Patents by Inventor John N. Figh, Jr.

John N. Figh, Jr. 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).

  • Patent number: 12264508
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device has a pedestal with a quick-release interface. The pedestal has an appendage positioned within a slot of the display counter. An actuation module is positioned underneath the display counter and couples to the appendage of the pedestal. A securing bracket attaches to merchandise and has a latch plate configured to couple to the quick-release interface of the pedestal. A latch disposed within the pedestal engages the latch plate to lock the securing bracket relative to the quick-release interface. An electromechanical actuator is housed within an actuation module and is operatively connected to the latch. Upon actuation, the electromechanical actuator disengages the latch from the latch plate, thereby releasing the securing bracket from the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Douglas Barthold, Joel Jenkins, Sarah Johnson, Christopher K. Nelson, Wade Zhu, Matthew Kuntz, Lee Eckert, John N. Figh, Jr., Jasen Paul Biggins
  • Patent number: 12264509
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device comprises a latch plate and a quick-release interface. The latch plate is configured to selectively couple to the quick-release interface. A latch is disposed within the quick-release interface. The latch locks the latch plate relative to the quick-release interface. A plurality of retaining arms is configured to receive and retain an article of merchandise. The retaining arms cannot be adjusted while the latch plate is locked relative to the quick-release interface. The quick-release interface has an access port providing access to the latch using a tool. The tool can be used to operate the latch into a position in which the latch disengages the latch plate, thereby releasing the latch plate from the quick-release interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Jasen Paul Biggins, Lee Eckert, John N. Figh, Jr., Matthew Kuntz, Wade Zhu
  • Patent number: 12203294
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device comprises a latch plate and a pedestal having a quick-release interface. The latch plate is configured to selectively couple to the quick-release interface. A latch bolt is disposed within the pedestal. The latch bolt locks the latch plate relative to the quick-release interface. A plurality of retaining arms is configured to receive and retain an article of merchandise. The retaining arms cannot be disengaged from the article of merchandise while the latch plate is locked relative to the quick-release interface. A solenoid is housed within the pedestal and operationally connected to the latch bolt. The solenoid is configured to retract the latch bolt into a position in which the latch bolt disengages the latch plate, thereby releasing the latch plate from the quick-release interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Douglas Barthold, Joel Jenkins, Sarah Johnson, Chris Nelson, Wade Zhu, Matthew Kuntz, Lee Eckert, John N. Figh, Jr., Jasen Paul Biggins
  • Publication number: 20250012116
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device has a pedestal with a quick-release interface. The pedestal has an appendage positioned within a slot of the display counter. An actuation module is positioned underneath the display counter and couples to the appendage of the pedestal. A securing bracket attaches to merchandise and has a latch plate configured to couple to the quick-release interface of the pedestal. A latch disposed within the pedestal engages the latch plate to lock the securing bracket relative to the quick-release interface. An electromechanical actuator is housed within an actuation module and is operatively connected to the latch. Upon actuation, the electromechanical actuator disengages the latch from the latch plate, thereby releasing the securing bracket from the pedestal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Applicant: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Douglas Barthold, Joel Jenkins, Sarah Johnson, Christopher K. Nelson, Wade Zhu, Matthew Kuntz, Lee Eckert, John N. Figh, JR., Jasen Paul Biggins
  • Patent number: 11995965
    Abstract: The anti-theft device for securing an electronic gadget against theft. A security sensor is attached to a rear surface of the electronic gadget. The security sensor is electrically coupled to the electronic gadget via a cable. A security software application is deployed on the electronic gadget. The security sensor is configured to transmit predefined security signal to the electronic gadget. The security application is configured to detect the predefined security signal. Responsive to detecting a security event, the security sensor stops transmitting the security signal. The security application is configured to transition the electronic gadget into an alarm state if the security application fails to receive the security signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, William Claude Chazotte, John N. Figh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11993959
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms configured to immobilize the article of merchandise relative to a tray. At least one arm is operated by an electromechanical release mechanism between closed and opened positions. When the electromechanically actuated arm is in the closed position, the article of merchandise is immobilized relative to the tray. When the electromechanically actuated arm is transitioned into the open position, the article of merchandise can be removed from the tray. The anti-theft device may include a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked configuration, in which the arms are immobilized relative to the tray, and an unlocked configuration, in which the arms can be extended or retracted relative to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert, Francesc Agustin, Jasen Paul Biggins, John N. Figh, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240125152
