EP2718524A1

EP2718524A1 - System for securing a portable computing device in a retail environment

Info

Publication number: EP2718524A1
Application number: EP12723890.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jayne HORSLEY; Kevin MCCOOK
Original assignee: Solutions Diverse Ltd
Current assignee: Solutions Diverse Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-05
Filing date: 2012-04-05
Publication date: 2014-04-16
Also published as: GB201105773D0; WO2012137007A1

Abstract

A system for securing a portable computing device, such as a tablet computer, in a retail environment. The system comprises: (a) two or more slideable arms that each terminate in a jaw, each jaw adapted to grip a side of the computing device; (b) a hub unit into which each arm can slide and which lockably secures each arm in position. The slideable arms can each be slid into a position to grip a computing device of any dimensions.

Description

SYSTEM FOR SECURING A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE IN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a system for securing a portable computing device, such as a tablet computer, laptop, smartphone, satellite navigation system etc. in a retail environment 2. Discussion of Related Art

Much care and thought is devoted to designing retail environments for portable computing devices— in part, this is because consumers expect a complete experience for a specific brand of device manufacturer (especially Apple Inc.) that extends from the interaction with the device, the physical appearance of the device, and the experience and look of the retail environment where the product can be seen and played with and bought. It is therefore critically important that retail environments can display tablets etc. using a system that (a) displays the product to its best advantage, enabling the potential consumer to appreciate the design of the device and fully interact with it and (b) fully secures the device against attempted theft.

Conventional solutions include simply fixing the tablet, laptop etc to a table top: this enables the user to interact with the device, but does not let the user see or touch the back of the device, or orient the device for optimum interaction. Furthermore, the nature of the securing mechanism can be somewhat crude, and can include simply strapping, bolting the device to a surface. In some stores, such as Apple Stores, the fixing to a table top is usually much more discreet.

Other solutions include attaching a security tether to the back of the device: these enable the user to pick the device up, but the tether usually requires a large and unsightly fixing to the back of the tablet etc, which compromises the aesthetics, and can usually be readily cut with wire cutters and is hence of limited deterrence. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention is a system for securing a portable computing device, such as a tablet computer, in a retail environment, the system comprising:

(a) two or more slideable arms that each terminate in a jaw, each jaw adapted to grip a side of the computing device;

(b) a hub unit into which each arm can slide and which lockably secures each arm in position.

Other optional features include the following:

• slideable arms can each be slid into a position to grip a computing device of any dimensions

• there are two orthogonal pairs of slideable arms, each pair gripping an opposing edge of the computing device

• all arms can slide independently of one another

• each arm is lockable in a separate position

• the slideable arms slide within slots that are formed in the hub unit

• the slideable arms slide within slots in the hub unit but never extend, at their end opposite to a jaw, beyond the hub unit.

• there are parallel offset slots in the hub unit so that an arm can be placed in any one of the parallel slots

• the parallel slots are square section slots

• each jaw is also adapted to grip a portion of the front face of the computing

device

• each jaw has at least two prongs with sufficient separation between each prong to accommodate a power cable

• each prong grips a portion of the front face of the computing device

• each arm is lockable in position by screws that are concealed by a mounting plate when the securing device is in normal use

• the hub unit includes a lower half and an upper half, each including slots into which the arms can slide • the hub unit is connected to an adjustable pressure plate on which the computing device can be placed

• the hub unit is mounted on a ball joint so that, in use, a customer in the retail environment can adjust the orientation of the computing device

· the hub unit is mounted to the ball joint with security scroll bolts or equivalent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an example of a securing device covered by this invention.

Figure 2 shows underside of hub and locking grub screws, in of an example of a securing device.

Figure 3 shows an example of the securing device holding a tablet computer and displayed on a product post.

Figure 4 shows views of an example of a central hub unit. In the Figure, clockwise from Top Left: Top View, Perspective View from Top Right, Front View, Perspective from Bottom Right View, Bottom View, Side View.

Figure 5 shows views of an example of the securing device securing a tablet device. In the Figure, clockwise from Top Left: Top View, Perspective View from Top Right, Side View, Perspective from Bottom Right View, Front View.

Figure 6 shows views of an example of a Lower Locking Secure Arm. In the Figure, clockwise from Top Left: Top View, Perspective View from Top Right, Side View, Front View.

Figure 7 shows views of an example of an Upper Locking Secure Arm. Note how it is longer and has a shorter Double Jaw than the Lower Arm of Figure 6. In the Figure, clockwise from Top Left: Top View, Perspective View from Top Right, Side View, Front View.

