US7578691B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
USB connector locking arrangements
Assignee: Lenovo Switzerland International GmbH
•
Filing: 2006-04-29
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Granted: 2009-08-25
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Expires: 2026-04-29
Abstract
Abstract A USB connection arrangement, where more secure locking is afforded than has hitherto been achieved. With a first USB connecting portion and a second USB connecting portion, a locking arrangement is provided for physically securing the first USB connecting portion and the second USB connecting portion with respect to one another. The locking arrangement includes at least one receptor portion disposed on at least one of the first and second USB connecting portions, and at least one pin portion engageable with the at least one receptor portion for physically securing at least one of the first and second connecting portions with respect to the other of the first and second connecting portions.
Inventors
- 👤 Arnold S. Weksler
- 👤 Scott Edwards Kelso
- 👤 John Carl Mese
- 👤 Nathan J. Peterson
- 👤 Rod D. Walterman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 14:30
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/627; H01R13/6278; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/911
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
An apparatus comprising: a computer data connection arrangement comprising: a USB port having a housing therein; and a locking arrangement disposed within the housing that physically secures at least one connector prong having a well to the housing; said locking arrangement comprising: at least one pin portion engageable with the well of the at least one connector prong for physically securing the at least one connector prong to the housing; wherein engagement and disengagement of the at least one pin portion is controlled in response to an electrical signal generated within the apparatus; wherein the locking arrangement secures automatically when the apparatus is shut down; and further wherein the apparatus is protected by a password.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
An apparatus comprising: a computer data connection arrangement comprising: a USB port having a housing therein; and a locking arrangement disposed within the housing that physically secures at least one connector prong having a well to the housing; said locking arrangement comprising: at least one pin portion engageable with the well of the at least one connector prong for physically securing the at least one connector prong to the housing; wherein engagement and disengagement of the at least one pin portion is controlled in response to an electrical signal generated within the apparatus; wherein the locking arrangement secures automatically when the apparatus is shut down; and further wherein the apparatus is protected by a password.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one connector prong comprises at least one USB connector portion.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
116 words
An apparatus comprising: a USB connection arrangement comprising: a plurality of USB ports having a stacked housing therein; and a locking arrangement for physically securing a plurality of USB connector prongs with the housing; said locking arrangement comprising: at least one pin portion engageable with a plurality of wells disposed on said plurality of USB connector prongs for physically securing said plurality of USB connector prongs with respect to the housing; wherein engagement and disengagement of the at least one pin portion is controlled in response to an electric signal generated within the apparatus; wherein the locking arrangement secures automatically when the apparatus is shut down; and further wherein the apparatus is protected by a password.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
116 words
An apparatus comprising: a USB connection arrangement comprising: a plurality of USB ports having a stacked housing therein; and a locking arrangement for physically securing a plurality of USB connector prongs with the housing; said locking arrangement comprising: at least one pin portion engageable with a plurality of wells disposed on said plurality of USB connector prongs for physically securing said plurality of USB connector prongs with respect to the housing; wherein engagement and disengagement of the at least one pin portion is controlled in response to an electric signal generated within the apparatus; wherein the locking arrangement secures automatically when the apparatus is shut down; and further wherein the apparatus is protected by a password.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2012-08-24 | 2013-02-23 | 2013-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2016-08-24 | 2017-02-23 | 2017-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2020-08-24 | 2021-02-23 | 2021-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |