Patents by Inventor Jeffrey A. Grant

Jeffrey A. Grant has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20200357250
    Abstract: Alarming cables, assemblies and systems for displaying and protecting a powered article of merchandise from theft include an alarm unit disposed between a first cable having a first connector for connection to a power source and a second cable having a second connector for connection to the merchandise. An alarm unit connector may connect the second cable to the alarm unit. The alarm unit and the alarm unit connector may each include a connection member to electrically connect the merchandise with the alarm unit and the power source when the alarm unit connector aligns with and engages the alarm unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, Robert Schultz, Christopher J. Fawcett, Larry T. McKinney, Kirk Burmeister, II, James K. Sankey
  • Patent number: 10827854
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, devices, and methods for displaying and securing articles of merchandise. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices, wherein each of the security devices includes a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise. The system also includes at least one controller configured to communicate with each of the articles of merchandise in order to obtain data from the articles of merchandise. The controller and/or each of the security devices is configured to configured to generate a security signal in response to removal of the sensor from the article of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Jonathon D. Phillips, Gary A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20200347648
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. A shroud may at least partially enclose a portable electronic device. A dock may releasably engage the shroud such that the shroud and portable electronic device are locked to the dock when engaged with the dock. A key may engage activate a lock mechanism to release the shroud and the portable electronic device from the dock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew W. Moock, Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, Nicholas M. Sedon, Matthew Thomas Kerley
  • Publication number: 20200323365
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, devices, and methods for displaying and securing articles of merchandise. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices, wherein each of the security devices includes a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise. The system also includes at least one controller configured to communicate with each of the articles of merchandise in order to obtain data from the articles of merchandise. The controller and/or each of the security devices is configured to configured to generate a security signal in response to removal of the sensor from the article of merchandise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Jonathon D. Phillips, Gary A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20200327786
    Abstract: A merchandise display security device for a portable electronic device having a removable component is provided. The merchandise display security device includes a sensor configured to be secured to the portable electronic device and monitoring electronics configured to detect unauthorized removal of the sensor from the portable electronic device. The merchandise display security device also includes a secondary sensor in electrical communication with the monitoring electronics, wherein the secondary sensor includes a flexible component configured to be positioned between the portable electronic device and the removable component. The monitoring electronics is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the removable component in response to movement of the flexible component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund, Hrishikesh P. Gogate, Jonathon D. Phillips, Jeffrey A. Grant
  • Publication number: 20200312107
    Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is within a predetermined range or distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Jonathon D. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20200279460
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for monitoring a status of a plurality of a merchandise display devices for displaying items of merchandise at respective display positions. For example, the method includes monitoring for a change in a preselected characteristic of a circuit defined by an electrical connection between the security devices and a plurality of nodes and between the nodes and an alarm unit. The method also includes determining whether an item of merchandise has been added to or removed from a respective display position based on a change in the preselected characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund, Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, Larry T. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20200270911
    Abstract: A key for a security device is provided. The key may include an electronic component configured to communicate with one or more security devices to initially receive one or more codes associated with each of the security devices. The key may also include a memory configured to store the one or more codes associated with the one or more security devices. The electronic component is configured to communicate with each of the one or more security devices for arming and/or disarming the security devices upon a matching of the code stored by the memory with the code associated with the security device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Publication number: 20200270910
    Abstract: A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. The merchandise security system comprises a smart device and an electronic key coupled to the smart device. The electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating a merchandise security device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20200258359
    Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
  • Patent number: 10738508
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. A shroud may at least partially enclose a portable electronic device. A dock may releasably engage the shroud such that the shroud and portable electronic device are locked to the dock when engaged with the dock. A key may engage activate a lock mechanism to release the shroud and the portable electronic device from the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Moock, Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, Nicholas M. Sedon, Matthew Thomas Kerley
  • Publication number: 20200234522
    Abstract: Merchandise security systems and methods are provided. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of electronic keys and a plurality of merchandise security devices located within a retail store. Each electronic key and each merchandise security device is configured to store one or more serial numbers. In addition, each electronic key is configured to be authorized for communication with one or more merchandise security devices within the retail store. An electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for locking, unlocking, arming, and/or disarming the merchandise security device when the serial numbers match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Jonathon D. Phillips, Christopher J. Fawcett, Karen Bellum Bomber, Larry T. McKinney, William M. Warren
  • Publication number: 20200234550
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The sensor has a generally L-shaped surface for being secured to a portion of the rear and bottom surfaces of the item of merchandise. The base includes a charging circuit for providing power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: David N. Berglund, Daniel D. Dugas, Jeffrey A. Grant
  • Patent number: 10713910
    Abstract: A merchandise display security device for a portable electronic device having a removable component is provided. The merchandise display security device includes a sensor configured to be secured to the portable electronic device and monitoring electronics configured to detect unauthorized removal of the sensor from the portable electronic device. The merchandise display security device also includes a secondary sensor in electrical communication with the monitoring electronics, wherein the secondary sensor includes a flexible component configured to be positioned between the portable electronic device and the removable component. The monitoring electronics is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the removable component in response to movement of the flexible component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund, Hrishikesh P. Gogate, Jonathon D. Phillips, Jeffrey A. Grant
  • Publication number: 20200219379
    Abstract: A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Jeffrey A. Grant, Dennis D. Belden, JR., Ronald M. Marsilio, Ian R. Scott
  • Publication number: 20200205587
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, devices, and methods for displaying and securing articles of merchandise. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices, wherein each of the security devices includes a sensor configured to be attached to an article of merchandise. The system also includes at least one controller configured to communicate with each of the articles of merchandise in order to obtain data from the articles of merchandise. The controller and/or each of the security devices is configured to configured to generate a security signal in response to removal of the sensor from the article of merchandise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Jonathon D. Phillips, Gary A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20200149318
    Abstract: A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20200143641
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The base includes a charging circuit for providing power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise. The security system also includes a controller operably coupled to the base and a key configured to wirelessly communicate with the base and/or controller. The sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Jonathon D. Phillips, Gary A. Taylor, Kyle Baker
  • Patent number: 10614683
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The sensor has a generally L-shaped surface for being secured to a portion of the rear and bottom surfaces of the item of merchandise. The base includes a charging circuit for providing power to the sensor and/or the item of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Berglund, Daniel D. Dugas, Jeffrey A. Grant
  • Patent number: 10600313
    Abstract: A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Jeffrey A. Grant, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Ronald M. Marsilio, Ian R. Scott