Importance

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Abstract

A locking apparatus and method for attaching to a portable electronic device that has an outer shell defining a cavity, such as a stylus cavity in a personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like. The apparatus includes a cavity engagement mechanism having an insert portion for occupying the cavity, and a clamping mechanism coupled to the cavity engagement mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a wedge having a clamping surface that compresses against the exterior wall in a direction relative to the insert portion when the insert portion occupies the cavity, to maintain the insert portion within the cavity to secure the apparatus to the portable electronic device. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus includes a cavity engagement member that associates with the interior of the cavity when the insert portion occupies the cavity. The locking apparatus attaches to a cable or other securing means to secure the electronic device from theft. An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have an external wall provided with a specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes a housing for a spindle having a first portion rotatable within the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of the external wall of equipment. The crossmember is aligned with the abutment mechanism so that the crossmember can be inserted through the slot with the shaft and the abutment mechanism occupying the slot. The spindle is then rotated 90.degree. to misalign the crossmember with the slot, thereby attaching the attachment mechanism rigidly to the external wall. A cable is secured to the housing and to an immovable object so that the equipment cannot be stolen.

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First Claim