GB2286225A

GB2286225A - Security cabinet for computer equipment

Info

Publication number: GB2286225A
Application number: GB9502180A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Guy Lowery
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-02-04
Filing date: 1995-02-03
Publication date: 1995-08-09
Also published as: GB9502181D0; GB2287281A; GB9502180D0; GB9402171D0

Abstract

A security cabinet for computer equipment comprises a generally U-shaped cover 3 and a base plate 2 which is attached to the open end of the cover 3 by means of fastenings 7, such as screws or buckles, to provide a housing for the equipment. The base 2 is secured to a lock down plate 1 which is attached to a work surface 4. The arrangement is such that when the base plate 2 is secured to the lock down plate 1 the fastenings 7 are inaccessible thereby preventing removal of the cover 3. <IMAGE>

Description

Introduction.

Devices designed to hinder the theft of computer and other portable or semi-portable equipment such as lock-down plates and cable restraints are well-known devices. Lock down plates in particular are effective, relatively unobtrusive and have become an established method of hampering the theft of the complete equipment. None of these devices prevent the theft of the interior of the equipment.

There are however devices which circumvent or pass through the equipment case which serve the dual purpose of impeding the unauthorised removal of the cover and hence accessing the interior in addition to impeding the unauthorised removal of the complete equipment.

However this latter group of devices involves modifications to the existing casing and/or is intrusive for the operator. For example it may not be possible to place the monitor on top of the computer processor. Furthermore, access to the interior of the equipment for servicing or system expansion is impeded.

The present invention addresses the problem by providing an equipment casing in which it to removal the cover when the equipment is attached to a work surface by a lock-down plate apparatus or similar device is severely impeded.

Construction Fig I, 11,111 & IV show by way of example four alternative methods of achieving a casing design which incorporates an essential element of a lock-down plate apparatus (1) integrally with the base of the equipment (2) or as a separate item attached to the base plate by any suitable fixing means (7) and provides fixing(s) for the cover (3) which are inaccessible when the equipment is locked down to a work surface (4).

Referring to Fig I, the base plate (2) may be fitted on the inside or the underside of flanges (6) which are attached to or formed as an integral part of the cover (3). Access to the fastening means (7) shown by way of example as screw(s) in Fig I is severely restricted when the equipment is secured by a lock down plate apparatus (1) to the work surface (4). Further security is provided by ensuring that there is insufficient space between the secure computer hardware case and the work surface to release or extract the fastenings (7). By way of example alternative fastenings (7) to screws and the like could be buckles which need movement through more than 90 for the purposes of release.

The system design provides insufficient space between the fastenings (7) themselves and the work surface (4)to perform the release function.

Fig II shows an alternative form of the apparatus in which skirt(s) are formed on one, two, three or four sides as an integral part of or are attached to cover (3) thus further reducing access to the lock down plate apparatus (1) and the fixings of cover (3). A further restriction in the available space for disablement of the lock down plate apparatus (1 )or for the insertion of a tool by unauthorised persons to prise the equipment from the work surface (4) is provided by the aforementioned skirts (5).

Figs III and IV show alternative forms of both the cover (3) and the base plate (2) and the fastening together thereof.

Claims

Claims

I A secure computer hardware case in which the fixings of the cover to the base are inaccessible when the said case is attached by a lock down plate system to a work surface in normal use. Thus not only is removal of the computer equipment in its entirety impeded but also access to the fixings for the purpose of unauthorised entry to the interior of the case is denied.
2 A secure computer hardware case as in claim 1 in which skirt(s) are attached to or formed into one or more sides of the assembly the purpose of which is to further impede access to the closure fastenings or the lock down plate assembly
3 A secure computer hardware case as in claims 1 and 2 in which its base is an integral part of the lock down plate and thus additional security against removal of the entire equipment by obviating the equipment base to lock down plate interface is provided.
4 A secure computer hardware case as in claims 1, 2 and 3 in which that element of the lock down plate or similar device that is normally attached to the work surface forms an integral part of the said work surface.
5. A secure computer hardware case as in claims 1, 2, 3 and 4 which uniquely provides security for not only the entire equipment but also its component parts whilst also featuring quick release fastening(s) for the cover if required, thus facilitating rapid removal of the said cover to facilitate servicing or system up grade by authorised personnel only.