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device comprises a latch plate and a pedestal having a quick-release interface. The latch plate is configured to selectively couple to the quick-release interface. A latch bolt is disposed within the pedestal. The latch bolt locks the latch plate relative to the quick-release interface. A plurality of retaining arms is configured to receive and retain an article of merchandise. The retaining arms cannot be disengaged from the article of merchandise while the latch plate is locked relative to the quick-release interface. A solenoid is housed within the pedestal and operationally connected to the latch bolt. The solenoid is configured to retract the latch bolt into a position in which the latch bolt disengages the latch plate, thereby releasing the latch plate from the quick-release interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Douglas Barthold, Joel Jenkins, Sarah Johnson, Chris Nelson, Wade Zhu, Matthew Kuntz, Lee Eckert, John N. Figh, JR., Jasen Paul Biggins
  • Patent number: 11952803
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms slidingly disposed within the housing. Grips are disposed on proximal ends of the arms and are configured to receive and secure edges of an article of merchandise. A locking mechanism is disposed within the housing of the anti-theft device. The locking mechanism involves an actuator that presses a locking component to engage at least one of the arms. The arms have a first set of teeth disposed thereon, such that, when the locking component engages at least one of the arms, the first set of teeth interlocks with a second set of teeth. The arms cannot slide relative to the housing while the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth remain interlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, John N. Figh, Jr., Matthew Kuntz, Lucas P. Swartwood, Wade Zhu, Volodymyr Andreev, Peter D. Iezzi, Andriy Los, Jasen Paul Biggins
  • Patent number: 11869333
    Abstract: A handling alert apparatus configured to detect a predefined event and output an alert responsive to detecting the predefined event. The handling alert apparatus includes a housing connected to an article of merchandise. The handling alert apparatus includes a handling sensor configured to detect when a customer handles the article of merchandise. Responsive to detecting handling of the article of merchandise, the housing outputs a visual, audible, or wireless notification alert. The alert remains active until an authorized user prepares the article of merchandise for subsequent customer interaction and deactivates the alert by using a wireless controller or manually operating a designated deactivation button or switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, William Claude Chazotte, John N. Figh, Jr., Michael P. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20230274630
    Abstract: A handling alert apparatus configured to detect a predefined event and output an alert responsive to detecting the predefined event. The handling alert apparatus includes a housing connected to an article of merchandise. The handling alert apparatus includes a handling sensor configured to detect when a customer handles the article of merchandise. Responsive to detecting handling of the article of merchandise, the housing outputs a visual, audible, or wireless notification alert. The alert remains active until an authorized user prepares the article of merchandise for subsequent customer interaction and deactivates the alert by using a wireless controller or manually operating a designated deactivation button or switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, William Claude Chazotte, John N. Figh, JR., Michael P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11605285
    Abstract: A handling alert apparatus configured to detect a predefined event and output an alert responsive to detecting the predefined event. The handling alert apparatus includes a housing connected to an article of merchandise. The handling alert apparatus includes a handling sensor configured to detect when a customer handles the article of merchandise. Responsive to detecting handling of the article of merchandise, the housing outputs a visual, audible, or wireless notification alert. The alert remains active until an authorized user prepares the article of merchandise for subsequent customer interaction and deactivates the alert by using a wireless controller or manually operating a designated deactivation button or switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, William Claude Chazotte, John N. Figh, Jr., Michael P. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20220325562
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms configured to immobilize the article of merchandise relative to a tray. At least one arm is operated by an electromechanical release mechanism between closed and opened positions. When the electromechanically actuated arm is in the closed position, the article of merchandise is immobilized relative to the tray. When the electromechanically actuated arm is transitioned into the open position, the article of merchandise can be removed from the tray. The anti-theft device may include a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked configuration, in which the arms are immobilized relative to the tray, and an unlocked configuration, in which the arms can be extended or retracted relative to the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert, Francesc Agustin, Jasen Paul Biggins, John N. Figh, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220268061
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms configured to immobilize the article of merchandise relative to a tray. At least one arm is operated by an electromechanical release mechanism between closed and opened positions. When the electromechanically actuated arm is in the closed position, the article of merchandise is immobilized relative to the tray. When the electromechanically actuated arm is transitioned into the open position, the article of merchandise can be removed from the tray. The anti-theft device may include a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked configuration, in which the arms are immobilized relative to the tray, and an unlocked configuration, in which the arms can be extended or retracted relative to the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert, Francesc Agustin, Jasen Paul Biggins, John N. Figh, JR.
  • Patent number: 11401738
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms configured to immobilize the article of merchandise relative to a tray. At least one arm is operated by an electromechanical release mechanism between closed and opened positions. When the electromechanically actuated arm is in the closed position, the article of merchandise is immobilized relative to the tray. When the electromechanically actuated arm is transitioned into the open position, the article of merchandise can be removed from the tray. The anti-theft device may include a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked configuration, in which the arms are immobilized relative to the tray, and an unlocked configuration, in which the arms can be extended or retracted relative to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert, Francesc Agustin, Jasen Paul Biggins, John N. Figh, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220148399
    Abstract: The anti-theft device for securing an electronic gadget against theft. A security sensor is attached to a rear surface of the electronic gadget. The security sensor is electrically coupled to the electronic gadget via a cable. A security software application is deployed on the electronic gadget. The security sensor is configured to transmit predefined security signal to the electronic gadget. The security application is configured to detect the predefined security signal. Responsive to detecting a security event, the security sensor stops transmitting the security signal. The security application is configured to transition the electronic gadget into an alarm state if the security application fails to receive the security signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, William Claude Chazotte, John N. Figh, JR.
  • Patent number: 11319731
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. A bracket securely holds the article of merchandise. A latch plate is attached to an underside of the bracket. The latch plate has a rail having a lip. A quick-release interface is anchored to a display counter. The quick-release interface has a flanged channel configured to receive the rail of the latch plate. A latch is disposed within the quick-release interface. The latch immobilizes the rail within the channel, thus securing the latch plate to the quick-release interface. The quick-release interface has an access port providing access to the latch using a specialized tool. The tool can be used to disengage the latch from the rail, thereby releasing the latch plate from the quick-release interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Jasen Paul Biggins, Lee Eckert, John N. Figh, Jr., Matthew Kuntz, Wade Zhu
  • Patent number: 11308779
    Abstract: The anti-theft device for securing an electronic gadget against theft. A security sensor is attached to a rear surface of the electronic gadget. The security sensor is electrically coupled to the electronic gadget via a cable. A security software application is deployed on the electronic gadget. The security sensor is configured to transmit predefined security signal to the electronic gadget. The security application is configured to detect the predefined security signal. Responsive to detecting a security event, the security sensor stops transmitting the security signal. The security application is configured to transition the electronic gadget into an alarm state if the security application fails to receive the security signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, William Claude Chazotte, John N. Figh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11270561
    Abstract: An anti-theft device having an inductive charging coil for wirelessly powering an article of merchandise. A retention member is configured to be attached to the merchandise. A pedestal configured to removably support the retention member. Complementary contacts on the retention member and the pedestal are configured to provide electrical power from the pedestal to the inductive charging coil, when the retention member is at rest on the pedestal. The retention member has an optical transmitter configured to communicate optical signals to an optical sensor. When the article of merchandise requests power increase, the optical transmitter emits a corresponding optical signal, which causes a control unit to increase an output voltage of a power supply supplying power to the electrical contacts of the pedestal. In this manner, an optical communication channel is used to increase the power wirelessly provided from the inductive charging coil to the merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, John N. Figh, Jr., William Claude Chazotte
  • Patent number: 11178983
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing a wearable electronic against unauthorized removal from a display counter. An insert module has an interstitial space shaped to accommodate the geometry of the wearable electronic. The insert module has an open configuration, in which the wearable gadget can be received into the interstitial space, and a closed configuration, in which the wearable gadget cannot be removed from the interstitial space. A universal cradle configured to receive the insert module. The universal cradle having an interlocked configuration in which the universal cradle is configured to retain the insert module in the closed configuration. A locking member is configured to immobilize the universal cradle in the interlocked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Jasen Paul Biggins, Lee Eckert, John N. Figh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11035151
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms slidingly disposed within the housing. Grips are disposed on proximal ends of the arms and are configured to receive and secure edges of an article of merchandise. A locking mechanism is disposed within the housing of the anti-theft device. Complimentary teeth are disposed on the locking component and the arms. An actuator transitions the locking components between a first unlocked configuration in which the teeth of the locking components are retracted away from the teeth of the arms, and a second locked configuration in which the teeth of the locking components engage the teeth of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, John N. Figh, Jr., Matthew Kuntz, Lucas P. Swartwood, Wade Zhu, Volodymyr Andreev, Peter D. Iezzi, Andriy Los, Jasen Paul Biggins