Patents Assigned to Checkpoint Systems Inc.
  • Patent number: 8276410
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Sedon, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., William Shepler
  • Publication number: 20120227447
    Abstract: A security device for placement about a merchandise item includes a housing, cable and a clip. The housing includes a lock device, a spool for receiving the cable and a ratchet assembly to maintain the cable tightened about the merchandise item. The clip is connected to the cable and is engagable with the housing. The lock device locks the clip to the housing when the clip is attached to the housing and allows the spool to release cable from the housing when the clip is not locked to the housing. When the clip is locked to the housing, the lock device allows ratcheting of cable onto the spool but not unwinding of cable from the spool. The clip contains alarm logic fully contained within the clip configured to generate an alarm if the cable is severed. In some configurations, the alarm logic can transmit/receive wireless messages with a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian V. Conti
  • Publication number: 20120228290
    Abstract: A security container for holding a product. The container includes a jacket having a cavity, a sleeve receivable in the cavity, and a chamber in the sleeve for holding the product. The sleeve moves within the cavity between a position where a user can access the chamber and a position where they cannot access the chamber. A locking mechanism secures the sleeve against movement when in the locked condition and permits movement thereof when unlocked. An alarm mechanism is provided that is simultaneously activated when the locking mechanism is locked and deactivated when the locking mechanism is unlocked. The locking mechanism includes a magnetic locking member movable by a dedicated magnetic key to unlock the mechanism. The security container is adjustable in length to accommodate products of different sizes. The container is of a diminutive size in that it is capable of fitting into a man's dress shirt pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian V. Conti
  • Publication number: 20120227446
    Abstract: This invention relates to a tether device for use in a retail environment in conjunction with a cable lock security device. The cable lock device includes a cable having a free end which extends outwardly away therefrom after the cable lock is secured onto an article of goods. The tether is configured to receive the free end inside a lock channel alternatively lock and unlock this free end with the tether. The tether is intended to be secured onto a separable portion of an article of goods, while the cable lock is intended to be secured onto another separable portion. Thus, in locking the cable lock and the tether together, the two separable portions of the article of goods are thereby rendered generally inseparable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Shute, Mark A. Ezzo
  • Publication number: 20120223811
    Abstract: A reader includes a single receiver circuit and a switching circuit coupled to the single receiver circuit. A first antenna connection is coupled to the switching circuit, wherein the first antenna connection is configured to receive a first signal from a source of radio frequency waves. A second antenna connection is coupled to the switching circuit and configured to receive a second signal from the source of radio frequency waves. A processor is configured to determine angle of arrival information in accordance with the first and second signals. The processor is further configured to determine relative phase information in accordance with the first and second signals. Additionally, the processor is configured to localize the source of radio frequency waves in accordance with the angle of arrival information. The switching circuit includes a multiplexer selectively coupling the first and second antenna connections to the single receiver circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ben J. Wild, Artem Tkachenko, Steve Wang, Robert Barton
  • Publication number: 20120223838
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Ningsheng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120226638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security container formed to receive a cassette which visually indicates to a user what type or style of good is contained therein. The cassette may be of a general solid block type in one color or having one visual characteristic, or the cassette may have multiple inserts or slides which may be moved within the cassette to change the outwardly facing color or visible characteristic. The invention furthermore relates to a merchandising system and method for paring the appropriate security device with the correct high-theft piece of merchandise and for return of a previously used security device to the correct department of a retail establishment. In some configurations, a scan device can be used to scan a product and then display a color label associated with a security device to be used with that product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Adam Mark Will, William R. Beatty, Matthew R. Shute, Deidra Leigh Grier, Donna Marie Licari Gudridge
  • Publication number: 20120210755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a yoke device for use in combination with a security device. The security device includes a housing and a cable having a first end and a second end, whereby the second end is secured to the housing. The yoke device includes a first leg, a second leg, and a base portion extending therebetween. An eyelet or loop extends from each leg portion to define an opening therein. Each opening is sized to allow the first end of the cable to pass therethrough to facilitate forming a loop around an article of goods, while simultaneously securing the yoke device to the security device such that a first portion and a second portion of the article cannot be separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20120212343
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically deactivating a security tag upon entry into business establishment to prevent tag pollution. The system and method involve positioning a security tag deactivator at an entrance of a business establishment and emitting an EM field sufficient to deactivate any security tag that enters into the business establishment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Lothar Grunenberg, Nimesh Shah, Kefeng Zeng
  • Patent number: 8228192
    Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft of the article has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm with a defeat mechanism having a two-part connector that attaches to both a cable and a locking mechanism. The connector includes a mechanical fuse (e.g., two-step ferrule holder) that provides defeat prevention of the alarm device. The locked device alarms if pulled too hard from twisting the cable without releasing the primary lock. The connector is preferably shaped as a generally elliptic cylindrical bayonet having an oval transverse cross-section and a truncated oblique cone-shaped distal end. This enables the plug to be inserted into a locking channel of the locking mechanism in either of two directions facilitating the locking of the attached cable about an article of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Eckert, William J. Kozlowski, Jr., Matthew R. Shute, Timothy M. Gates, James G. Wyatt, Jr., Stephen A. Orbach, Michael J. Cornelison
  • Patent number: 8217760
    Abstract: In an RFID system with existing reader and tags communicating with each other, appliqués derive information by listening to this communication to yield significant performance benefits, while not affecting the communication between the existing nodes. For example, an appliqué capable of receiving beamforming can estimate the angle of arrival of the signal emitted by a tag, thereby providing information that can be used to localize the tag. An appliqué may be connected to an existing reader by means of an existing port, such as to an antenna port or to an Ethernet port. The information from appliqués can be integrated with that obtained from existing nodes at either the appliqués, or further up the hierarchy in middleware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben J. Wild, Upamanyu Madhow, Kannan Ramchandran, Robert Barton, Artem Tkachenko
  • Publication number: 20120168398
    Abstract: An anti-theft security device is particularly useful with bottles and is typically secured to a bottle neck. The device may carry an onboard alarm. The device typically includes a catch member which engages the bottle neck to secure the device to the bottle and a blocking structure to help block access to the catch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ningsheng Zhang, Brian V. Conti
  • Patent number: 8212672
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting articles (2), especially displayed goods, from theft. Said device comprises a sensor, connected to a control and alarm device (4) for triggering an alarm when the sensor (3) responds, and to be secured to the article (2) to be protected. The device (1) also comprises a device for detecting if a person gets closer to the displayed article (2) or when the article (2) is removed but not taken. For this purpose, a sensor (7) responds when a person gets closer or when the article (2) is removed and is control-connected to the control and alarm device (4). The control and alarm device (4) is connected to a product information device (13) for presenting the displayed article (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Brenner
  • Patent number: 8207849
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Nicholas M. Sedon
  • Publication number: 20120151974
    Abstract: An anti-theft security device is particularly useful with bottles and is typically secured to a bottle neck. The device may carry an onboard alarm. The device typically includes a catch member which engages the bottle neck to secure the device to the bottle and a blocking structure to help block access to the catch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ningsheng Zhang, Brian V. Conti
  • Publication number: 20120152883
    Abstract: An anti-theft security device is particularly useful with bottles and is typically secured to a bottle neck. The device may carry an onboard alarm. The device typically includes a catch member which engages the bottle neck to secure the device to the bottle and a blocking structure to help block access to the catch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ningsheng Zhang, Brian V. Conti
  • Publication number: 20120144882
    Abstract: Security devices according to the present invention may be configured to secure merchandise supported by a display card. The security device may include a housing defining an aperture configured to receive a secured portion of the article, an engagement member disposed generally proximate the aperture, and a sliding member configured to move the engagement member from the release position to a capture position. The secured portion may be removed from the aperture while the engagement member is in the release position and the secured portion may be inhibited from removal while the engagement member is in the capture position. The engagement member may define an engagement aperture where the secured portion of the article that is received through the aperture of the housing is also received through the engagement aperture of the engagement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Shute, Mark Ezzo
  • Publication number: 20120119909
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A disposable merchandise display includes a disposable display stand, an alarm unit and tethers. The disposable display stand is interchangeable with other disposable display stands and the alarm unit. The disposable display stand further includes one or more display areas for displaying merchandise items and allowing for the handling of the merchandise times. The alarm unit is configured to be placed inside the disposable display stand. Each of the tethers can be connected between the alarm unit and a corresponding merchandise item. The alarm unit is configured to generate an alarm when a merchandise item displayed at the merchandise display is moved away from the disposable merchandise display or a tether is cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: MICHAEL RAPP
  • Publication number: 20120119910
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying merchandise item is presented. A merchandise display system includes a display cabinet, an alarm unit and a key extension device. The display cabinet can display several different kinds of merchandise items. The alarm unit generates an alarm when one of the merchandise items is removed from a predetermined distance from the display cabinet. The key extension device can be mounted on the display cabinet away from the alarm unit to allow an electronic key to be inserted into the key extension devise to control the alarm unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: DENNIS D. BELDEN, JR., MICHAEL RAPP
  • Publication number: 20120098665
    Abstract: 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 complete an electrical path to close an electrical circuit which turns the device on. 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. The carrier remains on the purchased merchandise for subsequent disposal after removal of the alarm tag from the carrier by the use of a magnetic key to unlock a locking mechanism which engages the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: James G. Wyatt, JR., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden