Anti-theft device for laptop computer or portable electronic product

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards anti-theft devices and methods for protecting a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product from theft or unauthorized removal. In one example, an anti-theft device includes a pair of retaining assemblies, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a retaining arm for engaging a lateral edge of the item, the pair of retaining assemblies being adjustable relative to one another to accommodate a width of the item. Each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprises a lock mechanism for locking the retaining assembly such that the item cannot be removed from the anti-theft device, wherein at least one of the lock mechanisms is configured to be unlocked via an electronic key.

Description

ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR LAPTOP COMPUTER OR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC PRODUCTCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 533,421, filed on August 18, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an anti-theft device for protecting consumer electronics, and in particular, a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to an anti-theft device for protecting a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product having a base portion and a cover portion attached to the base portion with the cover portion positionable at an angle relative to the base portion. The anti-theft device may be adjustable to accommodate laptop computers and similar portable electronic products having various widths, and may include a lock mechanism operable for locking the anti-theft device and a key operable for unlocking the anti -theft device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is common practice for retailers to provide demonstration models of relatively expensive consumer electronics, such as laptop computers and similar portable electronic products, so that a potential purchaser may examine the demonstration model, and in some instances, test the function and operation of its features prior to purchasing the product. An operational display product, however, also creates an opportunity for the demonstration model to be stolen or removed from the display area by an unauthorized person. As a result, demonstration models of consumer electronics are typically protected by an anti-theft device, also commonly referred to as a “security device” or “merchandise display device,” that permits a potential purchaser to examine and operate the demonstration model, while reducing the likelihood that the display product will be stolen or removed by an unauthorized person.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards anti-theft devices and methods for protecting an item from theft or unauthorized removal. In one example embodiment, an anti-theft device includes a pair of retaining assemblies, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a retaining arm for engaging a lateral edge of the item, the pair of retaining assemblies being adjustable relative to one another to accommodate a width of the item. Each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprises a lock mechanism for locking the retaining assembly such that the item cannot be removed from the anti-theft device, wherein at least one of the lock mechanisms is configured to be unlocked via an electronic key.

[0005] In another embodiment, an anti-theft device includes a pair of retaining assemblies, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a retaining arm for engaging a lateral edge of the item. The anti-theft device also includes a rail configured to be secured to a support surface, each of the pair of retaining assemblies configured to engage the rail and to be adjustable relative to one another along the rail. Each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprises a lock mechanism for locking the retaining assembly to the rail such that the item cannot be removed from the anti-theft device, wherein at least one of the lock mechanisms is configured to be unlocked via an electronic key.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method includes adjusting a pair of retaining assemblies relative to one another for accommodating a width of the item, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a retaining arm for engaging a lateral edge of the item. The method further includes locking the pair of retaining assemblies with a respective lock mechanism such that the item cannot be removed from the anti-theft device, and actuating an electronic key for unlocking at least one of the lock mechanisms.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anti-theft device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the anti -theft device shown in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a retaining assembly according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 is bottom perspective view of the retaining assembly shown in FIG. 3.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of the retaining assembly shown in FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rail according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an anti-theft device in engagement with a laptop computer according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an anti-theft device in communication with an electronic key and in engagement with a laptop computer according to one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout the various views. FIGS. 1-8 show various embodiments of an anti-theft device, indicated generally by reference character 20, for protecting a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product, indicated generally by reference character L, against theft or unauthorized removal. As used herein, the term “laptop computer” is intended to include without limitation all types of portable, personal computers, for example notebook, mini-notebook, sub-notebook and netbook type computers, as well as mobile devices, tablets, and personal data assistant (PDA) type devices. The term “similar portable electronic product” is intended to include without limitation any type of portable personal education and / or entertainment device, for example a mobile device, convertibles, tablet device, and the like. The embodiment of the anti-theft device 20 shown in the figures is suitable for use with standard-sized laptop computers (e.g., notebook) and relatively wide portable electronic products (e.g., tablets).

[0016] In either case, the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product to be protected by the anti-theft device 20 may have a base portion B and a cover portion C attached to the base portion with the cover portion extending from the base portion at an angle, indicatedgenerally by the reference character A in various figures. Typically, the cover portion C is movably attached to the base portion B, for example by one or more hinges or equivalent structure, such that the cover portion C is movable relative to the base portion B between a closed position and an opened position. In most instances, the cover portion C comprises a display screen and is movable from the closed position to any one of several opened positions through the angle A so that a user may position the display screen at a convenient viewing location. Generally, anti-theft devices according to embodiments of the present invention engage the cover portion C of the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product in a locked configuration with the base portion B irremovably disposed between the anti-theft device and a support surface S in a convenient display or use position. Furthermore, the anti-theft device may loosely engage the cover portion C so that the angle A of the display screen relative to the base portion B can be adjusted to the convenient viewing location and, at the same time, the base portion B is free to move in an upward direction off the support surface S so that a user may experience the weight of the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product L. However, as will be explained in greater detail below, the anti -theft device protects the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product against theft or unauthorized removal regardless of the angle A defined between the base portion B and the cover portion C, or the position of the base portion B relative to the support surface S.

