Patents Assigned to Checkpoint Systems Inc.
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Patent number: 8089357Abstract: A system and method for automatically advertising items put on display, as well as protecting those items against theft. The system and method include an event sensor associated with the item and connected to a monitoring and alarm transmitter for initiating an advertising experience on an associated and local graphic display whenever the item is manipulated or approached by a patron. Should the item be removed or taken from its display stand, a wireless alarm is automatically transmitted to a receiver of an authorized person. The system and method also perform a logging function when a patron approaches the item or removes it without taking it away. The system and method also include the ability to provide power to electronic items that are on display.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp
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Patent number: 8087269Abstract: A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button can not be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Ningsheng Zhang
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Patent number: 8081075Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with protecting merchandise items are presented. A method of protecting merchandise items includes displaying a plurality of merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. Each merchandise item is connected to the consumer display with a corresponding tether. A first alarm is generated when one of the consumer items is removed from one of the corresponding tethers. A second alarm is generated that is different than the first alarm when one of the tethers is severed.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp
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Publication number: 20110259991Abstract: A security device includes a housing containing a ratchet mechanism and a rotatable spool for storing a plurality of cable loops which extend outwardly from a plurality of openings formed in the housing and wrapped around the sides of a box-like object. A collar is mounted on the bottom of the housing and has openings adjacent each of the housing opening requiring the cable loops to abruptly change direction after exiting the housing and passing either beneath or above the collar before extending along the secured object. This abrupt change of direction reduces the amount of force which are exerted on the cable loops from being transmitted onto the ratchet mechanism. In alternate embodiments, adjacent cable loops pass through one or a pair of rings which cause a change of direction in the cable loops to reduce the transmission of forces onto the ratchet mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Mitchell S. Goldstein, Andrew W. Moock, Christopher J. Fawcett
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Publication number: 20110248848Abstract: A method for entering information regarding monitored items into a database in a security tag system includes reading barcode item information from a barcode associated with a monitored item, determining whether a tag is present with the monitored item to provide tag presence information, and storing the barcode item information and the tag presence information into the database. The barcode item information and the tag presence information are associated with each other in the database to provide item association information. A rule regarding whether a tag should be present when the barcode associated with the monitored item is read is determined in accordance with the item association information and the tag is deactivated in accordance with the rule. An alarm condition is raised in accordance with the rule. The alarm condition is raised if the tag is present and the rule indicates that the tag should not be present.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael L. Reeves, Bogdan Sima, Robert D. Herder
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Publication number: 20110241879Abstract: A security device for protecting a merchandise item that includes a housing, a first cable, a second cable, a spool, a locking mechanism and a crossover device that is in the housing and is rotatable about a vertical axis. The locking mechanism locks the spool so that it is not rotatable about the vertical axis. The cable crossover device is placed on a side of a merchandise item opposite the housing. The crossover device in is formed with a crossover body and a latch. The crossover body has the first cable slidably attached to it. The latch is configured to be locked to the crossover body. The second cable slidably is attached to the latch. The latch is configured to be partially released from the crossover body when it unlocked.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio
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Publication number: 20110241870Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with protecting merchandise items are presented. A method of protecting merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A detection is made if one merchandise items has been moved beyond a predetermined authorized distance from the consumer display. The method determines if an authorized key is detected within a predetermined key distance from the consumer display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp
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Publication number: 20110234405Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to provide an electrical path between the contacts to close a first electrical circuit which turns the device on. A flexibly mounted projection on the carrier depresses a plunger switch to arm the device when the carrier is attached to an item of merchandise. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. Security gate alarms also sound if the tag moves through the gate or within a predetermined distance thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: James G. Wyatt, JR., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
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Patent number: 8026818Abstract: A combination EAS and UHF security tag that adds the ability to add item level UHF functionality to a retail tag and maintain the integrity of the EAS systems installed in the business and whereby the EAS and UHF security elements are substantially formed from a common conductive layer. This combination tag also includes the ability to change a tag from a “far-field read” tag to a “near-field read” tag.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andre Cote, Jack Mingle, Anthony Piccoli
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Publication number: 20110221572Abstract: A tag communication method includes providing a tag reader operating at a first frequency and having transmit and receive antenna ports, providing a frequency converter module having transmit and receive plugs adapted to directly mate with the transmit and receive ports, and directly mating the transmit plug with the transmit port and the receive plug with the receive port. A transmit signal at the first frequency is received from the reader by the converter module by way of the directly mated transmit plug and converted to a second frequency differing from the first frequency to provide a converted transmit signal which is transmitted to the tag. A receive signal is received from the tag at the second frequency and converted to the first frequency to provide a converted receive signal which is applied by the conversion module to the reader by way of the directly mated receive plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Steve Wang, Ben J. Wild
