EQUIPMENT SECURITY APPARATUS, KIT AND SECURITY KEY AND LOCK ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to equipment security apparatus, kit, and security key and lock assembly as well as a method of using them. More particularly, the invention relates to such security apparatus kit for securing removably table top equipment, such as computers, printers, typewriters, and others, to a supporting surface for preventing the unauthorized removal therefrom. Background Art There have been many different types and kinds of equipment security devices used to prevent the unauthorized removal of portable equipment, such as personal computers, typewriters and the like from a supporting surface. For example, reference may be made to the following U.S. patents 3,850,392; 4,065,083; 4,655,429; 4,691,891; and 4,733,840.

While the apparatus and methods disclosed in the foregoing patents may have been satisfactory for some applications, it has been difficult, if not impossible, to secure removably a security device to a supporting surface, without an undesirable modification of the supporting surface. For example, attachment techniques have included drilling holes through the supporting surface to receive bolts, cables and the like fastening devices to secure the equipment to the supporting surface. Even though such techniques may have been convenient to use, many business establishments have

been reluctant to cause permanent damage to expensive secretarial and executive desks, credenzas and the like furniture.

Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved technique for securing removably equipment to be protected to a supporting surface in an easy and convenient manner without the necessity of damaging or otherwise modifying the supporting surface for the equipment. In an attempt to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the foregoing mentioned U.S. patent 4,691,891 discloses a security device, which uses a high bonding adhesive tape to attach the equipment to the supporting surface, thereby eliminating the need to drill holes, or otherwise to modify the supporting surface. However, in order to remove the patented device from the supporting surface by authorized personnel, it is necessary to apply a solvent such as acetone or lighter fluid to the bonding area to weaken the adhesive bond of the material to remove the equipment from the supporting surface. Such action, could damage the surface, either by the solvent destroying the finish on the surface, or by the surface being gouged or otherwise marred by prying the device therefrom. Moreover, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to apply a sufficient quantity of the solvent to the adhesive strips to weaken its bonding strength sufficiently for removal purposes, since only the side edges are exposed. Thus, the patented technique teaches an awkward and difficult technique for the removal of the security device from the supporting surface. Moreover, once the security

device is removed from the supporting surface, the adhesive material may be sufficiently weakened so that the security device could not be readily re-installed at a new location. Moreover, the patented security device fits under the equipment to be protected, and is a two-part device having a bottom part bonded to the supporting surface, and a top part bonded to the underside of the equipment. In this regard, in order to permit the equipment to be removed from its supporting surface, while maintaining the bottom part bonded to the supporting surface, a set of security screws fastening the parts together, can be removed by authorized personnel, to free the top part fastened to the equipment. However, it is difficult and awkward for the authorized person to gain access to the security screws under the equipment. Also, such screws may be removed with conventional special tools so that an unauthorized person may also remove the screws. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved technique for securing removably equipment to be protected, without the need for altering or modifying the supporting surface. Once installed, the equipment should be able to be removed by authorized personnel in a convenient manner, for repair or replacement thereof. Also, the security device itself should be readily and conveniently removable from its supporting surface, without the danger of damaging the surface or the security apparatus. Moreover, such security apparatus, once removed, should readily and immediately be able to be relocated by authorized persons to a different

supporting surface, and used again without the necessity of providing new adhesive material, or any other modifications to the security apparatus.

There have been many different types and kinds of safety fasteners for helping to prevent the unauthorized removal of table top equipment, such as personal computers, computer printers, typewriters and the like, from a supporting surface, such as a desk top, table top, or the like. Conventional equipment fasteners are usually constructed of a rigid material, such as steel or aluminum, to provide the necessary structural integrity, in an attempt to prevent the breaking or destruction of the fastener, by an unauthorized person intending to take the valuable equipment from its resting place. The frame is constructed of welded steel, for the purpose of providing the necessary structural integrity to prevent the breaking or destruction of the frame, should an unauthorized person attempt to remove the equipment secured therewithin. While such a welded construction may achieve its intended purpose, it requires an expensive and time consuming hand welding operation to produce the desired structurally-strong mechanical joints or bonds between adjoining frame members of the security fastener. Such hand operations are expensive and time consuming, since the welder must use care in welding the various frame members together to provide the necessary structural integrity. In addition, in order to make the fastener aesthetically pleasing in appearance, the welded joint should be ground down to be less noticeable. Such a

grinding operation is also expensive and time consuming.

Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved security fastener construction, which would eliminate, if not substantially reduce, welding and grinding operations, and yet would retain structural integrity and be aesthetically pleasing in appearance.

Such a construction should be relatively light in weight for facilitating the transportation of the security fastener by a user in an easy and convenient manner, and yet substantially structurally strong and rigid, to maintain structural integrity for preventing unauthorized removal of the secured equipment therefrom. Also, in order to manufacture the fastener, in a cost effective manner, according to modern high speed manufacturing techniques, such a fastener construction should be able to be assembled quickly and efficiently in a relatively cost effective manner. Conventional equipment security fasteners also by the very purpose of their function, typically include some form of attachment or locking arrangement to secure or fasten the equipment to be protected therewithin, for preventing unauthorized removal of the portable equipment. For example, reference may be made to the following U.S. patents 3,850,392; 4,065,083; 4,655,429; 4,691,891; and 4,733,840.

U.S. patent No. 4,733,840 discloses a locking arrangement which includes a security plate fixed to the equipment to be protected, and a highly visible lock and security cable for attaching the plate to a stationary surface for preventing the unauthorized

taking of the equipment. In this configuration, such a highly visible locking arrangement may be very effective in deterring theft in a factory or school, for example, because the obvious appearance of the lock and cable may tend to discourage a thief from attempting to remove the valuable table top equipment. However, in other settings, such as in an office or executive suite, a bulky lock and cable could be very displeasing aesthetically, and would distract from the appearance of the equipment being secured.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a locking arrangement, whereby the unit to be protected could be easily removed by an authorized person from the security fastener affixing the unit to its supporting surface, and yet have a less apparent locking arrangement, so as not to distract from the appearance of the equipment being employed in a more formal environment, such as in an office or executive suite. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved security fastener, which enables the equipment being protected to be easily removed by an authorized person, without the use of ugly locks, such as a pad lock. Thus, the user could remove the equipment for repair or replacement purposes, and then could again secure the repaired or replacement equipment to the supporting surface in a fast and efficient manner.

There have been many different types and kinds of key and lock assemblies for protecting valuables and preventing unauthorized access to security areas. For example, a conventional pad lock and key is used for both the above mentioned purposes.

While a pad lock and key may be satisfactory for some applications, in certain applications it would also be important to conceal a lock from view because a more sophisticated thief may be able to pick or otherwise jimmy the lock to remove the lock set and thereby gain access to a protected area.

Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have new and improved lock assembly that would not be readily apparent to an uninformed observer. Such a lock assembly should not only be inconspicuous and indistinguishable that it functions as a lock, but it should also be decorative and very aesthetically pleasing in appearance to permit its use in an expensively furnished office or executive suit. In the past there has also been many different types and kinds of very expensive mechanical securing devices. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved lock assembly that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that could be assembled in a relatively fast and efficient manner. In the past the more sophisticated thief has not only been able to pick or jimmy a lock but also in many situations has been able to obtain duplicate or skeleton keys in order to enable the thief to gain access to the property to be protected or to a secured area. In this regard, the sneak thief usually has only a limited amount to open the lock and quickly carry away the now unprotected valuable; thus, the duplicate or skeleton key enables the thief to carry out his or her intended purpose in a relatively short period of time.

Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved security key that would be difficult to duplicate. Such a key should be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and one which requires a substantial period of time to operate with an associated lock assembly. Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved security apparatus and kit, as well as a method of using same, for securing removable equipment to be protected to a supporting surface in an easy and convenient manner without the necessity of modifying it, and which can be removed therefrom in a convenient manner by authorized persons only.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved security apparatus and kit, and method of using same, wherein the security apparatus itself can be removed from a supporting surface by authorized persons without substantial damage to the supporting surface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a new and improved security apparatus and kit, as well as a method of using same, wherein after removing the security device by authorized persons, the security apparatus can be immediately relocated at another supporting surface and attached thereto in a convenient manner, without replacing any of the parts of the security apparatus. Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved equipment security

fastener, which is aesthetically pleasing in appearance, and which is structurally strong.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved equipment security fastener, wherein the fastener is relatively light in weight, and employs a secure locking arrangement, which is relatively unnoticeable and thus not objectionable in its use in more formal environments.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved security key and lock assembly and method of using the key for deterring the rapid and quick removal of the lock by an unauthorized person such as a sneak thief.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved lock assembly which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and which is easily assembled in a fast and efficient manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved lock assembly which is aesthetically pleasing in appearance and substantially, if not completely, indistinguishable that it functions as a lock.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved security key which is difficult to duplicate and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Briefly, the above and further objects of the present invention are realized by providing an equipment security apparatus and kit, and method of use thereof, whereby an authorized person can easily and conveniently bond in a secure manner equipment to be protected to a supporting surface such as a desk top,

without drilling holes for receiving anchoring bolts and the like. The kit and the method of using the kit further permits an authorized person to deactivate the bonding agent used to attach the equipment to its supporting surface, and then permit it to be re¬ activated at another supporting surface, without the need to change parts, or otherwise modify the security apparatus. The transfer can be made in a fast and efficient manner. The security apparatus and kit, as well as the method of using them, includes a security device or cradle for receiving and restraining equipment, to be protected. Adhesive material extends along and is affixed to a substantial portion of the underside of the device, and forms a bond to the upper surface of a supporting surface. A restraining arrangement of the device surrounds a portion of the portable equipment to be secured, which includes a lockable arm which moves between an opened and a closed position to permit the equipment to be received and retained lockably within the device, and yet be readily unlocked and opened by authorized personnel.

In order to remove the security cradle from a supporting surface once it has been bonded adhesively thereto, a dispenser of releasing agent is used to lower the temperature of the adhesive material to disable temporarily its adhesive bond. The kit further includes a tool having a tapered end to facilitate the lifting of the security device by insertion under the equipment in an unbounded space adjacent to the end of the adhesive material. The tool thus helps facilitate the lifting equipment from the supporting surface once

the securing bond of the adhesive material has been temporarily disabled.

The method of using the kit includes placing the securing surface of the security cradle or device on a firm supporting surface, and then manually and forcibly pressing the base of the cradle against and into engagement with the supporting surface. After the security cradle has been secured to the supporting surface, equipment to be protected, such as a personal computer is placed within the security cradle between a pair of generally upright perpendicular restraining arms. In this regard, the power cable as well as any other control cables attached to the portable equipment, are routed through a cable guard disposed on one end of the security cradle to protect against unauthorized removal of the cable. The portable equipment is then moved rearwardly between the restraining arms toward the cable guard, until the connectors of the portable device pass under the cable guard and the rearward portion of the portable device rests firmly against the face of the cable guard. The base of the portable device is then lowered into the base of the cradle with the cables of the portable device being disposed within the interior space of the cable guard. With the cables disposed within the interior space of the cable guard, the power cord and control cables may not be physically removed from the portable device, by unauthorized persons thus, providing a further degree of security. To lock the portable device within the security cradle, an authorized person swings the locking arm of the restraining arrangement so that the locking arm is

disposed between the restraining arms and directly over the equipment to be protected, to prevent it from being lifted out of the security cradle. Once the locking arm has been so positioned, a conventional lock, such as a paddle lock, or a lock assembly is utilized to secure the locking arm to the restraining arm, thus preventing the equipment to be protected from being removed from the security cradle by unauthorized persons. It should be understood that the base of the security cradle is generally complementary shaped relative to the base or bottom portion of the equipment to be protected. In this regard, when the equipment is received within the base of the cradle, the equipment is captured therein. Thus, once the locking arm has been locked in place, the equipment becomes secured within the security cradle.

In order to relocate the security cradle to a new locale, a user unlocks the lock, swings the locking arm into its opened position, to permit the equipment to be removed from the cradle. After removing the equipment, a releasing agent under pressure is sprayed on top of the now exposed base, under which the adhesive material is disposed. The releasing agent is a coolant, such as liquid nitrogen, to cool the base, which is composed of a thermally conductive material thus, in turn, the entire adhesive material on the underside of the base is cooled, to deactivate its adhesive bond.

As the temperature of the adhesive material decreases, it temporarily loses its adhesive bonding ability. Thus, an authorized person can easily place the lifting tool under the base, and then press

downwardly on the tool handle to lift the security cradle away readily and conveniently from the supporting surface, to free the cradle therefrom.

Thus, it should be understood that the locking arm is readily accessible on top of the unit, and thus no awkward manipulations are required by the authorized personnel, to free the equipment from the cradle.

Once the security cradle has been removed from the supporting surface, it can be transported to a new location. Once the security cradle has been relocated on top of another supporting surface, the adhesive bond is again formed, after the temperature of the adhesive material rises sufficiently toward ambient temperatures. Thus, it should be noted that substantially the entire adhesive material can be cooled, since the coolant spray is directed toward the upper surface of the thermally conductive base, and not to the exposed side edges of the material. The security fastener includes a base frame for receiving the equipment to be protected, and a double- sided adhesive tape affixed to the underside of the base frame secures the frame to a supporting surface. A bar helps secure the equipment within the frame, and is movably mounted between an opened and a closed position to permit the equipment to be removed from and installed within the fastener. A locking assembly is disposed within the base frame to fasten the bar in a fixed position to secure the bar in place. The base frame members are fastened together by connecting pins to enable the fastener to be assembled in a convenient mass production manner, and the lock

assembly is similar in its external appearance to the connecting pins for concealing the locking assembly from view, and for providing the fastener with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In one form of the invention, at least a portion of the base frame is made from a light weight cast or extruded bar stock having an aesthetically pleasing bead-like longitudinally extending rib extending its entire length and being adapted to receive the connecting pins at the end edges thereof. The bar stock is structurally strong, and yet may be cut into appropriate lengths and shapes for facilitating the construction of the security fastener in a rigid configuration. The rigid bar stock of the present invention also is readily adaptable to be formed into a receiving body for a novel lock assembly used to secure the bar in its closed equipment restraining position. The lock assembly includes an access pin which is substantially visually indistinguishable from the connecting pins securing the base frame members together. Thus, a highly desirable effect is achieved, since the access pin and body of the lock disguise the inventive lock assembly, and yet enable an authorized person to release readily and conveniently the lock for inserting and removing the equipment from the fastener.