[0017] As best shown in FIG. 1 , the anti-theft device 20 comprises a rail 22 configured for attachment to the support surface. The rail 22 may be attached to the support surface by any suitable means, for example by pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), such as double-sided tape, or by suitable fasteners 25 extending through corresponding openings 24 formed in the rail 22 and into the support surface. Rail 22 is operable for adjustably receiving and aligning a pair of retaining assemblies 30, 40. In one embodiment, the retaining base 36 may be configured to mate with the rail 22 in a dovetail type of engagement, although other types of engagements may be used in order to facilitate engagement between the retaining assemblies 30, 40 and the rail. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, each retaining base 36 may define a slot configured to receive a portion of the rail 22 in a sliding engagement. Each retaining base 36 may further include one or more engagement members configured to mate with and engage correspondingslots and engagement members of the rail. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, rail 22 may be varied in a lengthwise direction to support different sized laptops and / or additional laptop computers or similar portable electronic products in a desired orientation for display and / or use. For example, a plurality of rails 22 may be employed in some embodiments, and in some cases may be aligned end-to-end with one another to support any number of laptop computers. Support surface may be any surface suitable for receiving and securing the anti-theft device 20, but preferably is a generally flat surface of a relatively immovable object, such as a desk, table top, display counter, wall, floor, or the like.

[0018] Retaining assembly 30 comprises one or more laterally extending retaining arms 32. As shown, a pair of retaining arms 32 are provided for retaining a lateral edge of a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product, in the manner shown in FIGS. 7-8. The retaining arms 32 may be a pair of arms extending in the same plane and parallel to one another in some cases. Retaining assembly 30 further comprises a retaining base 36 that is configured to engage rail 22 such that the retaining assembly 30 is positionable (e.g., slidable) along the rail in the lengthwise direction. Retaining assembly 30, and more particularly the retaining base 36, is secured to the rail 22 at a desired lateral position by an engagement mechanism 37. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement mechanism 37 may be a pin or the like configured to engage any one of a plurality of openings 38 formed in the rail 22. In some embodiments, a plurality of openings 37 may be defined along the entire length of the rail 22, or substantially along the length of the rail, to allow for adjustment of the retaining assemblies 30, 40 relative to the rail. In other instances, the openings 38 may be defined only along a portion of the rail 22.

[0019] Retaining assembly 40 likewise comprises a pair of retaining arms 32 configured to engage the lateral edge of the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product opposite the retaining arms of the retaining assembly 30. As used herein, the term “engages” is intended to include retaining hooks that remain in sufficiently close proximity to the lateral edges of the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product to prevent the display screen to be moved (e.g., twisted or rotated) out of confinement with the anti-theft device. Retaining assembly 40 similarly comprises a retaining base 36 that is configured to engage rail 22 such that the retainingassembly 40 is also positionable (e g., slidable) along the rail in the lengthwise direction in the same manner as retaining assembly 30. Retaining assembly 40, and more particularly the retaining base 46, may also secured to the rail 22 at a desired lateral position by the engagement mechanism 37, so as to discourage theft of the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product. However, in some embodiments, either of the retaining arms 30, 40 may be fixed to the rail 22, while the other of the rails is configured to be movable along the rail. For example, retaining assembly 30 may be fixed to the rail with a mechanism, e.g., via one or more fasteners.

[0020] FIGS. 7-8 show the anti-theft device 20 positioned and locked onto the laptop computer L in the locked configuration. The base portion B of the laptop computer L can be positioned on the anti-theft device 20 with the cover portion C disposed at an angle A relative to the base portion B and with a lateral edge of the cover portion C engaged (as defined herein) by the retaining arms 32. In particular, the lateral edges of the cover portion C of the laptop computer L is disposed in a confined manner between the retaining arms 32.