Figure 8 shows various views of an example of a securing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is implemented in a device called the SD=T ^'. SD=T is a universal securing device for tablet computers on display in retail environments. The purpose of the device is to allow the customer maximum possible interactivity with the live product whilst still securing against theft. Unlike existing security solutions which are bespoke to particular tablets, the SD=T™ is capable of providing first-rate security to a wide range of tablet computers whilst remaining stylish and unobtrusive. This is achieved with a set of four adjustable locking arms which are located into slots in the central hub. The arms may be locked into place by grub screws on the underside of the hub. These grub screws may be covered when the SD=T™ is affixed to a product post with security bolts, preventing the arms being unlocked. Different thicknesses of tablet may be accommodated by a variable height pressure plate which passes through the hub, securely adjustable from under the product post.

Description of Unique Features:

The SD=T™ uniquely has three securely adjustable dimensions (width, height & thickness) that allow it to secure a wide range of tablet computers without reliance on an alarm system for deterrence (though there is scope for an alarm feature to be included).

One of these adjustable dimensions is provided by Solutions Diverse's existing Product Post and Adjustable Pressure Plate which the Central Hub Unit has been designed to interface with via Security Scroll Bolts, which may only be undone with a special tool. The height of the Adjustable Pressure Plate may be adjusted from a Spindle in the Stem of the Product Post, which may not be accessible when the Product Post is displayed on retail fixtures. The other two dimensions are provided by the four independently adjustable Locking Secure Arms, which run in Slots in the Hub and can be locked in place by Locking Grub Screws. The Locking Grub Screws themselves may be covered by the Product Post Mounting Plate when the SD=T™ is installed; this may prevent them being unlocked by anyone who does not have access to the tool for undoing the Security Scroll Bolts. The Arms may be positioned centrally by being inserted into the rightmost of each pair of Slots, or offset by insertion into the leftmost Slot in case the Double Jaw covers an awkwardly placed power supply. Additional offset ability may be provided by the adjustable range of the arms themselves.

A facility exists to include a pressure alarm in the Pressure Plate, which would sound an alert in the unlikely event the tablet computer was removed from the SD=T™ without authorisation. All this is provided in a package which has minimum profile to the customer whilst remaining strong enough to prevent theft without the use of tools.

Reasons For The Way It Has Been Designed: The Hub of the SD=T™ has been designed in two pieces for ease of manufacture. Milling square Slots across an open surface is faster and easier than drilling and reaming deep circular holes, and this necessitates a two-piece construction joined together by countersunk bolts. The square Slots and corresponding square cross-section of the arms also prevent rotation of the arms, reducing the operation difficulty for the store staff who have to operate the device. It may also have been necessary to machine a flat side onto arms of round cross section to provide an ideal surface for the Locking Grub Screws to press against, a manufacturing stage which is eliminated by using a square cross section. A central clearance hole through both halves of the Hub was required for passage of the Pressure Plate, as well as two threaded holes for the Security Scroll Bolts for mounting the Hub onto the Product Post.

The holes for the Locking Grub Screws which intercept the Slots were moved to edges of the hub for two reasons: firstly, doing so minimises the length of the arms required so that they cannot project from the opposite side of the hub and become vulnerable to a thief with a hammer knocking them out; secondly, it becomes much clearer to store staff which grub screws must be tightened to lock each arm. Only four grub screws are required for normal operation, but four more are included for when the arms are required to be offset by utilisation of the other Slot.

The Arms of the SD=T™ may have two different versions as the Upper Arms must cross over the Lower Arms to avoid intersecting them, so the Double Jaws of each may differ in height. The Jaws are double-pronged so as to allow access for a power cord between them, and the cross-member which joins each half is positioned as low down and far back as possible to minimise the SD=T™'s visibility to customers. Due to tablet computers' tendency to be longer in one direction than another, the Upper Arms were chosen to be longer than the Lower Arms to minimise the space between the tablet computer and the Arms. As the Upper Arms are closer to the tablet, extending them increases this space less than if the Lower Arms were extended. To minimise the length of Upper Arm projecting from the Hub (and thus its ability to flex), the Hub was made rectangular in proportion to the Lower and Upper Arms.

Reasons Why This Product (And Its Features) Are Better Than The Products That Are Already Out There: The SD=T™ with universal Secure Post has the following features:

1. Central Hub Unit (CHU) - This compact unit is designed with a flexible and universal ethos. This Central Hub Unit can be used to support the security of Tablets (iPad), Tablet P.C.'s, Mobile Phones, Camera and other similar type Electronic Devices. It is helpful to the whole device delivering its main purpose which is Security including full Demons trability. Uniquely all other devices are bespoke to the individual product and not like the SD— T which can be tailored to a universal fit i.e. "one unit fits all". The Central Hub Unit comes in two halves which are connected together via 2off CTSK Assembly Bolts. This allows access to clean and maintain the unit ensuring longevity of use in the retail environment.