Briefly, the above and further objects of the present invention are also realized by providing a security fastener for helping to prevent the unauthorized removal of table top equipment, such as a personal computer or other similar equipment from its supporting surface.

The security fastener includes a base from for receiving the equipment to be protected, and a double- sided adhesive tape affixed to the underside of the base frame secures the frame to a supporting surface. A bar helps secure the equipment within the frame, and is movably mounted between an opened and a closed position to permit the equipment to be removed from and installed within the fastener. A locking assembly is disposed within the base frame to fasten the bar in a fixed position to secure the bar in place.

The base frame members are fastened together by connecting pins to enable the fastener to be assembled in a convenient mass production manner, and the lock assembly is similar in its external appearance to the connecting pins for concealing the locking assembly from view, and for providing the fastener with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In one form of the invention, at least a portion of the base frame is made from a light weight cast or extruded bar stock halving an aesthetically pleasing bead-like longitudinally extending rib extending its entire length and being adapted to receive the connecting pins at the end edges thereof. The bar stock is structurally strong, and yet may be cut into appropriate lengths and shapes for facilitating the construction of the security fastener in a rigid configuration.

The rigid bar stock of the present invention also is readily adaptable to be formed into a receiving body for a novel lock assembly used to secure the bar in its closed equipment restraining position. The lock assembly includes an access pin which is substantially

visually indistinguishable from the connecting pins securing the base frame members together. Thus, a highly desirable effect is achieved, since the access pin and body of the lock disguise the inventive lock assembly, and yet enable an authorized person to release readily and conveniently the lock for inserting and removing the equipment from the fastener.

Briefly the above and further objects of the present invention are further realized by providing a security key and lock assembly and method of using the key for deterring the rapid and quick removal of the lock by an unauthorized person such as a sneak thief. A lock assembly fixes together a pair of members that are disposed at right angles to each other. The members are shaped in an aesthetically pleasing manner so when the two members are disposed at right angles to each other they form an aesthetically pleasing substantially indistinguishable joint. Each of the members are bored to receive the lock assembly for fixing the members together. A security key enables the lock assembly to lock the members together and includes a pair of threaded members for inserting and removing the lock assembly. The lock assembly includes an access pin which has the appearance of the normal construction pins used for member assembly purposes, thus giving the lock assembly a very aesthetically pleasing appearance and providing a substantially indistinguishable joint fixing removably the members together. The lock assembly is constructed in a relatively fast and efficient manner and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Brief Description of Drawings

The above mentioned and other objects and features of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view illustrating operative elements of an equipment security apparatus and kit, which are constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which shows equipment to be protected in broken lines;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the kit of FIG. 1, illustrating the releasing of the security apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view illustrating operative elements of another equipment security apparatus and kit, which are also constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which shows equipment to be protected in broken lines;

FIG. 1A is a partially cut-away pictorial view of an equipment security fastener, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention, being illustrated secured to a supporting surface; FIG. 2A is a fragmentary, enlarged pictorial view of a bar stock used in the construction of the security fastener of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged fragmentary, exploded pictorial view of a portion of the fastener of FIG. 1A; FIG. 4A is an enlarged fragmentary, exploded partially cut away sectional pictorial view of another portion of the fastener of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmentary, exploded partially sectioned pictorial view of still another portion of the fastener of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged fragmentary, exploded partially sectioned pictorial view of yet another portion of the fastener of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 7A is a greatly enlarged side elevational sectional view of a further portion of the fastener of FIG. 1A; FIG. 8A is an enlarged fragmentary, exploded pictorial view of the locking arrangement of FIG. 1A, illustrating the parts of the lock assembly;

FIG. IB is a fragmentary pictorial view of a security key and lock assembly, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the lock assembly fastening two members together;

FIG. 2B is a fragmentary, exploded pictorial view of the lock assembly of FIG. IB, illustrating the two members being unfastened; FIG. 3B is a fragmentary side elevational sectional plan view of the lock assembly of FIG. IB, drawn to an enlarged scale and illustrating the removal of an access pin forming part of the lock assembly; FIG. 4B is a fragmentary side elevational partially sectional view of the lock assembly of

FIG. IB drawn to an enlarged scale and illustrating the removal of a lock sleeve forming part of the lock assembly; and

FIG. 5B is a fragmentary side elevational partially sectioned plan view of the lock assembly of FIG. IB drawn to an enlarged scale and illustrating the

insertion of the lock sleeve forming part of the lock assembly.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is shown a security apparatus and kit, 9, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The kit 9 is used according to the method of the present invention, to secure removably to a firm supporting surface 11, equipment 10 to be protected. The equipment 10 is indicated by broken lines in FIG. 1 to be a personal computer, but it is to be understood that other types and kinds of equipment may also be protected. For example, typewriters, printers, facsimile machines, and others, can also be protected by the method and apparatus of the present invention.

The supporting surface 11 may be a conventional desk top, table top, or any other convenient surface for supporting the equipment 10 from below. The security apparatus and kit 9 generally comprises a security apparatus or cradle generally indicated at 13, for bonding the equipment 10 to a supporting surface, a releasing agent dispenser 17 for helping deactivate the bond temporarily and a cradle removal tool 15 for helping to lift the cradle 13 from its supporting surface once the bonding agent has been temporarily disabled. The security cradle 13 receives and restrains the equipment 10, and is bonded to the supporting surface 11 (FIG. 2), so that the equipment 10, may not be removed from the supporting surface, by unauthorized persons.

Considering now the security cradle 13 in greater detail with reference to FIG. 1, the security cradle 13 generally comprises a rectangular open base frame 20, which is complementarily shaped and dimensioned to receive the entire bottom portion of the equipment 10. The base frame 20 includes a set of four elongated frame members 22, 24, 26 and 28, which are each generally L-shaped in cross section throughout their lengths. A set of four strips of adhesive material, such as strips 30 and 30A ¹ , extend along substantially the undersides of the entire length of each of the frame members, such as the frame members 24 and 26, which are shown broken away to expose the perspective strips 30 and 30A ¹ on the undersides thereof. The remaining two frame members 22 and 28 are each provided with like strips (not shown) on their undersides. Peel-off protective tapes (not shown) normally cover the strip of adhesive material and is peelable therefrom to expose the securing surfaces of the strips for adhesion to the supporting surface 11.

An example of a suitable strips of adhesive material for use with the security cradle 13, is a double sided tape, which is sold under the trademark SCOTCH, product 4945 by 3M Canada, Inc and which can be cut into the desired strips of adhesive material, for use as the strips, such as the strips 30 and 30A ¹ . The preferred adhesive material is thermally activated, and forms a tenacious bond at room temperatures. However, it deactivates at sufficiently cold temperatures. As best seen in FIG. 2, the strip 30 affixed to the underside of the long frame member 24, and a like strip (not shown) affixed to the underside of the other

long frame member 28, are spaced from the ends of their respective frame members. In FIG. 2, the strip 30 terminates at its rear end spaced at a distance from the rear end of its frame member 24, to define an unbounded space to receive the tip end of the removal took 15, as hereinafter described in greater detail, to facilitate the cradle removal operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the security cradle 13 also includes a generally U-shaped restraining assembly 40 for securing removably the equipment 10 within the cradle 13. The restraining assembly 40 generally comprises a pair of parallel spaced-apart elongated restraining posts or upright members 42 and 44 fixed at their bottom ends to frame members 24 and 28 respectively, to receive the equipment 10 therebetween. A locking arm 46 extends across the top ends of the posts 42 and 44, in a locking position, to secure the equipment 10 in place. A cable guard 60 is disposed at the rear end of the base 20 to help prevent cables (not shown) from being removed by unauthorized persons from equipment 10.