[0021] The anti-theft device 20 is configured to accommodate laptop computers or similar portable electronic products having various widths. As previously mentioned, retaining assembly 30 and retaining assembly 40 are each independently movable along the rail 22 in the lengthwise direction. As shown, retaining assembly 30, 40 may include a lock mechanism 50 configured to lock the retaining assembly to the rail 22 and to be unlocked. In the locked configuration, the laptop computer cannot be removed from the anti-theft device 20, while the laptop computer may be removed when the lock mechanism is unlocked. The lock mechanism 50 may comprise an engagement mechanism 37 in some embodiments configured to engage any one of a plurality of openings 38 formed in the rail 22 to secure the retaining assembly 30 and / or 40 at a desired lateral location along the rail 22. Thus, the corresponding retaining base 36, 46 can be repositioned to another lengthwise location along the rail 22 at which the retaining arms 32 will properly engage (as defined herein) the lateral edges of a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product. With the engagement mechanism 37 disengaged from the rail, retaining assembly 30 and / or retaining assembly 40 can then be moved outwardly to accommodate a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product having a greater width orto remove the laptop computer from the anti-theft device. As will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill, either one or both of the retaining assemblies 30, 40 may be repositioned in either lengthwise direction to accommodate laptop computers and similar portable electronic products having various widths.

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment for unlocking the anti-theft device 20 from the locked configuration using an electronic key 60. The key 60 may be any device suitable for engaging a corresponding lock mechanism disposed within the retaining base 46 of the retaining assembly 40, as will be described with reference to FIGS. 7-8. The electronic key 60 may be functionally equivalent to the electronic key shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,890,691, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The retaining assembly 40 may include an interface such as a port 44 configured to facilitate communication with the key 60, such as via wireless communication means (e.g., IR, NFC, Bluetooth, inductance, etc.). In some embodiments, the key 60 may be a mobile or cellular device. The key 60 operates to release the engagement mechanism 37, and thereby permit the retaining assembly 40 to be moved laterally away from the laptop L so that the laptop can be moved out of engagement with the retaining arms 32. As will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, either or both of the retaining assemblies 30, 40 (and more specifically retaining base 36 and / or retaining base 46) may be provided with a lock mechanism that is operated by an electronic key 60 as described herein without departing from the invention. Furthermore, either or both of the retaining assemblies 30, 40 may be provided with an alternative type of lock mechanism and a corresponding key for unlocking the anti-theft device 20 to permit removal of a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product without departing from the invention.

[0023] The engagement mechanism 37 may be configured to released using any number of techniques. In one embodiment, the key 60 may be configured to transfer power to the retaining assembly 40 for releasing the engagement mechanism 37, such as for example, via a shape memory wire or nitinol actuation. In one embodiment, the engagement mechanism 37 may be actuated in a similar manner as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,133,649, which is assigned tothe assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. Of course, other actuation means may be employed, such as via a motor, solenoid, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism 50 further includes an actuator 45 configured to actuate the engagement mechanism 37 between engaged and disengaged positions with respect to the rail 22. For example, the actuator 45 may be configured to be extended outwardly when the engagement mechanism 37 is disengaged from the rail 22, and configured to be retracted within the retaining assembly 40 to thereby extend the engagement mechanism into engagement with the rail. The actuator 45 may be configured to move automatically in response to movement of the retaining assembly 40 relative to the rail 22, such that the engagement mechanism 37 is biased or otherwise configured to automatically engage an opening 38 without any manual actuation required. In other cases, a user may be required to actuate the actuator 45 manually so as to depress the actuator relative to the retaining assembly 40 to move the engagement mechanism 37 to an engaged position. The actuator 45 may further be configured to actuate in response to communication with an authorized key 60, such as for example, when the engagement mechanism 37 disengages the rail 22.

[0024] The anti-theft device 20 may permit the cover portion C of the laptop computer L to be positioned at nearly any angle A relative to the base portion B, while still preventing the laptop computer L from being removed without first unlocking the anti-theft device. Furthermore, the anti-theft device 20 may permit the laptop computer L to be lifted upwardly off the support surface in the locked configuration. In this manner, a potential purchaser is able to experience the weight of the laptop computer L before actually purchasing it. The vertical location of the retaining arms 32, 42 of the retaining assemblies 30, 40 relative to the support surface may prevent a potential thief from lifting the rear end of the laptop computer L sufficiently to remove it with the cover portion C substantially closed. Moreover, the vertical location of the retaining arms 32, 42 of the retaining assemblies 30, 40 may also prevent a potential thief from lifting the forward end of the laptop computer L sufficiently to remove it with the cover portion C substantially opened.

