Patents by Inventor Lee H. Eckert

Lee H. 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).

  • Publication number: 20200399933
    Abstract: A security device for a retail item or packaging has housing that retains a gear that is operably connected to a pawl with two arms. One arm of the pawl is operably engaged by the gear. The other arm of the pawl is operably engaged with an unlocking key within the housing. The unlocking key is operably controlled by an unlocking tool by inserting a portion of the unlocking tool into a complementary portion of the unlocking key through a keyway formed in the housing. The unlocking key may have a magnet or components that are attracted to a magnet that enable the unlocking key to disengage a slot formed in the housing to allow the unlocking key to rotate to move the pawl. The housing may additionally be formed with a channel that allows a plurality of similarly constructed security devices to be tethered or daisy-chained together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, Jasen P. Biggins, Lee H. Eckert, Robert E. Ekle, JR., Joel A. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20160239794
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment. In one aspect, the invention can be a system comprising: a monitoring device configured for attachment to the article, the monitoring device including a display configured to display a price of the article; a server; and a router configured to maintain a wireless communications connection between the monitoring device and the server; wherein the monitoring device is configured to: receive a communication including a price change message; and modify a stored price in response to receiving the price change message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Gary Mark SHAFER, Michael MERCIER, Lee H. ECKERT, James Gordon WYATT
  • Patent number: 9171439
    Abstract: A security apparatus and method for protecting merchandise items is presented. In the preferred embodiment, a merchandise security device includes a housing with an access door that has an open position and a closed position, a primary power source, a secondary power source and alarm system. The alarm system determines when a voltage of the primary power source drops below a threshold value. When the voltage drops below the threshold value, the alarm system switches to the secondary power source for its power. When the alarm system is in a standby mode, it will not generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source. However, when the alarm system has not been placed into a standby mode, the alarm system will generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source and the access door is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Yeager, Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20150287299
    Abstract: Anti-theft device and a method of operating and using the device are provided. The security device may include a housing and a disposable tamper strip which is configured to attach to a merchandise item or other article. The tamper strip may include a conductor such that when the conductor is severed, an alarm is sounded. The tamper strip may include tear points which encourage the conductor to be torn, such as when a potential thief attempts to remove the device from the merchandise item or other article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Lee H. Eckert, David P. Christianson, Adam Mark Will, Matthew R. Shute, William J. Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20140351098
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment. In one aspect, the invention can be a system comprising: a monitoring device configured for attachment to the article, the monitoring device including a display configured to display a price of the article; a server; and a router configured to maintain a wireless communications connection between the monitoring device and the server; wherein the monitoring device is configured to: receive a communication including a price change message; and modify a stored price in response to receiving the price change message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gary Mark SHAFER, Michael MERCIER, Lee H. ECKERT, James Gordon WYATT
  • Patent number: 8452868
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Michael Mercier, Lee H. Eckert, James Gordon Wyatt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130098122
    Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft of the article has a housing containing an alarm system including. A cable has one end attached to the housing and a second end attached to a plug which is selectively inserted into and locked to the housing. The cable formed with an outer braided jacket that is difficult to cut and includes a conductor electrically connected to the alarm system when in the locked position. The audible alarm is activated if the integrity of the cable is compromised. An EAS tag located in the housing will actuate an alarm at a security gate and can actuate the audible alarm of the security device when the device is in proximity to a security gate. A magnetically attractable lock mechanism releasably secures the cable plug in the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Lee H. Eckert, Matthew R. Shute, David P. Christianson
  • Patent number: 8378826
    Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and other means for providing a key device that may be used with a monitoring system are discussed herein. The key device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, silence an alarm, commission a tag, decommission a tag, unlock a tag from an item, among other things. The key device may include rules that permit particular functionality based on, for example, time and/or location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, James Gordon Wyatt, Jr., Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
  • Patent number: 8373564
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Wyatt, Jr., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
  • Publication number: 20130009770
    Abstract: A security apparatus and method for protecting merchandise items is presented. In the preferred embodiment, a merchandise security device includes a housing with an access door that has an open position and a closed position, a primary power source, a secondary power source and alarm system. The alarm system determines when a voltage of the primary power source drops below a threshold value. When the voltage drops below the threshold value, the alarm system switches to the secondary power source for its power. When the alarm system is in a standby mode, it will not generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source. However, when the alarm system has not been placed into a standby mode, the alarm system will generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source and the access door is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Yeager, Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
  • Patent number: 8344884
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Patent number: 8284062
    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 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Wyatt, Jr., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120001756
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Publication number: 20110234405
    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 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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: James G. Wyatt, JR., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
  • Patent number: 7994911
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Patent number: 7961100
    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 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. 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 can remain on the purchased merchandise for subsequent disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Wyatt, Jr., Brian V. Conti, Andrew W. Moock, Lee H. Eckert, Lance F. Weeden
  • Publication number: 20110084840
    Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and other means for providing a key device that may be used with a monitoring system are discussed herein. The key device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, silence an alarm, commission a tag, decommission a tag, unlock a tag from an item, among other things. The key device may include rules that permit particular functionality based on, for example, time and/or location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, James Gordon Wyatt, JR., Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20110074580
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Patent number: D678794
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee H. Eckert, Brian Vincent Conti, Gary Mark Shafer, Brian Wiese, David P. Christianson