Frame members 42 and 44 terminate in outwardly arms or flanges 43 , 45 to support the transverse locking arm 46 extending thereacross. Arm 46 is pivotally mounted to the arm 43 by a pivot pin or bolt 48, and is pivotally freely rotatable about a 360 degree axis of rotation about the pin or bolt 48 in a horizontal plane.

As shown in FIG. 1, the restraining posts 43 and 45 are adapted to be connected together by the locking arm 46 which may be extended between the two restraining posts 43 and 45 in the locking position.

In order to lock the locking arm 46 to the restraining post 45 as shown in FIG. 1, both the restraining post 45 and the locking arm 46 include aligned openings, such as opening 49 in the arm 46, for receiving the shank of a conventional lock 50.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cable guard 60 helps prevent the power and control cables (not shown) attached to the equipment 10 from being disconnected when it is disposed within the cradle 13. The cable guard 60 is integrally connected to frame members 24, 26 and 28, respectively. The cable guard 60 is in the form of a housing, which receives a portion of the equipment 10. The guard 60 is generally of a unitary construction having a top plate 62, a back plate 64, and a pair of side plates 66 and 68. Side plate 68 includes a cut out portion shown generally at 69, which defines an opening for permitting the equipment cables (not shown) to extend therethrough. In this regard, when the equipment 10 is disposed in the security cradle 13, the cable guard 60 completely surrounds the connectors (not shown) so that the cables attached to the equipment connectors cannot be removed by unauthorized persons.

Considering now the tool 15 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the removal tool 15 is generally an elongated paddle or bar having a tapered tip portion 33 and a handle portion 35. The tool 15 is generally rectangular in cross section throughout its length, and is composed of suitable rigid thermally conductive material, such as metal, Steel is preferred. The tip portion 33 includes upper surface 34 and a lower surface 36 and is tapered at a small

acute angle relative to the upper surface 34. The lower surface 36 of the tip portion 33 and part of the handle portion 35 is covered with a soft resilient cushioning material 37 such as rubber to help prevent the supporting surface 11 from being gouged or otherwise damaged or marred when the tool 15 is used to lift the security cradle 13 from the surface 11.

Considering now the releasing agent dispenser 17 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispenser 17 generally comprises a container 51 which is filled with a suitable releasing agent under pressure, shown generally at 53 (FIG. 2) for disabling temporarily the adhesive bond of the adhesive material 30 to the supporting surface. The dispenser 17 includes a conventional spray nozzle 55 to permit the releasing agent 53 to be dispersed uniformly across the upper surface of the members 22, 24, 26 and 28, forming the cradle base. The members are each composed of a thermally conductive material, such as metal. Aluminum is preferred.

Thus, the adhesive material on the undersides of the members 22, 24, 26 and 28 are thus cooled, when the members are cooled by the coolant 53 sprayed on their upper surfaces. The adhesive bonds formed by the adhesive materials are released, when the temperature of the materials decreases sufficiently. -The bonding ability of the materials is thereby deactivated to permit the cradle to be removed from its supporting surface. The bond is deactivated for a sufficient period of time, such as 30 minutes, to permit the cradle to be placed on another supporting surface.

After that period of time, the temperature of the adhesive materials rises toward the ambient temperatures, and the bond becomes re-established tenaciously to the new supporting surface. An example of a suitable releasing agent for use with dispenser, is a cooling agent, such as Freon 12, in the form of a freeze mist or a releasing agent, sold under the trade name NEUTRABOND.

Considering now the use of the kit 9 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, as indicated in FIG. 1, a security cradle 13 is initially removably secured to the supporting surface 11 by an authorized person placing the underside of the security cradle 13 against the supporting surface 11 so that the strips of adhesive material, such as strips 30 and 30A ¹ come into contact against the surface 11. The user then manually presses the base 20 against the supporting surface 11, thus permitting the adhesive material to grip tenaciously the supporting surface 11. Once the security cradle 13 has been attached to the supporting surface 11, an authorized person unlocks the lock 50, removes the lock 50 from the security cradle 13, and swings in the direction of the curved arrows, the locking arm 44 of the restraining arrangement 40 about the pin 48 to a position 90 degrees from its locked position extending transversely across the posts 42 and 44 thus, allowing the equipment 10 to be lowered between the restraining posts 42 and 44 and into resting engagement within the base frame 20. In this regard, it should be understood that the cables (not shown) attached to the equipment 10 is first inserted through the opening 69.

The equipment 10 is then tilted backwardly in a counter-clockwise direction so that the connectors (not shown) on the back of the equipment 10 can pass under the top plate 62. Once the connectors are disposed below the top plate 62, the equipment 10 can be returned to its upright position and then lowered into the base frame 20. Subsequently, the locking arm 46 is pivotally rotated 90 degrees back to its original locking position as shown in Fig. 1. After the locking arm is positioned between the posts 43 and 45, the shank of lock 50 is inserted through the aligned openings in arms 43 and 45 and secured; thus, locking the equipment 10 within the security cradle 13.

In order to secure the equipment 10 in a different location, the lock 50 is unlocked and removed from the security cradle 13. After lock 50 is removed, the locking arm 46 is swung horizontally through about 90 degrees about pin 48, to permit the equipment to be removed from the cradle 13. A person then lifts the equipment upwardly until the connectors thereof engage the top plate 62 of the cable guard 60. When the connectors engage the top plate 62, the person rotates the equipment 10 backwardly in a counter-clockwise direction and then lifts it upwardly and forwardly away from the cable guard 60 until the connectors are freed from beneath the top plate 60. Once the connectors are disposed outside of the cable guard 60, the person removes the cables from the opening 69 and completely removes the equipment 10 from the security cradle 13. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2, when the equipment 10 has been removed from the security cradle 13, the person dispenses the releasing agent 53 from

the dispenser 17 by pressing manually the nozzle 55 and pointing the nozzle 55 toward upper surface of the frame member 24 to cool it and thus causing the adhesive material, such as material 30 and 30A ¹ disposed on the underside thereof to deactivate the adhesive bond between the security cradle 13 and the supporting surface 11. The releasing agent 53 when sprayed onto the member 24, causes the adhesive material, such as material 30 and 30A ¹ to cool rapidly and thus lower its temperature to a temperature where its bond becomes deactivated temporarily. With the adhesive material temporarily disabled, a person can easily lift the security cradle 13 from the supporting surface 11. To help the person in lifting the security cradle 13 from the supporting surface 11, the person inserts the tip of the lifting tool 15 under the end of the frame member 24 of the frame 20 as shown in Fig. 2 by holding the tool 15 by its handle 35, and aligning the tool longitudinally with the frame member 24. The tip of the tool 15 is inserted into an unbounded space shown generally at 68A ¹ between the end of the adhesive strip 30 and the end of the member 24.

