54 ( Figure 6). The relatively narrow stem 164 forms a recessed area 168 between the fingers 152 for receiving the plunger 156. Each finger 152 also includes a boss (bushing) 172 at the end of the stem 164 opposite the enlarged distal end 160. The bosses 172 define the spaced-apart pivot axes of the fingers 152.

[0049] The rear edge of each enlarged distal end 160 (i.e., opposite the front edge that is first inserted into the aperture 30) includes an alignment member 114 formed on the outside of each finger 152, adjacent the location where the engagement mechanism 108 extends out of the body 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment members 114 are integrally formed as a single component with the fingers 152 and are formed separately from the body 100. The two alignment members 114 and the space therebetween substantially correspond to the cross-section of the aperture 30 into which the security device 18 is received. The alignment members 114 are configured to extend into the aperture 30 (i.e., within the plane of the opening 30) and remain within the aperture 30 when the engagement mechanism 108 is secured to the portable electronic device 14. The alignment members 114 assist in inserting the security device 18 into the aperture 30 and, in some embodiments, prevent the security device 18 from rotating relative to the portable electronic device 14. The alignment members 114 also inhibit the engagement mechanism 108 from being inserted off-center or skewed into the aperture 130, where it contacts the contact carrier 66. In other embodiments, the alignment member 114 may be spaced apart and separate from the finger 152 or formed on the front surface of the first portion 112 of the body 100 , on either side of the engagement mechanism 108 .

[0050] Continue to refer Figures 2-4 6, the distal end 160 of the finger 152 includes a recessed bowl 166 that provides the appearance of a raised lip 162 around its perimeter to define the recessed bowl 166. The raised lip 162 extends away from the front end so that the recessed bowl 166 is completely formed on the front end of the finger 152. Figure 2 As shown, the raised lip 162 extends substantially along three outer edges of the distal end 160 (i.e., not the edge adjacent to the plunger 156), such that the two fingers 152 collectively form a recessed bowl 166. In other embodiments, only the outermost edge of each finger 152 (i.e., opposite the edge adjacent to the plunger 156) includes a raised lip 162.

[0051] The medial side 170 of the distal end 160 (though rear-facing) is formed at the rear side of the raised lip 162, forward of the alignment member 114, and forms a stepped rear edge of each enlarged distal end 160. The raised lip 162 defines an axial extension of each of the first and second fingers 152. The surface of the recessed bowl 166 is axially spaced from the raised lip 162. The rear-facing surface of the medial side of the finger 152 is disposed axially between the axial extension defined by the raised lip 162 (i.e., the farthest point within the data port 34) and the surface of the recessed bowl 166. The surface 170 is also radially outward of the surface of the recessed bowl 166. The medial step 170 defines a surface that contacts the portable electronic device 14 to prevent unauthorized removal of the security device 18 from the portable electronic device 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the medial steps 170 of the two fingers 152 are coplanar with one another. The rear side of each finger 152 is stepped and includes a first surface 170 and a second surface 174. The first and second surfaces 170, 174 are generally parallel to one another and offset from one another by the height of the step. In particular, the first and second surfaces 170, 174 are offset in two directions relative to one another. For example, the first and second surfaces 170, 174 are axially offset from one another (i.e., along the length of the finger 152). The first and second surfaces 170, 174 are also radially offset from one another (i.e., along the width of the finger 152). The first surface 170 of each finger 152 engages the projection 62 of the respective side wall 45 adjacent the aperture 30. In the locked or engaged position of the finger 152, the first surface 170 is generally parallel to the mating projection 62. The second surface 174 of each finger 152 is formed by the alignment member 114 positioned within the aperture 30.

[0052] The distal end 160 of the finger 152 is shaped to extend around the data connector 38 when inserted into the data port 34. In other words, in one or both of the locked or unlocked positions of the finger 152, a portion of the data connector 38 is received within the recessed bowl 166 of the finger 152. Viewed from above, Figure 6 The finger 152 is shown covering (but not contacting) a portion of the contact carrier 66 of the data connector 38. As described herein and Figures 2-4 The structure shown in FIGS. 6 and 6 provides sufficient structure to define the first and second engagement surfaces 170, 174 while providing unobstructed movement around the contact carrier 66 (and the contacts 70 thereon) when transitioning between the unlocked and disengaged position and the locked and engaged position.

