Peripheral card locking device

Abstract

A locking system for a computer or computer accessory housing not only secures the housing but also secures any PCMCIA cards installed in PCMCIA slots in the housing. In particular, the computer or accessory housing is configured with two side-by-side PCMCIA slots. One or more keyhole slots are disposed between the two PCMCIA for receiving a cylindrical lock assembly, such as a Kensington lock assembly. The spacing between the side-by-side PCMCIA slots is selected such that the cylindrical lock assembly is secured to the keyholes, the lock assembly partially blocks the PCMCIA slot openings and thus prevents removal of any PCMCIA cards from the computer or accessory housing. In order to provide additional security, one keyhole may be formed to depend from an interior metal chassis while a corresponding keyhole is formed from the cover which prevents removal of the cards as well as removal of the housing cover. The configuration of the lock assembly enables not only the computer or computer housing to be secured but any PCMCIA cards installed within the slots to be secured as well rather quickly and easily without the need to remove the PCMCIA cards.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.