After placing the tool 15 under the frame 20, the person presses downwardly on the handle 35 to enable the tip portion 33 of the tool 15 to rock about its fulcrum point upwardly, shown generally at A, thus lifting one end of the frame member 24 of the security cradle 13 from the supporting surface 11. The tool 15 is then used in a similar manner to free the base frame member 28. In this regard, the two long frame members 24 and 28 are first freed, because

the entire base then becomes dislodged from its supporting surface 11.

The security cradle 13 is then lifted from the supporting surface 11, and the exposed portion of the adhesive strips may then be covered with a protective tape (not shown) , thus permitting the person to grasp the underside of the frame 20. The person grasps the underside of the frame 20, and the person lifts and rotates the frame 20 backwardly in a counter-clockwise direction until the entire securing strips of adhesive material have been disengaged from the supporting surface 11.

After the security cradle 13 has been lifted from the supporting surface 11, the remaining portions of the exposed securing surface may be similarly covered with protective tape (not shown) . The security cradle 13 may then be transported by conventional means (not shown) to a new location and reinstalled as described above. In this regard, it should be understood that the adhesive material would be restored to room temperature and would once again regain its full bonding strength so that it can be secured to a new supporting surface (not shown) with the same bonding strength when it was originally bonded to supporting surface 11. Another form of a security apparatus and kit 109 is shown in Fig. 3. The security apparatus and kit 109 includes a security apparatus or cradle generally indicated at 113 for bonding a portable equipment device 110 to a supporting surface (not shown) , a cradle removal tool 115 and a releasing agent dispenser 117 for storage of a releasing agent (not shown) to help deactivate the bond temporarily. The lifting tool

115 is substantially identical to tool 15 and will not be described in further detail. Similarly the dispenser 117 as its stored releasing agent is substantially similar to dispenser 27 and releasing agent 53 and thus will not be described in greater detail.

Considering now the security cradle 113 in greater detail with reference to Fig. 3, the security cradle 113 generally comprises a rectangular open base frame 120, and a integrally connected U-shaped restraining frame 140. The base frame 120 is complimentary shaped and dimensioned to receive the entire bottom portion of the equipment 110. The base frame 120 includes a set of four elongated frames members 122, 124, 126 and 128, which are each generally L-shaped in cross section throughout their lengths. A set of four strips of adhesive material, such as 130 and 130A ¹ extend along the underside of substantially the entire length of each of the frame numbers, such as the frame members 124 and 126 which are shown broken away to expose the respective strips 130 and 130A ¹ on the underside thereof. The remaining two frame members 122 and 128 are each provided with like strips (not shown) on their underside. Peel-off protective tapes (not shown) cover the strips of adhesive material and is peelable therefrom to expose the securing surfaces of the strips for adhesion to the supporting surface. The adhesive material 130 and 130A ¹ is substantially identical to material 30 and 30A ¹ and will not be described in greater detail.

As shown in Fig. 3, the security cradle 113 also includes a generally U-shaped restraining assembly 140

for securing removably the equipment 110 within the security cradle 113. The restraining assembly 140 generally comprises a pair of parallel spaced-apart elongated restraining posts or upright members 142 and 144 fixed at their bottom ends to the frame members 124 and 128 respectively to receive the equipment 110 therebetween. Locking arm 146 extends across the top ends of the posts 142 and 144 in a blocking position to secure the equipment 10 in place. The restraining posts 142 and 144 and the locking arm 146 are substantially identical to posts 42, 44 and arm 46 respectively and are locked together by a lock 150 as shown in FIG. 3.

Considering now the base frame 120 in greater detail with respect to Fig. 1, the frame members 122, 124 and 128 are substantially identical to frame members 22, 24 and 28. In this regard only frame member 126 will be described hereafter in greater detail. Considering now frame member 126 in greater detail with reference to Fig. 3, frame member 126 is composed of L-shaped channel iron and includes a cut out portion shown generally at 127. The cut out portion 127 is disposed nearer the frame member 128 than frame member 124 and is positioned so as to accommodate the connectors (not shown) of the equipment 110. In this regard, when the bottom portion of equipment 110 is lowered into the frame 120, the connectors of the equipment 110 will align with the cut out portion 127 and will extend therethrough.

Considering now the use of the security apparatus kit 109 in greater detail with reference to Fig. 3, the

kit 109 is used in substantially the same manner as kit 9 as previously described herein. It should be noted, however, that since the security cradle 113 does not include a cable guard, the equipment 110 may be lowered directly into the base frame 120 without the necessity of rotating the device 110 backward in a counterwise direction to permit the connectors to pass under a top plate as previously described with reference to kit 9. It should also be understood that because the security cradle 113 does not include a cable guard, it would be possible for a thief to remove and take the cables connected to the device 110.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1A thereof, there is shown an equipment security fastener 10A, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The equipment fastener 10A is adapted to be used according to the method of the present invention, for securing removably equipment (not shown) to be protected, to a firm supporting surface 11A, such as a table top, desk top or any other convenient surface, for supporting the equipment from below. The equipment to be protected by the portable equipment fastener 10A is a computer monitor (not shown) having an integrally formed personal computer (not shown) . However, it is to be understood that other types and kinds of equipment may also be protected. For example, typewriters, computer printers, facsimile machines, and others, can also be protected by the method and fastener of the present invention.

The portable equipment fastener 10A generally comprises a base frame shown generally at 1 , for

receiving and securing the equipment (not shown) therein, to the supporting surface 11A. A double-sided adhesive tape, such as the tape 13A is attached to the underside of the base frame 12A, for fastening removably the frame 12A to the supporting surface 11A, so that the frame 12A (and the equipment secured therein) may not be removed by an unauthorized person. However, according to an inventive removal method disclosed herein, the base frame can be removed from the supporting surface, without any substantial damage to it.

A pair of upstanding rods or posts 16A and 17A extend between the base frame 12A and a pivotally mounted locking bar 14A to form part of a securing arrangement which partially surrounds a portion of the front of the equipment to be protected. The bar 14A is pivotally mounted to the top edge of the post 16A at connecting pin 14AA, and extend therefrom horizontally to the top edge of the post 17A. The bar 16A can be pivoted about the axis of the post 16A between a closed position (FIG. 1A) and an opened position (not shown) extending horizontally forwardly at right angles to its illustrated closed position. A lock fastener or assembly 18A is mounted in the post 17A for detachably connecting the free end of the bar 14A to the post 17A to prevent an unauthorized person from removing the equipment from the base frame 12A. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the external appearance of lock assembly 18A, as shown in FIG. 1A, appears to be similar to the connecting pin 14AA and the other connecting pins of the frame 12A. Thus, an unauthorized person is not alerted to the presence of

the lock assembly, and the resulting appearance of the security fastener 10A is aesthetically pleasing.

A second pair of upstanding rods or posts 36A and 37A parallel and spaced apart from the posts 16A and 17A, extend between the base frame 12A and a housing 15A to form another part of the securing arrangement, to surround partially a portion of the rear of the equipment to be protected. The housing 15A includes a U-shaped cover 80A which is adapted to be attached to the base frame 12A and the posts 36A and 37A. A pair of mounting holes, such as the hole 38A, in the cover is adapted to receive a metal screw 39A for mounting purposes. The bar 14A and the housing 15A cooperate together to secure removably the equipment within the base frame 12A.