[0025] The foregoing has described one or more exemplary embodiments of an anti-theftdevice for protecting a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product from theft or unauthorized removal. Anti-theft devices according to embodiments of the invention may include a means for positioning and automatically locking the anti-theft device onto the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product. Anti-theft devices according to embodiments of the invention may also include a means for adjusting the anti-theft device to accommodate laptop computers or similar portable electronic products having various widths. Anti-theft devices according to embodiments of the invention may further include a means for unlocking the antitheft device from the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product using an electronic key. In particular embodiments, the invention is an anti-theft device for a laptop computer including an adjustment mechanism that permits sliding movement of one or more laterally extending retaining arms in a lengthwise direction that terminate in a retaining hook for engaging a lateral edge of the laptop computer, and a lock mechanism that prevents the retaining arm from being removed from the anti-theft device. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. In particular, it will be appreciated that an anti-theft device constructed in accordance with the present invention may be applicable for use with items of merchandise, products and objects other than laptop computers or similar portable electronic products without departing from the spirit and scope of any appended claim.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. An anti -theft device for protecting an item from theft or unauthorized removal, comprising: a pair of retaining assemblies, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a retaining arm for engaging a lateral edge of the item, the pair of retaining assemblies being adjustable relative to one another to accommodate a width of the item, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a lock mechanism for locking the retaining assembly to the rail such that the item cannot be removed from the anti-theft device, wherein at least one of the lock mechanisms is configured to be unlocked via an electronic key.

2. The anti -theft device of Claim 1, wherein the item is a laptop.

3. The anti-theft device of Claim 1, wherein a lateral position of each of the pair of retaining assemblies is adjustable relative to one another.

4. The anti -theft device of Claim 1, wherein the item comprises a base portion and a cover portion movable relative to one another, and wherein each of the retaining arms is configured to engage the cover portion.

5. The anti-theft device of Claim 1, further comprising a rail configured to be secured to a support surface, and wherein each of the pair of retaining assemblies is configured to engage the rail.

6. The anti-theft device of Claim 5, wherein each of the pair of retaining assemblies is configured to slide along the rail while in engagement therewith.

7. The anti-theft device of Claim 5, wherein the rail comprises a plurality of openings defined along its length, and wherein each of the pair of retaining assemblies is configured engage a respective opening.

8. The anti-theft device of Claim 5, wherein each of the pair of retaining assemblies is configured to engage the rail in a dovetail engagement.

9. The anti-theft device of Claim 5, wherein each of the pair of retaining assembliesand the rail comprise one or more slots and engagement members for engagement with one another.

10. The anti -theft device of Claim 5, wherein each of the lock mechanisms comprises an engagement mechanism configured to engage the rail.

11. The anti-theft device of Claim 10, wherein each of the lock mechanisms comprises an actuator for actuating the engagement mechanism between engagement with and disengagement from the rail.

12. The anti-theft device of Claim 11, wherein the actuator of one of the lock mechanisms is configured to be manually actuated for engaging the engagement mechanism with the rail.

13. The anti -theft device of Claim 11, wherein the actuator of one of the lock mechanisms is configured to be automatically actuated for engaging the engagement mechanism with the rail.

14. The anti -theft device of Claim 11, wherein the actuator of one of the lock mechanisms is configured to be actuated in response to communication with the electronic key.

15. The anti-theft device of Claim 11, wherein the actuator of one of the lock mechanisms is a button configured to be manually actuated for engaging the engagement mechanism with the rail.

16. The anti -theft device of Claim 10, wherein the engagement mechanism of each of the lock mechanisms is configured to extend into engagement with the rail and to retract out of engagement with the rail.

17. The anti -theft device of Claim 5, wherein the at least one of the pair of retaining assemblies is configured to be locked to the rail with a respective lock mechanism.

18. The anti-theft device of Claim 1, wherein each of the lock mechanisms is housed by a respective one of the pair of retaining assemblies.

19. The anti-theft device of Claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of retainingassemblies comprises an interface configured to facilitate communication with the electronic key.

20. The anti -theft device of Claim 19, wherein the interface is configured to facilitate wireless communication with the electronic key.

21. The anti-theft device of Claim 1, wherein each retaining assembly comprises a pair of retaining arms for engaging the lateral edge of the item.

22. The anti -theft device of Claim 1, further comprising any combination of features recited by any of Claims 1-21.

23. An anti -theft device for protecting an item from theft or unauthorized removal, comprising: a pair of retaining assemblies, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a retaining arm for engaging a lateral edge of the item; and a rail configured to be secured to a support surface, each of the pair of retaining assemblies configured to engage the rail and to be adjustable relative to one another along the rail, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a lock mechanism for locking the retaining assembly to the rail such that the item cannot be removed from the anti-theft device, wherein at least one of the lock mechanisms is configured to be unlocked via an electronic key.

24. The anti-theft device of Claim 23, further comprising any combination of features recited by any of Claims 1-21.

25. A method for protecting an item from theft or unauthorized removal, comprising: adjusting a pair of retaining assemblies relative to one another for accommodating a width of the item, each of the pair of retaining assemblies comprising a retaining arm for engaging a lateral edge of the item; locking each of the pair of retaining assemblies with a respective lock mechanism such that the item cannot be removed from the anti-theft device; and actuating an electronic key for unlocking at least one of the lock mechanisms.

26. A device, system, and / or method comprising any combination of features disclosed herein.

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