Patents by Inventor Lee Eckert

Lee Eckert 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: 12258792
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes two mating bracket members. Each bracket member includes a lip configured to engage a front surface of the merchandise and a back surface configured to engage the rear surface of the merchandise. The bracket members are also configured to engage two or more lateral sides of the merchandise, while leaving at least one lateral side unobstructed. At least one of the bracket members has an aperture configured to receive a protruding feature of the merchandise. The bracket members are configured to be placed onto the merchandise separately and then coupled together. When the brackets are in their coupled configuration and the protruding feature of the merchandise resides within the corresponding aperture, the merchandise is fully immobilized against all movement relative to the anti-theft device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert
  • 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: 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: 11869323
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an electronic merchandise against theft. When the electronic merchandise is placed onto a charging platform, the inductive coil within the charging platform of the anti-theft device establishes a wireless connection with an inductive coil within the electronic merchandise. When the electronic merchandise is removed from the charging platform, an alarm is armed. Upon the electronic merchandise being returned to the charging platform, the inductive coil within the charging platform reestablishes the wireless connection with the inductive coil of the electronic merchandise and obtains an identification data therefrom. If the obtained identification data corresponds to the identification data pre-programmed into the anti-theft device, the alarm is disarmed. Otherwise, if the electronic merchandise is not returned to its designated charging platform and its identification data is successfully verified prior to expiration of a predefined duration, an alarm may be triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Francesc Agustin, Lee Eckert, Wade Zhu, William Claude Chazotte, Robert Ekle
  • Patent number: 11804115
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing a wearable electronic against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device has a stand configured to be attached to a display surface. A shelf configured to support the wearable electronic is affixed to the stand. The shelf of the anti-theft device has a recess configured to receive interchangeable inserts. Each insert has a first surface sized for insertion into the recess and a second surface configured to couple to a charger. Each insert also has a notch, which is configured to be at least partially aligned with an aperture of the recess. A charger is coupled to the insert, and an electrical cable connected to the charger is routed through the notch and the aperture. The charger supplies power to the wearable electronic when it is positioned on the shelf of the anti-theft device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Lee Eckert, Robert Ekle, Sarah Johnson
  • Publication number: 20230334968
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an electronic merchandise against theft. When the electronic merchandise is placed onto a charging platform, the inductive coil within the charging platform of the anti-theft device establishes a wireless connection with an inductive coil within the electronic merchandise. When the electronic merchandise is removed from the charging platform, an alarm is armed. Upon the electronic merchandise being returned to the charging platform, the inductive coil within the charging platform reestablishes the wireless connection with the inductive coil of the electronic merchandise and obtains an identification data therefrom. If the obtained identification data corresponds to the identification data pre-programmed into the anti-theft device, the alarm is disarmed. Otherwise, if the electronic merchandise is not returned to its designated charging platform and its identification data is successfully verified prior to expiration of a predefined duration, an alarm may be triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Francesc Agustin, Lee Eckert, Wade Zhu, William Claude Chazotte, Robert Ekle
  • 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.
  • 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: D959441
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert
  • Patent number: D963657
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert
  • Patent number: D968991
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Wade Zhu, Lee Eckert
  • Patent number: D1001119
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Lee Eckert, Wade Zhu
  • Patent number: D1006804
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Lee Eckert, Wade Zhu
  • Patent number: D1006805
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Lee Eckert, Wade Zhu