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WO1999028580A1 - Dispositif antivol - Google Patents

Dispositif antivol Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999028580A1
WO1999028580A1 PCT/GB1998/003604 GB9803604W WO9928580A1 WO 1999028580 A1 WO1999028580 A1 WO 1999028580A1 GB 9803604 W GB9803604 W GB 9803604W WO 9928580 A1 WO9928580 A1 WO 9928580A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
connector
cable
equipment
securing
sheath
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB1998/003604
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Howard Miller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU13449/99A priority Critical patent/AU1344999A/en
Publication of WO1999028580A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999028580A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • E05B73/0082—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • E05B73/0005—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices using chains, cables or the like

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an anti-theft device for computer equipment and to a method of preventing the theft of computer equipment.
  • computer equipment is intended to embrace such items as monitors, printers, system units, file servers and keyboards.
  • the majority of computer equipment is therefore provided with at least one cable port which is not only adapted for connection with a cable connector but also has associated means by which the cable connector can be securely fixed to the equipment.
  • the two most common ways of positively fixing the cable connector to the equipment are by means of one or more, usually two, screws carried on the connector which may be screwed into corresponding screw holes or bores provided on the computer equipment adjacent the cable port or by means of one or more, usually two, spring clips provided on the equipment adjacent the cable port and adapted to clip over the connector once in position.
  • Such positive fixing means guards against the cable connector being inadvertently detached from the equipment.
  • Typical examples of connectors which embody additional fixing means are those known in the art as "RS232" type connectors and "SVGA” monitor connectors.
  • the invention resides in a method of securing computer equipment against theft, characterised in that the computer equipment is secured via the medium of a cable port provided on the equipment.
  • the method of securing computer equipment using the cable port is achieved by means of a device for use with lockable securing means, the device comprising:
  • the connector can be anchored to the computer equipment and provide an attachment location for the lockable securing means.
  • the securing means co-operating with the connector access to the fixing means is prevented or at least substantially hindered by the sheath. Without such access, it is not possible for unauthorised personnel to sever the link between the computer equipment and the securing means, at least not without causing severe damage to cable port which is likely to render the equipment unusable.
  • the connector and sheath are provided with complementary apertures such that the lockable securing means may pass through both the connector and the sheath.
  • an anti-theft device for computer equipment comprising:
  • a connector adapted to connect with a cable port on the equipment, (ii) means for fixing the connector to the equipment; and (iii) a sheath for the connector; wherein the connector is adapted to co-operate with lockable securing means to maintain the sheath in a position in which access to the fixing means is prevented.
  • the connector and sheath of the device are provided with complementary apertures for receiving lockable securing means therethrough.
  • a securing means for example in the form of a security cable
  • the security cable or other such securing means can then be passed around or looped through a relatively permanent fixture and locked, for example, by means of a padlock or the like. Since the fixing means which secures the connector to the equipment is shielded and therefore cannot be "undone", the equipment is effectively locked to the permanent fixture via the security cable.
  • the lockable securing means which co-operates in use with the connector may not necessarily be directly attached to a permanent fixture, but may be indirectly attached to the same, for example, by means of a further lockable security cable.
  • a particular advantage of the anti-theft device of the present invention is that it does not require any modification of equipment because it is designed to be fitted to an existing a cable port. Moreover, it will be readily understood by persons contemplating theft of computer equipment secured via the medium of the cable port that the use of force to attempt to break the linkage of the cable connector to the equipment is likely to result in damage to the port and hence make the equipment unusable.
  • the connector will be provided with either female or male connecting means for connecting to the cable port, depending on whether the cable port is of the male or female type.
  • the connector comprises a cable connector, in other words, a connector which is directly wired to a signal cable.
  • a cable connector may be modified from cable connectors hitherto known by virtue of the inclusion of means through which a security cable can be passed.
