Lock assembly for a personal computer system enclosure

摘要

A lock assembly is disclosed for small computers and similar electronic devices of the type that must be locked yet must permit access for repair even when the proper key is not available to the repair person without requiring that the expensive lock or its mounting be damaged. Further, readily visible evidence of the forced access must be apparent to a casual observer of the computer. Forced entry detection is provided by the instant invention through the use of a fracture ring having support elements seated into recesses in a rebated cover opening which hold the lock assembly in place during normal use but which allow the assembly to become axially misaligned after the lock has been forced. Frangible portions of the lock support hold the lock assembly in both rotational and axial stability which stability is lost when the frangible portions are broken.