GB2437108A

GB2437108A - Security device for a computer

Info

Publication number: GB2437108A
Application number: GB0606934A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Bawamia; Scott Brothers
Original assignee: TAG Co
Current assignee: TAG Co
Priority date: 2006-04-06
Filing date: 2006-04-06
Publication date: 2007-10-17
Also published as: GB0606934D0

Abstract

A security device 12 for computer equipment, comprises: a lock having a body (14, fig 3) and a T-shaped cam element (16, fig 3) engageable in a slot in the equipment body 10 and lockable in a rotated position to prevent removal from the slot; and an electronic security tag (18, fig 2) connected to the lock body such (14, fig 2) such that the tag is secured to the computer 10 when the lock element is locked in its rotated position in the slot. A security system comprises one or more detectors located at the or each entry point to a building, and a series of such security devices configured so as to activate an alarm when a detector detects removal of a device from the building.

Description

1 2437108

Description

COMPUTER SECURITY TAG

Technical field

[0001] This invention relates to security devices for use with computers, especially laptop computers, and other electrical devices.

Background art

[0002] One problem with computers such as laptop computers is that their small size and portability makes it relatively easy for them to be stolen. Since it is common that such computers are used in an environment where it is impossible for a user to be able to see them at all times, it is desirable for physical security means to be provided to allow the computer to be fixed to a large and/or relatively immovable object.

[0003] One widely used security device is the Kensington lock which involves a cylindrical lock mechanism with a 1-shaped locking cam that engages in a slot provided in the chassis of the computer. A wire cable is typically attached to the lock which allows it to be secured by wrapping the cable around an object such as a table top or leg before it is locked to the computer. Examples of such a system are found in US 5327752 and US 5400629.

[0004] The use of Kensington lock has become so widespread that appropriate slots are found in many computers.

[0005] The development of wireless networks and smaller computers means that it is now common to be able to move computers around within a building or site. This means that the physical lock with a cable described above becomes inconvenient to use when moving around in a wireless environment.

[0006] While it has become easier to move around within a building or site, it is now often that case that security at access points (doors and gates) has increased with access often being by use of card keys and the like. It is now becoming more common to have electronic security systems at such access points.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide an electronic security system that makes use of existing physical security features found in computers.

Disclosure of the invention

[0008] One aspect of the invention comprises a security device for computer equipment, comprising: -a lock having a body and a T-shaped cam element engageable in a slot in the equipment body and lockable in a rotated position to prevent removal from the slot; and -an electronic security tag connected to the lock body such that the tag is secured to the computer when the lock element is locked in its rotated position in the slot.

[0009] The security device preferably comprises an electronic article surveillance tag or an RFID tag.

[0010] The electronic security tag can be releasably connected to the lock body, for example by a magnetically or mechanically releasable clutch.

[0011] A particularly preferred form of lock is an axial pin tumbler lock such as a Kensington lock.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention comprises a security system comprising one or more detectors located at the or each entry point to a building, and a series of security devices as claimed in any of claims 1-4 configured so as to activate an alarm when a detector detects removal of a device from the building.

[0013] The term computer equipment' encompasses laptop and desktop computers, peripherals such as printers, scanners, displays and projectors, and other such devices incorporating a chassis or body having a suitable slot accessible from the outside for receiving the lockable cam element.

Brief description of the drawings

[0014] Figure 1 shows a side view of a computer having a device according to an embodiment of the invention secured thereto; Figure 2 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a security device according to the invention; and Figure 3 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a security device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Mode(s) for carrying out the invention [0015] This invention provides a new security tag that utilises an existing security feature that is currently featured in many laptops, portable printers, and other IT peripherals including projection equipment. The Kensington lock is a device that locks into a small rectangular slot in the side or rear of such equipment. The embodiment of the invention described below utilises a Kensington lock. However, it will be appreciated that locks from other suppliers or other similar locks can be used.

[0016] The device shown in the drawings incorporates an encapsulated electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag that can operate at any of the EAS frequencies currently used, or can incorporate an RFID tag for improved asset tracking and management.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a laptop computer 10 having a device according to an embodiment of the invention 12 attached to the slot (not shown). The security device 12 comprises a Kensington axial pin tumbler lock having a lock body 14 and a T-shaped locking cam 16 for engagement in the slot normally used for attachment to a Kensington lock. The lock operates substantially as described in US 5327752 and US 5400629 (while no wire cable is provided or needed to operate the present invention, one can be provided for added security, if desired). An elongate electronic security tag 18 is connected to the lock body 14 such that when the lock is secured to the laptop, the tag 18 is locked onto the protected device via the locking cam 16. The lock can be removed by means of a typical flat or barrel type key, but can also be removed by using a clutch device such as is common for EAS tags in commercial applications, e.g. mechanical keyed clutch releases, magnetic clutch releases, or a combination of both mechanical and magnetic release (shielding or careful location of the magnetic clutch, if used, is necessary to avoid interference with electronic components such as the hard disk inside the computer). Figure 2 shows a side view of a lock with a clutch release 20.

[0018] The security tag 18 typically employs a live EAS elements within the encapsulated tag body. These elements can operate at RF frequencies (e.g. 8.2MHz, 2MHz, 4,2MHz, etc.), AM frequencies (e.g. 58 KHz) and RFID frequencies. One particularly preferred form of the tag employs both EAS and RFID elements.

[0019] A security system according to the invention comprises one or more EAS reader units located at doors, gates or other access point to a building or site in which the computer equipment is used. As each computer or piece of equipment enters the building, a security device of the type described above is attached by inserting the locking cam into the slot and operation the key. The equipment can then be moved around the site to any desired location for use. However, if it is attempted to move the equipment from the site without removing the security device, the reader units will detect this and sound an alarm. This is effective for both accidental and deliberate removal of the equipment.

[0020] Various changes can be made while staying within the scope of the invention. For example, the body containing the electronic element can have various shapes to reduce possibility of it being levered off the lock without removing the lock from the equipment. The mode or frequency of operation of the element can be selected according to requirements.

Claims

Claims 1. A security device for a computer, comprising: -a lock having

a body and a T-shaped cam element engageable in a slot in the computer body and lockable in a rotated position to prevent removal from the slot; and -an electronic security tag connected to the lock body such that the tag is secured to the computer when the lock element is locked in its rotated position in the slot.

2. A security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security device comprises an electronic article surveillance tag or an RFID tag.

3. A device as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the electronic security tag is releasably connected to the lock body.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the security tag is secured by a magnetically or mechanically releasable clutch.

5. A security system comprising one or more detectors located at the or each entry point to a building, and a series of security devices as claimed in any of claims 1-4 configured so as to activate an alarm when a detector detects removal of a device from the building.