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Publication number: 20110219828Abstract: A security may include a base that defines an aperture or opening configured for receiving at least a portion of an object to be secured. The base may support a capture member that is configured to move between a capture position and a release position. The security device may further include a driving member that is configured to move between a first position and a second position and may engage the capture member. When the driving member is moved from the first position to the second position it may urge the capture member from the release position to the capture position. The capture member may be configured to secure the object within the aperture when the capture member is in the capture position. The security device may further comprise a locking member may be configured to releasably engage the driving member to prevent movement of the driving member from the second position to the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ningsheng Zhang, Brian V. Conti
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Patent number: 8016147Abstract: A lockable container for an article comprises a frame which has an access opening, a closure member which is pivotally mounted in relation to the frame, and a latch member which is axially movable within the closure member between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch member and the frame are each provided with one or more interengageable detents whereby when the closure member is in a closed position and the latch member is in the latched position the detents are engaged and prevent pivoting of the closure member. Movement of the latch member to the unlatched position causes the detents to disengage and permit pivoting of the closure member. The closure member is provided with a locking member for engaging the latch member to retain it against axial movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert Malcolm Broadhead, David Frank Whitehead
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Patent number: 8013740Abstract: A system and method for automatically advertising items put on display, as well as protecting those items against theft. The system and method include an event sensor associated with the item and connected to a monitoring and alarm transmitter for initiating an advertising experience on an associated and local graphic display whenever the item is manipulated or approached by a patron. Should the item be removed or taken from its display stand, a wireless alarm is automatically transmitted to a receiver of an authorized person. The system and method also perform a logging function when a patron approaches the item or removes it without taking it away. The system and method also include the ability to provide power to electronic items that are on display.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp
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Publication number: 20110210852Abstract: A security storage container securely retains an item of merchandise and typically includes a base and lid. An alarm system in the container is activated when the container is locked and deactivated when the container is unlocked. The alarm system may include a flashing LED, an EAS tag for activating a security gate, and a sound-emitting device which may emit a loud alarm upon an attempt to pry the lid from the base or upon the container entering into proximity of a security gate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, JR., Nicholas M. Sedon
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Publication number: 20110192200Abstract: A security storage container has a primary security feature that is adapted to be locked and unlocked with an appropriate key. A secondary security feature is activated when the security storage container is opened without first unlocking the lock with the key. In one embodiment, the secondary security feature includes prongs that are moved to an extended position when the primary security feature of the container is defeated. In the extended position, the prongs will at least damage the item of merchandise protected by the security storage container. The extended position of the prongs may also further lock the item of merchandise within the security storage container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: NICHOLAS M. SEDON, DENNIS D. BELDEN, JR., WILLIAM SHEPLER
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Patent number: 7994911Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Patent number: 7994914Abstract: A system and method for automatically advertising items put on display, as well as protecting those items against theft. The system and method include an event sensor associated with the item and connected to a monitoring and alarm transmitter for initiating an advertising experience on an associated and local graphic display whenever the item is manipulated or approached by a patron. Should the item be removed or taken from its display stand, a wireless alarm is automatically transmitted to a receiver of an authorized person. The system and method also perform a logging function when a patron approaches the item or removes it without taking it away. The system and method also include the ability to provide power to electronic items that are on display.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Julia Irmscher, Michael Rapp
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Patent number: 7992259Abstract: A security device includes a housing containing a ratchet mechanism and a rotatable spool for storing a plurality of cable loops which extend outwardly from a plurality of openings formed in the housing and wrapped around the sides of a box-like object. A collar is mounted on the bottom of the housing and has openings adjacent each of the housing opening requiring the cable loops to abruptly change direction after exiting the housing and passing either beneath or above the collar before extending along the secured object. This abrupt change of direction reduces the amount of force which are exerted on the cable loops from being transmitted onto the ratchet mechanism. In alternate embodiments, adjacent cable loops pass through one or a pair of rings which cause a change of direction in the cable loops to reduce the transmission of forces onto the ratchet mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mitchell S. Goldstein, Andrew W. Moock, Christopher J. Fawcett
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Publication number: 20110154867Abstract: A security device a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a locking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The locking member includes a key portion for unlocking the tightening mechanism when the cable is removed from the item. The tightening mechanism includes a spool and a ratchet mechanism. Alternate embodiments for locking and unlocking the ratchet mechanism are disclosed. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The cables are part of one or more of the sense loops. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism includes a housing having a flip-up handle for tightening the ratchet mechanism to tighten the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: CHRISTOPHER J. FAWCETT, RONALD M. MARSILIO
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Patent number: D650019Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventor: Oliver Stuke