[0053] The plunger 156 is in Figures 3-4152 to selectively move the fingers 152 from the unlocked position to the locked position. A plunger 156 is coupled to the input member 128 (e.g., directly, integrally, or indirectly) and selectively moves (e.g., slides) with the input member depending on whether the locking mechanism 104 is locked or unlocked. Specifically, the plunger 156 extends between the fingers 152 at a first end and is coupled to a cam follower 176 having an inclined surface 128A at a second (opposite) end. The input member 128 is a switch slidable between a first position and a second position, the switch being biased to the first position via springs 140 and 180. When the input member 128 is in the first position, the plunger 156 shifts the fingers 152 to the locked position. When the input member 128 moves to the second position against the bias of springs 140 and 180, the plunger 156 moves rearward, causing the finger 152 to move to the unlocked position with the aid of the resilient ring 148 or other suitable biasing member. In other embodiments, the input member 128 can move but is not biased to the first or second position.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the security device 18 also includes a cable mount 184 supported by the first portion 112 of the body 48. The cable mount 184 is shown positioned at one end of the first portion 112, opposite the finger 152. The cable mount 184 is configured to securely receive the flexible cable 26, which can be wrapped around an immovable object to secure the security device 18 (and the portable electronic device 14) to the immovable object.

[0055] Figures 7-9 Another example of a safety device 218 is shown. This safety device 218 is similar to the one described above with reference to FIG. Figures 1-6 The discussed safety devices 18 are similar. The differences between the two safety devices 18 and 218 will be described below.

[0056] The security device 218 includes a keyed lock cylinder 220, which is different from the combination lock cylinder in the previous embodiment. Rotation of the key within the lock cylinder 220 causes a cam body (not shown) to rotate, thereby translating a plunger 256 and moving the lock finger 252 between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

[0057] Figure 8The fingers 252 are shown in the unlocked and retracted position. In the unlocked position, the maximum width of the engagement mechanism 208 (i.e., from the outermost edge of the first finger 252 to the outermost edge of the second finger 252) is less than the width of the aperture 30. Thus, the engagement mechanism 208 can be linearly inserted into the aperture 30. When fully seated such that the alignment member 214 is within the aperture 30 and the body 200 contacts the outer surface 46 of the portable electronic device, the distal ends 260 of the fingers 252 extend around the data connector 38 and avoid contact with the data connector 38.

[0058] Figure 9 The fingers 252 are shown in the locked and expanded position. In the locked position, the maximum width of the engagement mechanism 208 is greater than the width of the aperture 30 such that the fingers 252 are able to engage the protrusions 62 on the inner surface 48 of the portable electronic device. Similar to the unlocked position, the fingers 252 extend around the data connector 38 and avoid contact with the data connector 38. A plate member 288 is coupled to the front edge of the body 200 (i.e., the position at which the fingers 252 extend from the body 200) and is configured to engage the outer surface 46 of the portable electronic device 14 when the security apparatus 218 is secured to the aperture 30, and can be made of a wear-resistant material. Although the plate member 288 is shown with respect to the body 200, a similar plate member can also be housed on the body 100 of the security apparatus 18.

[0059] Various features and advantages of the present application are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A security device configured to extend through an opening of a data port to engage a sidewall of a portable electronic device, the security device comprising: a body having an opening at a front edge of the body; a lock cylinder located within the body; an engagement mechanism including a first finger and a second finger extending out of the body through the opening, wherein the lock cylinder is configured to move the first finger and the second finger between a first position in which the engagement mechanism is removable from the data port and a second position in which the engagement mechanism is secured to the data port, and wherein each of the first finger and the second finger includes a surface configured to engage the sidewall of the portable electronic device; and an alignment member configured to extend into the opening and remain within the opening when the engagement mechanism is in the second position, wherein the alignment member includes a surface configured to engage the front edge of the body.

2. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the alignment member is integrally formed with the first finger and the second finger as a single component.

3. The security apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger is parallel to the surface of the alignment member.

4. The security apparatus of claim 3, wherein the surface of the first finger is coplanar with the surface of the second finger.

5. The security apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the surface of the first finger is offset from the surface of the alignment member by a step therebetween, such that the surface of the first finger is radially and axially offset from the surface of the alignment member.

6. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein, each of the first finger and the second finger includes an enlarged distal end having a raised lip defining a recessed bowl, such that the raised lip is configured to extend around a data connector located within the data port, and wherein the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is formed on the raised lip.

7. The security apparatus of claim 6, wherein the raised lip defines an axial extension of each of the first finger and the second finger, wherein a surface of the recessed bowl is axially spaced apart from the raised lip, and wherein the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is disposed axially between the axial extension and the surface of the recessed bowl.

8. The security apparatus of claim 7, wherein, the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is located radially outward of the recessed bowl.

9. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the lock cylinder is a lock cylinder of a combination lock or a lock cylinder of a key lock.

10. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the front edge of the body includes a plate member made of a wear-resistant material, wherein the surface of the alignment member is configured to engage the plate member.

11. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the alignment member is configured to prevent the security device from rotating relative to the portable electronic device when the security device is positioned within the opening of the data port.

12. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the alignment member inhibits the engagement mechanism from being inserted eccentrically or askew into the opening, the engagement mechanism contacting a data connector located within the data port in the opening.

13. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The engagement mechanism further includes a plunger coupled to the lock core and configured to translate within the body between the first finger and the second finger to move the first finger and the second finger between the first position and the second position.

14. The security apparatus of claim 13, wherein, An input member is also included, the input member being coupled to the plunger and externally accessible on the body, wherein the input member is movable in response to input by a user to translate the plunger relative to the body.

15. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein, An elastic ring is also included, the elastic ring being configured to bias the first finger and the second finger to the first position.

16. A security device configured to extend through an opening of a data port to engage a sidewall of a portable electronic device, the security device comprising: a body having an opening at a front edge of the body; a lock core located within the body; an engagement mechanism including a first finger and a second finger extending through the opening to outside of the body, wherein the lock core is configured to move the first finger and the second finger between a first position in which the engagement mechanism is removable from the data port and a second position in which the engagement mechanism is secured to the data port, and wherein each of the first finger and the second finger includes a surface configured to engage the sidewall of the portable electronic device; wherein each of the first finger and the second finger includes an enlarged distal end having a raised lip defining a recessed bowl such that the raised lip is configured to extend around a data connector located within the data port, wherein the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is formed on the raised lip.

17. The security apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The raised lip defines an axial extension of each of the first finger and the second finger, wherein a surface of the recessed bowl is axially spaced apart from the raised lip, and wherein the surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is disposed axially between the axial extension and the surface of the recessed bowl.

18. The security apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The surface of each of the first finger and the second finger configured to engage the sidewall is located radially outward of the recessed bowl.

19. The security apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The raised lip of the first finger and the raised lip of the second finger collectively surround the recessed bowl, the recessed bowl being formed in part by the first finger and in part by the second finger.

20. A security device configured to extend through an opening formed in a sidewall of a portable electronic device, the security device comprising: a body; a lock core located within the body; an engagement mechanism including a first finger, a second finger, and a plunger configured to move the first finger and the second finger from a first position in which the engagement mechanism is removable from the opening to a second position in which the engagement mechanism is secured within the opening, wherein the first finger includes an enlarged distal end having a raised lip about a perimeter of the enlarged distal end to define a recessed bowl within the raised lip, the raised lip defining a surface configured to engage a sidewall of the portable electronic device in the second position and to disengage the sidewall of the portable electronic device in the first position; and wherein the second finger includes an enlarged distal end having a raised lip about a perimeter of the enlarged distal end to define a recessed bowl within the raised lip, the raised lip defining a surface configured to engage a sidewall of the portable electronic device in the second position and to disengage the sidewall of the portable electronic device in the first position.

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