# US 10,374,349 B2 · Port lock system and apparatus > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,374,349 B2 - Document ID: US10374349B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/752,652 - Filed: 2018-02-08 - Published: 2019-01-31 - Granted: 2019-08-06 - Earliest claimed: 2017-04-25 - Assignees: Sol Pals, LLC - Applicants: Sol Pals, LLC - Inventors: Ronald Glen Gustaveson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10374349B2 ## CPC - H01R 13/443: Dummy plugs - E05B 35/008: {for simple tool-like keys} - E05B 73/0082: {for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators} - E05C 19/06: in which the securing part if formed or carried by a spring and moves only by distortion of the spring, e.g. snaps - G06F 21/85: interconnection devices, e.g. bus-connected or in-line devices - G06F 21/86: Secure or tamper-resistant housings - H01R 13/447: Shutter or cover plate - H01R 13/6397: {with means for preventing unauthorised use} - H01R 13/6335: {comprising a handle} - H01R 2201/06: for computer periphery - H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS - E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS - E05C: BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS (latching means for sideboard or tailgate structures for vehicles B62D, {B62D33/02}; fastening devices for constructional or engineering elements E04, F16B; locks, fastening devices structurally or operatively combined or having significant cooperation with locks E05B; means for operating or controlling wing fasteners in conjunction with mechanisms for moving the wing E05F) - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) ## Abstract Embodiments include systems, methods, and apparatuses configured to secure physical interface ports (or sockets) of an electronic device through physical lock and key mechanisms. In at least one implementation, a system is provided for locking a physical port or socket of an electronic device. The system includes a lock for insertion into a port or socket of the electronic device. The lock includes a structural interface member that is configured to align with a selected port or socket of the electronic device into which the lock is to be inserted. The lock further includes an exterior fascia that is affixed to the structural interface member, and a detent that holds the lock in place within the port or socket. The system also includes a key for disengaging the lock. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system for locking a physical port or socket of an electronic device, wherein the system comprises a USB locking system, comprising: a lock for insertion into a port or socket of an electronic device, the lock comprising: a structural interface member that is configured to align with a selected port or socket of the electronic device into which the lock is to be inserted; an exterior fascia that is affixed to the structural interface member; a detent that holds the lock in place within the port or socket; a key for disengaging the lock; and a lid that covers the cavity of the exterior fascia; wherein the exterior fascia includes a cavity through which the key is inserted and interfaced with the structural member of the lock. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the exterior fascia is detachably affixed to the structural interface member using one or more hinges. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the exterior fascia is affixed to the structural interface member using an adhesive or semi-adhesive. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the structural interface member has a cavity for alignment with ports or sockets having male interfaces, or has a protruding portion for alignment with ports or sockets having female interfaces. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the structural interface member comprises a male audio jack for alignment with a female audio jack interface. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the structural interface member of the lock includes one or more depressions, detents or cavities that interface with the key to unlock the lock. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the key includes one or more depressions, detents or cavities that correspond with the depressions, detents or cavities of the lock. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the exterior fascia is detachably affixed to the structural interface member via one or more support rails mounted to the structural interface member that allow the exterior fascia to slide between first and second positions. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the exterior fascia slides on the rails from a first open position that allows access to the port or socket to a second closed position that prevents access to the port or socket. ### Claim 10 A method of manufacturing a lock for use with a USB port or socket of an electronic device, comprising: providing a body portion configured for insertion into a port or socket, wherein the body portion has one or more recesses or detents for securing the body portion within the port or socket; providing a front face for the body portion, the front face comprising an at least partly planar portion sufficient for receiving human-readable indicia, and further including a key hole for receiving a key; providing the key for insertion into the key hole of the front face, wherein the key is configured to release the body portion from within the port or socket upon depression; and providing a lid that covers the cavity of the exterior fascia; wherein the exterior fascia includes a cavity through which the key is inserted and interfaced with the structural member of the lock. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, further comprising providing one or more rails on which the front face is to slide between first and second positions. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, further comprising providing one or more hinges on which the front face is configured to swing between a first open position and a second closed position. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein the body portion comprises an audio jack portion configured for insertion into an audio jack port. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, wherein the lock and key are further configured for securing a physical port or socket corresponding to any one or more of a USB port, a display port, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a Firewire port, or an optical interface. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The USB lock system of claim 14, further comprising a storage box for holding the USB lock and the key simultaneously. ### Claim 16 A universal serial bus (USB) lock system for locking one or more USB ports on an electronic device, comprising: a USB lock for insertion into a USB port, the USB lock comprising: a structural interface member having a cavity for alignment with a USB port; an exterior fascia that is affixed to the structural interface member; and a detent that holds the USB lock in place within the USB port; a key for disengaging the USB lock; a lid that covers the cavity of the exterior fascia; and wherein the exterior fascia includes a cavity through which the key is inserted and interfaced with the structural member of the lock. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The USB lock system of claim 16, wherein the lock, key, and/or storage box comprise one or more planar interfaces or exposed areas sufficient for holding one or more logos or other human readable indicia.