As best seen in FIG. 8A, in order to mount the lock assembly 18A in the post 17A, the post 17A includes an elongated bore 19A for receiving a lock assembly 40A therein. The lock assembly 40A includes a threaded access bolt 41A for covering a removable lock sleeve 42A and the access to a lock seat 44A as more fully described herein.

In use, in order to secure the equipment to be protected with the fastener 10A, the user removes the access bolt 41A and lock sleeve 42A, grasps and pivots the bar 14A forwardly in a clockwise direction as viewed downwardly in plan view, to enable the equipment to be placed within the fastener 10A. The equipment is then placed in the fastener 10A as more fully described in the last-mentioned copending U.S. patent application.

After the equipment is placed in the fastener 10A, the user grasps and pivots the bar 14A in a counterclockwise direction as viewed downwardly in plan view, until it is returned to its locking position (FIG. 1A) . The lock sleeve 42A and access bolt 41A are then inserted in the bore 19A to lock the bar 14A to the post 17A.

Considering now the portable equipment fastener 10A in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1A, 3A and 4A, the base frame 12A generally comprises a pair of L-shaped elongated side rails 22A and 24A each having an aesthetically pleasing longitudinally- extending, centrally disposed bead-like protuberance or rib, such as the ribs 23A and 25A respectively, which extend throughout their entire longitudinal length. The ribs serve to rigidify or stiffen the member. Also, the ribs, such as rib 25A (FIGS. 3A and 4A) , are each bored at both its terminal ends with an opening or hole, such as the hole 26A. The holes in the ribs, such as the hole 26A, are each dimensioned to receive in a tight friction-like non-removable fit, a connecting pin, such as the pin 28A as will be described hereinafter in greater detail. The pin 28A is generally similar to the pin 14AA, and the other like pins for the frame 12A. Thus, the frame 12A can be assembled in a rapid manner, by inserting the pins in a conventional manner.

The base frame 12A also includes a pair of L- shaped elongated cross bar members 30A and 32A for interconnecting the rails 26A and 28A together to define a generally rectangular open space, shown generally at 33A. The space 33A is complementarily

shaped and dimensioned to the bottom portion of the portable equipment to be protected so that the entire bottom portion of the equipment may be received within the space 33A. As the cross bar members 30A and 32A are substantially similar to one another only cross bar member 30A will be described hereinafter in greater detail.

The side rails 22A and 24A as well as the cross bar members 30A and 32A are composed of a suitable light weight, thermally conductive, rigid material, such as metal. Aluminum is the preferred material as it can be easily operated upon by conventional cutting, grinding, and drilling techniques for the purpose of manufacturing the fastener 10A. In this regard, aluminum can also be extruded or cast to provide a universally adaptable bar stock 50A having a protuberance or rib, such as the rib 51A (FIG. 2 ) for forming the rails 22A and 24A and upstanding posts 16A, 17A, 36A and 37A of the fastener 10A. In order to facilitate the assembly of the fastener 10A in a quick and relatively easy and efficient manner to form a structurally strong configuration, the bar 14A, the housing 15A, and the cross bar members 30A and 32A each include a pair of integrally formed outwardly extending flanges or tabs, such as the tab 34A (FIGS. 3A and 4A) . Each of the tabs, such as the tab 34A is complementary shaped and dimensioned to correspond to an end portion of the bar stock 50A, such as the end portion 52A. Considering now the side rails 22A and 24A in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1A and 3A-6A, the rails, such as rail 24A, includes a base member 55A

for resting on the supporting surface 11A. The base member 55A terminates in an integrally formed upright leg member 57A that is disposed substantially at 90# to the base member 55A. The base member of each rail, such as the base member 55A is mitered at its terminal ends such as the end 36A (FIG. 4A) approximately 45# to permit the rail 22A to form a mitered joint (not shown) with the cross bar members 30A.

Considering now the rail member 22A in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 6A, the rail member 22A is similar to rail member 24A and includes a base member 53A for resting on the supporting surface 11A. The base member 53A terminates in an integrally formed upright member 54A that extends upwardly therefrom at approximately 90# for defining a confinement wall to contain the portable equipment to be protected within the space 33A.

Considering now the cross bar members 30A and 32A in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1A, 4A and 6A, each of the cross bar members 30A and 32A include a base member, such as the base members 60A and 62A, which terminate in an integrally formed upright member, such as the upright members 61A and 63A. The upright members, such as the right members 61A and 63A are disposed substantially at 90# to the base members 60A and 62A respectively. The base member of each cross bar member, such as the base member 60A is mitered at approximately 45# at each of its terminal end, such as the end 64A (FIG. 4A) , to permit the cross bar members 30A and 32A to form a mitered joint (not shown) with the rail 24A.

Considering now the upstanding posts 16A, 17A, 36A and 37A in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1A, 3A, 6A and 7A, each of the posts, such as the posts 16A and 37A are formed from aluminum bar stock, such as the bar stock 50A. Each of the posts, such as the posts 16A and 37A includes an aesthetically pleasing bead¬ like protuberance or rib, such as the ribs 86A and 87A, respectively. Each of the ribs, such as the ribs 86A and 87A include a bore or opening such as the openings 20A and 45A respectively for receiving connecting pin, such as the pins 21A and 46A respectively for assembly purposes.

As best seen in FIG. 7A, the lower end of each post, such as the post 16A is complementary shaped to be mounted to one of the rails, such as the rail 24A. In this regard, the lower end of each post, such as the lower end 27A of the post 16A includes a lip having a generally quarter circle segment 29A and a straight segment 31A that conform to the shape of the rib 25A. The lower end 27A also includes an inverted L-shaped notch portion 34A that conforms to the upper portion of the rail 57A as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail.

In order to mount the upright post 37A to the rail member 22A, an L-shaped slot 66A is disposed nearer one terminal end of the rail 22A than the other terminal end. The slot 66A is adapted to receive the lower portion 45A of the post 37A and include a centrally disposed hole 67A that is dimensioned to receive a metal screw, such as the screw 68A. In this regard, the screw 68A secures the post 37A to the rail 22A.

In order to permit the posts 16A and 36A and 17A and 37A to be mounted to the rails 22A and 24A respectively, each of the rails such as rail 24A includes an L-shaped slot, such as the slot 59A for matingly receiving the lower end 27A of the post 16A. The lower end of the post 16A includes a threaded bore 35A for receiving a metal screw 58A to secure the post 16A and rail 24A together. A countersunk hole, such as the hole 65A is centrally disposed in the slot 65A and extend through the upstanding portion of the slot 59A for permitting the metal screw 58A to be received within the threaded bore 35A when the notch portion 34A is positioned in mating engagement with the slot 59A. Considering now the housing 15A in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1A, 5A and 6A, the housing 15A includes an L-shaped cross rail member 70A that extends between the rails 22A and 24A and a generally U-shaped cover 80A which is adapted to be secured to the upstanding posts 36A and 37A. The cross rail member 70A and the cover 72A cooperate together to confine and cover the rear portion of the equipment to be protected.