2. Locking Secure Arm Slots (Hub) - It is uniquely designed to have multiple slots (two each side, 8 in total) that allow the Locking Secure Arms (LSA) to be inserted at various positions creating the facility to adjust the fit of the Locking Secure Arms to the individual design of the Tablet unit provided. Example: If the new iPad 2 unit had the power entry supply point or on/ off switch moved to a different position than that of the iPad 1 then you could simply move the LSA into the neighbouring slot on the Central Hub Unit which in turn would allow you to facilitate the change as well as maintain the overall security. To our knowledge no other product on the market has this facility or flexibility.

3. Central Hub Unit (Locking Grub Screws) - There are 8 of these Locking Grub Screws (LGS) uniquely placed on the top side of the Central Hub Unit. Their sole purpose is to lock the Locking Secure Arms into their position to prevent anyone from simply slipping the secured unit away from the Locking Secure Arms and stealing the product. Once fitted into place and attached to the main Secure Post there is no way of tampering and loosening the Locking Grub Screws, it is fully contained and protected. To our knowledge no other product on the market has this facility or flexibility.

4. Locking Secure Arms— There are four of these units supplied for each Central Hub Unit designed with aircraft grade aluminium (optional) to give an aesthetically pleasing and professional finish look to the displayed unit. The Locking Secure Arms (LSA) are inserted into the slots provided on the Hub and are fully adjustable in terms of length and position and then locked into position with the Locking Grub Screws inserted in to the main Hub unit. This facility adds to the claim of the unit being truly universal as we are now able to adjust the Locking Secure Arms to fit all sizes of tablets in a portrait or landscape way.

5. Adjustable Pressure Plate (APP) - This is the final piece of the unit which is actually fitted on to the back of the product to be secured. It is a simple metal design with an anti slip mat attached to the plate itself. It is then inserted in to and then through the Central Hub Unit and finally doing the same to the Secure Post bringing the entire unit together as one. Uniquely we have designed a spindle contained within the Secure Post that also houses a small adjustable grub screw that can be turned up or down depending on the thickness of the product pushing it against and "locking" the product on the Locking Secure Arms. This too cannot be tampered with once installed as it is located on the underside of the Secure Post which when fitted is attached to the table top etc. Taking into account how all the above comes together to create the finished unit. We believe we have designed a unique Secure Device that is fully fit for the purpose of the challenging retail display markets. The design is fully flexible to universally accept a wide range of types of hand held Tablet products. There are no complicated alarm systems that can be infinitely and accidentally activated taking up valuable selling time for our client's staff. The product is simply and quickly installed to the SD=T™ and delivers confidence that the product will not easily be stolen without notice.

The SD=T™ has been designed to withstand attacks on its security from as simple as casual impulsive theft all the way up to aggressive and aggravated attempts using tools such as screwdrivers or similar. Even if the item is eventually freed from the unit it will not be without cost to the product itself i.e. the product will be damaged beyond use. The underlying message that this sends out to the criminal fraternity is that it is pointless to even attempt to steal. There are no cables that can easily be cut as with other products on the market making the whole experience of using this Secure Device as safe and as confident as possible.

Note

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

1. A system for securing a portable computing device, such as a tablet computer, in a retail environment, the system comprising:

2. The system of Claim 1 in which the slideable arms can each be slid into a position to grip a computing device of any dimensions.

3. The system of Claim 1 or 2 in which there are two orthogonal pairs of slideable arms, each pair gripping an opposing edge of the computing device.

4. The system of any preceding Claim in which all of the arms can slide independently of one another.

5. The system of any preceding Claim in which each arm is lockable in a separate position.

6. The system of any preceding Claim in which the slideable arms slide within slots that are formed in the hub unit.

7. The system of any preceding Claim in which the slideable arms slide within slots in the hub unit but never extend, at their end opposite to a jaw, beyond the hub unit.

8. The system of any preceding Claim in which there are parallel offset slots in the hub unit so that an arm can be placed in any one of the parallel slots.

9. The system of Claim 8 in which the parallel slots are square section slots.

10. The system of any preceding Claim in which each jaw is also adapted to grip a portion of the front face of the computing device.

11. The system of any preceding Claim in which each jaw has at least two prongs with sufficient separation between each prong to accommodate a power cable.

12. The system of Claim 11 in which each prong grips a portion of the front face of the computing device.

13. The system of any preceding Claim in which each arm is lockable in position by screws that are concealed by a mounting plate when the securing device is in normal use.

14. The system of any preceding Claim in which the hub unit includes a lower half and an upper half, each including slots into which the arms can slide.

15. The system of any preceding Claim in which the hub unit is connected to an adjustable pressure plate on which the computing device can be placed.

16. The system of any preceding Claim in which the hub unit is mounted on a ball joint so that, in use, a customer in the retail environment can adjust the orientation of the computing device.

17. The system of any preceding Claim in which the hub unit is mounted to the ball joint with security scroll bolts or equivalent.