  • such means may be in the form of a closed loop attached to or integral with the cable connector or in the form of an aperture through the cable connector body, either option permitting securing means to be passed therethrough.
  • any loop attachment must be provided in such a way that it cannot easily be removed from the body of the connector as otherwise this might circumvent the whole object of the invention.
  • the connector of the invention preferably comprises an adapter, such an adapter being provided not only with means for connection to a cable port but also with 5 means for connection to a cable connector.
  • the connector can be interposed between a cable port and a cable connector thereby avoiding any necessity to modify existing hardware.
  • the adapter will be provided at opposite ends with male and female type connections.
  • the adapter preferably has a 28 -pin or 9-pin configuration.
  • the adapter is of course provided with fixing means with which to secure it to the computer equipment.
  • the fixing means for the adapter corresponds to the same such means conventionally found on the cable connector and discussed hereinabove.
  • the adapter may carry one or more screws for screwing into corresponding screw holes on the equipment adjacent the cable port.
  • the adapter may be designed to co-operate with spring clips provided on the equipment adjacent the cable port.
  • the adapter be similarly provided with means for fixing the cable connector thereto, such as by means of screw holes or spring clips or their equivalent. In this way, the benefits of providing fixing means between the cable connector and the computer equipment is not lost.
  • the adapter may perform other functions aside from its security role.
  • the adapter may additionally comprise a dongle.
  • the adapter may further serve to prevent unauthorised use of the computer equipment or access to its software.
  • the adapter may incorporate an alarm, such as a motion sensor alarm or tamper alarm.
  • the alarm may simply provide an audible warning when triggered or may provide a signal to a remote surveillance facility.
  • the sheath is then positioned in relation to the connector, for example so that their respective apertures are aligned.
  • the securing means is then introduced to the connector, it serves to retain the sheath in its operative position so that access to the fixing means is substantially prevented.
  • the sheath is preferably shaped to slide over the connector and may conveniently take the form of an open-ended sleeve, for example, of a generally rectangular shape.
  • An aperture is preferably provided on each of two opposed faces of the sleeve thereby to allow a security cable or other securing means to be fed in through one aperture, pass through the complementary aperture provided through the connector, and then out through the aperture on the opposed face of the sleeve.
  • the sheath Since the main purpose of the sheath is to prevent access to the fixing means, which otherwise would allow unauthorised personnel to detach the computer equipment from the securing means, the sheath is desirably made of a material which cannot readily be broken or cut through. A tough plastics material or even armoured steel are particularly suitable for the sheath material.
  • the securing means may be in the form of a clamp-type element or padlock, which in turn may be secured by secondary securing means to a relatively immovable object.
  • the securing means comprises a security cable.
  • security cables are well known, for example, they may comprise armoured cables, or wire cables or metal chains sheathed in plastic. Often one end of the cable is permanently fixed to a padlock or other such locking device and the other, free end adapted to be received in the padlock and locked thereto. Unlocking of the cable to release its free end can only be achieved by means of a key held by authorised personnel.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an anti-theft device in accordance with one aspect of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 shows a generally rectangular adapter 2 provided at one end with female type connection 4 for attaching to a cable port on the computer equipment (not shown) and at its opposite end with a male type connection 4' for attaching to a cable connector (not shown).
  • Fixing means in the form of screws 6,6' are carried on the adapter 2 adjacent the 7 female type connection 4 for fixing the adapter 2 to the computer equipment adjacent the cable port.
  • Further fixing means in the form of screw holes or nuts 8,8' are provided adjacent the male type connection 6 for fixing the adapter to the cable connector.
  • the adapter 2 has an aperture 10 which passes through its body.
  • Sheath 12 in the form of a generally rectangular sleeve is adapted to slide over the adapter 2.
  • An aperture 14 is provided on its upper face in use and a corresponding aperture (not shown) is provided on its lower face.
  • the aperture 10 on the adapter 2 aligns with the apertures on the sheath to allow a security cable 16 to be passed through.
  • the security cable 16 may be looped around an immovable object and its free end 18 inserted into slot 20 of lock 22. In such a position, the sheath 12 is unable to move relative to the adapter 2 and covers screws 6,6' thereby preventing the adapter 2 from being unscrewed from the computer equipment.
  • the anti-theft device may be used in relation to equipment, other than computer equipment, which carries cable ports of the type described.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