Considering now the cross rail member 70A in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1A, 5A and 6A, the cross rail member 70A is composed of bar stock, such as the bar stock 50A. The cross rail member 70A has a sufficient length to extend between the rails 22A and 24A and to engage their entire base member portions 53A and 55A respectively. The cross rail member 70A includes a base member 71A that terminates in an integrally formed upstanding member 72A that is disposed at approximately 90# to base member 71A. The

underside of the member 71A is adapted with a strip of double sided adhesive tape (not shown) that is substantially similar to tape 13A for further bonding the base member 71A to the supporting surface 11A. The upstanding member 72A includes a centrally disposed L-shaped elongated slot 73A which permits the connectors of the equipment to be protected to be received under the cover 80A. The slot 73A terminates in a pair of ribs 74A and 75A that are disposed on opposite ends of the cross rail 70A. The ribs 74A and 75A include bores, such as the bore 76A, for receiving a securing pin, such as the pins 77A and 78A that fixedly secure the cross rail member 70A between the rail members 22A and 24A. In this regard, each of the rail members 22A and 24A include a hole, such as the holes 54AA and 66AA respectively for receiving the pins 77A and 78A respectively.

In order to permit the cross rail member 70A to engage matingly the rails 22A and 24A respectively, the base member 71A includes a pair of L-shaped notch portions 71AA and 71BA which are disposed on opposite ends of the base member 71A. The rails 22A and 24A include a pair of U-shaped grooves, such as groove 55AA, which is complementarily shaped and dimensioned to receive the notch portion 71AA.

Considering now the cover 80A in greater detail with reference to FIG. 1A, the cover 80A is generally U-shaped having an integrally formed rear portion 81A for preventing access to the connectors of the equipment to be protected. A front portion 82A of the cover terminates in a lip defining an opening shown generally at 83A for receiving and surrounding a

portion of the rear portion of the equipment to be protected. An opening 84A is disposed on the right side of the cover 80A for permitting the connecting cables (not shown) such as a power cable, to have access to the connectors of the equipment when the rear portion of the equipment is surrounded by the cover 80A.

Considering now the front 82A of the cover 80A in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1A and 6A, the front 82A includes a pair of oppositely disposed flanges or tabs, such as the tabs 82AA that is complimentary shaped and dimensioned to the terminal end portio 48A of the upstanding post 37A. The tab 82AA includes a centrally disposed hole 85A for receiving a connecting pin, such as the connecting pin 46A (FIG. 6A) to secure the cover 80A to the upstanding post 37A.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. IB thereof, there is shown a security key 9B and lock assembly 10B which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The lock assembly 10B is adapted to fix together a pair of members 12B and 14B that are disposed at right angles to one another. The security key 9B is adapted to engage the lock assembly 10B for securing the members 12B and 14B together removably.

While the lock assembly 10B is shown fastening two different members of an equipment security frame described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that other types and kinds of doors and housing arrangements, such as a gate, or security

box, and others, may also be used with the security key and lock assembly of the present invention.

The security key 9B includes a pin removal member 4OB for engaging the lock assembly 10B to unfasten the members 12B and 14B from one another. For the purpose of convenience the security bay 9B also includes a boss 17B housing pin insertion member 4IB disposed thereon which is oppositely disposed from the pin removal member 40B. The boss 17B includes a cross hole shown generally at 18B for receiving a handle 19B which may be grasps by a user (not shown) as he or she uses the security key 9B for locking and unlocking purposes. The boss 17B includes a pair of shoulder 29B and 29AB for helping to facilitate the fixing together and the separating of the members 12B and 14B as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail.

The lock assembly 10B generally comprises a lock pin member 2OB for fixing the members 12B and 14B together as shown in FIG. IB. The lock pin member 2OB has an elongated generally smooth cylindrical body 33B which is dimensioned to extend loosely through a large opening 13B in the member 12B and into a smaller opening or bore 15B disposed in the member 14B in a substantially friction tight fit as shown in FIG. 3B. The lock pin member 2OB includes a shoulder portion 34B for preventing the lock pin member 2OB from passing completely through the member 12B when inserted in the opening 13B and a internally threaded centrally disposed hole 35B extending throughout its axial length for engaging threadably the pin removal member 4OB to remove the lock pin member 2OB from the bore 15B as will be described hereinafter in greater detail.

The lock assembly 10B also includes a threaded bushing member 2IB for forming an internal annular shoulder 28B within the bore 15B that serves to limit or stop the axial movement of the pin removal member 40B as will be explained hereafter in greater detail.

The threaded bushing member 2IB has an elongated generally smooth cylindrical body portion 36B which is dimensioned to be loosely received within the bore 15B. An internally threaded centrally disposed hole 37B, which is substantially smaller than hole 35B, extends throughout the axial length of the body portion 36B for engaging threadably the pin insertion member 4IB to insert the lock pin member 2OB into the bore 15B as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail. From the foregoing, it should be understood that the outside diameter of pin removal member 4OB is substantially larger than the hole 37B for preventing the pin removal member 4OB from threadably engaging the bushing member 21B. The lock assembly 10B also includes an access pin or cover 23B having a threaded shank portion 24B which is adapted to engage threadably the bushing 2IB for securing the access pin 23B on top of the lock pin member 20B (FIG. 21B) . The pin 23B includes a top portion 25B which is generally circularly shaped and conformed to the shape of the top portion of the pin member 2OB for making it to appear as an ordinary connecting pin (not shown) and to protect the opening to bore 15B from debris. The top portion 25B of the pin 23B includes a generally hexangular recess 26B which is dimensioned to receive the end portion of a hexangular elongated shaft

or "alien wrench" 44B disposed on the security key 9B. The shaft 44B projects from the end of the pin removal member 4OB for helping a user identify the pin removal member 4OB on the security key 9B. In use, in order to remove the lock pin member 2OB from the lock assembly 10B to unsecure the members 12B and 14B, a user inserts the end of the shaft 44B into the recess 26B of the cover pin 23B and rotates the security key 9B in a counter-clockwise direction. As the security key 9B is rotated in the counter clockwise direction, the cover pin 23B is rotated axially outwardly to cause the pin 23B to retract out of the threaded bushing 2IB. Once the cover pin 23B is retracted out of the bushing 2IB, the user may pull the pin 23B out of the bore 15B (FIG. 3B) .

Subsequently, after removing the access pin 23B from the bore 15B, the user inserts the pin removal member 4OB into the lock pin 2OB engaging it threadably. In this regard, the user rotates the security key 9B in a clockwise direction causing the pin removal member 4OB to be received within the lock pin 2OB. As the user continues to rotate the security key 9B, the pin removal member 4OB is rotated axially inwardly until it engages or abuts the internal annular shoulder 28B formed by the bushing 2IB.

When the end of the pin removal member 4OB engages the shoulder 28B, the shoulder 28B prevents further axial movement of the pin removal member 40B. In this regard, as the user continues to rotate the pin removal member 4OB, it rotates in the internally threaded hole 3OB of the lock pin 2OB causing the lock pin 2OB to be rotated axially outwardly permitting the pin 2OB to

retract out of the bore 15B (FIG. 14B) . When the pin 2OB is completely retracted from the bore 15B, the user may remove the lock pin 2OB from opening 13B to permit the members 12B and 14B to be separated. In order to replace the lock pin member 2OB and the access pin 23B to secure or fix the members 12B and 14B together, a user inserts the lock pin 2OB through opening 13B and into the bore 15B. In this regard, the lock pin 20B is loosely received in the opening 13B but is received in a snug friction like fit in the bore 15B.

