Computer equipment lock

Abstract

An axial pin tubular lock for use in securing portable computers and other devices having spindle-accepting ports. The lock is bade up of an outer shell attached to a cable, an inner shell, a rotatable driver sleeve, a stationary tumbler sleeve, a rear scuff plate held in place by a combination of an adhesive and cooperative geometric engagement with the outer shell, a locking spindle extending through the driver and tumbler sleeves, a retaining plate and an anti-rotation extension which may be integrally formed with the retaining plate. The rotatable driver sleeve is equipped with an internally disposed detent which engage a groove on the spindle, thereby providing proper axial and radial alignment between the spindle and the driver sleeve. The internal surface of the stationary tumbler sleeve has an indented support surface, thus providing spindle support while permitting passage of the spindle head through the tumbler sleeve during assembly. The tumbler sleeve is held in place by a pin which engages a slot located on the sleeve's outer perimeter and by the retaining plate which is disposed against the sleeve's rearward face. The retaining plate is, in turn, held in place by both a spring and the spline detail of the inner shell. The spindle itself incorporates a curved surface design which distributes forces more evenly across the spindle surface, thereby reducing the potential for spindle failure.