On peut protéger contre le vol du matériel informatique tel que des moniteurs, des imprimantes, des unités systèmes et des serveurs de fichiers en sécurisant le matériel à l'aide de la prise de câble du matériel. Un dispositif, pour ce faire, comprend un connecteur (4) adapté pour se connecter à la prise de câble, un moyen (6, 6') permettant de fixer le connecteur au matériel informatique ainsi qu'une gaine (12) destinée au connecteur. Un moyen de sécurité (16), se présentant par exemple sous la forme d'un câble de sécurité enroulé autour d'un objet relativement immobile, peut coopérer avec le connecteur (4) afin de maintenir l'enveloppe (12) dans une position dans laquelle on empêche l'accès au moyen de fixation (6, 6'). Toute tentative de détacher le moyen de sécurité (16) du connecteur est susceptible d'avoir pour effet une détérioration irréversible de la prise de câble rendant ainsi le matériel inutilisable. Le connecteur (4) peut se présenter sous la forme d'un adaptateur interposé entre la prise de câble et le connecteur de câble et peut comprendre un dispositif de protection électronique et/ou une alarme.
PCT/GB1998/003604 1997-12-03 1998-12-03 Dispositif antivol Ceased WO1999028580A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU13449/99A AU1344999A (en) 1997-12-03 1998-12-03 Anti theft device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9725670A GB2332016B (en) 1997-12-03 1997-12-03 Anti-theft device
GB9725670.5 1997-12-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999028580A1 true WO1999028580A1 (fr) 1999-06-10

Family

ID=10823092

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1998/003604 Ceased WO1999028580A1 (fr) 1997-12-03 1998-12-03 Dispositif antivol

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU1344999A (fr)
GB (1) GB2332016B (fr)
WO (1) WO1999028580A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7081822B2 (en) 2003-12-18 2006-07-25 Se-Kure Controls, Inc. Sensing assembly for article to be monitored
US7132952B2 (en) 2003-12-18 2006-11-07 Se-Kure Controls, Inc. Security system for a portable article

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2404416A (en) * 2003-07-30 2005-02-02 Sinox Co Ltd Securing device having bypass interface
GB2448354B (en) * 2007-04-12 2010-04-21 David Land Security device for a USB port

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4584570A (en) * 1983-12-12 1986-04-22 Eamon Solan Electrical appliance plug removal alarm
US4669281A (en) * 1984-10-09 1987-06-02 Hewlett-Packard Company Cable/computer peripheral lock
US5021610A (en) * 1990-01-04 1991-06-04 Square D Company Strain relief connection
FR2704987A1 (fr) * 1993-05-04 1994-11-10 Bajeux Claude Connecteur multipoint hermaphrodite.

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5406809A (en) * 1991-05-13 1995-04-18 Igelmund; Darrell A. Mechanical security fixture for personal computers

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4584570A (en) * 1983-12-12 1986-04-22 Eamon Solan Electrical appliance plug removal alarm
US4669281A (en) * 1984-10-09 1987-06-02 Hewlett-Packard Company Cable/computer peripheral lock
US5021610A (en) * 1990-01-04 1991-06-04 Square D Company Strain relief connection
FR2704987A1 (fr) * 1993-05-04 1994-11-10 Bajeux Claude Connecteur multipoint hermaphrodite.

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7081822B2 (en) 2003-12-18 2006-07-25 Se-Kure Controls, Inc. Sensing assembly for article to be monitored
US7132952B2 (en) 2003-12-18 2006-11-07 Se-Kure Controls, Inc. Security system for a portable article

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2332016A (en) 1999-06-09
GB2332016B (en) 2001-12-19
GB9725670D0 (en) 1998-02-04
AU1344999A (en) 1999-06-16
GB2332016A9 (en)

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