Subsequently, after extending the lock pin 2OB between the opening 13B and the bore 15B a user inserts the pin insertion member 4IB into the lock pin 2OB. As the internal diameter of the lock pin is larger than the diameter of the pin insertion member 4IB, the pin insertion member 4IB pass through the open interior of the lock pin 2OB and into threadable engagement with the bushing 2IB. In this regard, the user rotates the security key 9B in a clockwise direction causing the pin insertion member to rotate axially inwardly into the bore 15B.

As the user continues to rotate the security key 9B, the pin insertion member 4IB is rotated axially inwardly until a key shoulder 29B on the security key 9B abuts or engages the top portion of the lock pin member 2OB. As the user then continues to rotate the security key 9B, the shoulder 29B of the security key 9B exerts a downwardly directed axially force against the top of the lock pin member 2OB causing the lock pin member 2OB to be moved axially inwardly into the bore 15B (FIG. 5B) . Subsequently, as the user continues to

rotate the security key 9B, a shoulder 34B of the lock pin 2OB abuts or engages the member 12B thus, preventing it from further axial movement.

Although in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the pin insertion member 4IB is used to insert the lock pin 2OB into the bore 15B, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a hammer or mallet could also be used to drive the pin 2OB into the bore 15B. While such a technique may work, repeated insertion of the pin 2OB by such a method could result in damage to either the pin 2OB or the members 12B and 14B.

Once the lock pin member 2OB abuts or engages the member 12B, the user rotates the pin insertion member 41B in a counter-clockwise direction causing the pin insertion member 4IB to retract out of the bore 15B. In this regard, as the diameter of the pin insertion member 41B is smaller than the inside diameter of the lock pin member 2OB, the lock pin member 2OB remains secured within the bore 15B.

After the lock pin member 2OB has secured or fixed the members 12B and 14B together, the user inserts the access pin or cover 23B into the bore 15B. As the diameter of the access pin 23B is smaller than the inside diameter of the lock pin member 20B, the access pin 23B falls into the bore 15B under the force of gravity until it abuts or engages the bushing 2IB. The user then inserts the end of the shaft 44B into the recess 26B of the access pin 23B and rotates the security key 9B in a clockwise direction. As the security key 9B is rotated in the clockwise direction the cover pin 23B is rotated axially inwardly to cause

the pin 23B to be received within the bushing 2IB. As the user continues to rotate the security key 9B, the top portion 25B of the access pin 23B abuts or engages the shoulder 34B of the lock pin member 2OB (FIG. IB) thus, preventing it from further axial movement.

Considering now the lock pin member 2OB in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2B-5B, the lock pin member 2OB is composed of a rigid material such as member hardened steel for providing a structurally strong fastener. The outer surface of the lock pin 2OB is smooth for permitting the lock pin 2OB to be easily received into and removed from the bore 15B.

The threaded hole 35B of the lock pin 2OB includes a non-standard reverse key thread shown generally at 3OB which is adapted to engage threadably the threaded pin removal member 4OB disposed on the security key 9B for identifying and removing the lock pin member 2OB. In this regard, the non standard reveres key threads 3OB may be machined by a plurality of special taps that produce a thread hole such as the hole 35B, that can only engage threadably a corresponding threaded pin removal member, such as the pin removal member 4OB, having the same non standard reverse key thread pitch. By having a specific threaded lock pin member that can only be backed out of the bore 15B by a pin removal member 4OB with a corresponding thread pitch, a desirable feature of an added degree of security is achieved. In this regard, a thief would need a set of pin removal members with a variety of non-standard reverse key threads in order to remove the lock pin member 2OB.

Considering now the threaded bushing 2IB in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2B-5B, the threaded bushing 2IB is composed of a rigid material such as member hardened steel for facilitating the taping of the threaded hole 37B disposed in the bushing 21B.

The threaded hole 37B of the bushing 2IB includes a standard key thread shown generally at 22B which is adapted to engage threadably the threaded pin insertion member 41B for removing the lock pin member 21B. The thread 22B of the bushing correspond to the thread pitch on the pin insertion member for facilitating the insertion of the lock pin member 2OB into the bore 15B. As best seen in FIG. 3B-5B, the bushing member 2IB is generally cylindrically shaped having an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 15B for permitting the bushing 2IB to be received in bore 15B and to fall under the force of gravity to the bottom thereof. A threaded cross hole 16B is disposed near the bottom of the bore 15B and is adapted to receive a set screw 17B for securing the bushing 2IB in place in the bottom of the bore 15B. While in the preferred embodiment of the present invention describes a bushing and cross hole with a set screw, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that an internal shoulder could be formed by an integrally formed member as opposed to the separate bushing.

The outer surface of the bushing 2IB is smooth for permitting the bushing to be easily and conveniently received within the bore 15B. The hard outer surface of the bushing 2IB also permits the set screw 17B to

firmly engage the bushing surface so that the bushing 2IB is held fixedly in the bore 15B.

Considering now the access pin or cover 23B in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2B and 3B, the access pin 23B is generally a smooth elongated cylindrically shaft or shank 27B having the threaded shank portion 24B disposed thereon. The shank 27B terminates in the top portion 25B and is composed of a suitable rigid material, such as member hardened steel. The overall length of the access pin 23B is dimensioned to be threadably received within the threaded hole 37B of the bushing 2IB and to axially abut the shoulder 34B of the lock pin member 2OB when the pin 23B is fully inserted in the bushing member 21B.

Considering now the security key 9B in greater detail with reference to FIGS. IB and 3B-5B, the pin removal member 4OB and the pin insertion member 4IB are disposed on the boss 17B and extend therefrom in diametrically opposite directions. The handle 19B is disposed in the hole 18B which is centrally disposed between the pin removal member 4OB and the pin insertion member 4IB for facilitating the use of the security key 9B by a user in a convenient manner. Considering now the pin removal member 40B in greater detail with reference to FIGS. IB, 3B and 4B, the pin removal member 4OB includes an elongated threaded shank 42B for threadably engaging the lock pin member 2OB. The shank 42B is disposed between the boss 17B and the hexangular shaft 44B which is integrally attached thereto. The shaft 44B is centrally disposed along the longitudinal axis of the pin removal member

4OB but is sufficiently short so that the end of the pin removal member will be able to engage the annular shoulder 28B of the bushing 2IB.

The pin removal member 4OB is composed of a suitable rigid material, such as a member hardened steel and is threadably attached to the boss 17B. The threaded shaft 42B has disposed thereon a non standard reverse key thread that corresponds in pitch to the threads 3OB disposed in hole 35B. In this regard, if the threads on the pin removal member 4OB and the threads in threaded hole 35B do not correspond the lock pin member 2OB can not be backed out of the bore 15B.

In order for the pin removal member 4OB to operate properly for removing the pin lock member 2OB, the axial length of the shank 42B must be sufficiently long to form a gap shown generally as G between the shoulder 34B of the lock pin 20B and the shoulder of the boss 17B. The gag G must have a minimum length that approximates the axial length of body portion 33B of the lock pin W.

Considering now the pin insertion member 41B in greater detail with reference to FIGS. IB and 3B-5B, the pin insertion member 4IB includes an elongated generally smooth cylindrical shaft 39B having a threaded portion 43B. The shaft 39B has a smaller outside diameter than the outside diameter of the threaded shaft 42B for preventing the shaft 42B from being engaged threadably within the bushing 2IB. The shaft 39B is threadably attached to the boss 17B and is composed of a suitable rigid material such as member hardened steel.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different modifications are possible and are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure herein presented.