Patents Assigned to McGard, LLC
  • Patent number: 9074617
    Abstract: A security fastener is for installation on a wheel having a recess hole. The security fastener includes a first end portion and a second medial portion. The first end portion is arranged so that it will be exposed outside, at or inside an entrance to the recess hole when the fastener is installed on the wheel, and has a security feature that resists fastener removal using conventional tools to grip the first end portion. The second medial portion has an external key-receiving lock pattern and is arranged so that a side wall region thereof will extend within the recess hole when the fastener is installed. The lock pattern is provided on the sidewall region and will be exposed outside, at or inside the entrance to the recess hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: David F. Notaro, Ingo Albs
  • Patent number: 9057397
    Abstract: An organic-coated, chrome-plated fastener includes a fastener body having one or more friction regions that are adapted to slidably engage another structure when the fastener is used for fastening. Some or all of the fastener body may be chrome-plated, including at least one of the friction regions. The at least one chrome-plated friction region may be coated with an organic composition that is selected to control a coefficient of friction of the at least one chrome-plated friction region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: David C. Meyer, Thomas R. Lanham, Shane A. Hartman
  • Patent number: 8888400
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant self-locking manhole cover includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame so as to be substantially flush with a top portion of the frame and a surrounding surface. An anchor on the cover plate, which may comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. A locking member on the cover plate, which may also comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140109486
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant self-locking manhole cover includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame. An anchor on the cover plate is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. A locking member on the cover plate is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame. A quick-latch mechanism is operable without using a key or other tool to release the locking member from its unlocked position to allow the locking member to return to its locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8674830
    Abstract: A manhole security cover includes a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material. The manhole cover body is seatable on a manhole frame to cover a manhole opening. In the seated position, the first side is accessible from outside the manhole, the second side is disposed within the manhole, and the peripheral edge portion engages a manhole cover support surface on the manhole frame. A manhole cover tamper sensor is responsive to a predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. A transmitter is operatively connected to the manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when the manhole cover tamper sensor detects the predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through the manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Lanham, Andrew D. Trank, Daniel J. Corby, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130212945
    Abstract: A manhole security cover includes a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material. The manhole cover body is seatable on a manhole frame to cover a manhole opening. In the seated position, the first side is accessible from outside the manhole, the second side is disposed within the manhole, and the peripheral edge portion engages a manhole cover support surface on the manhole frame. A manhole cover tamper sensor is responsive to a predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. A transmitter is operatively connected to the manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when the manhole cover tamper sensor detects the predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through the manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lanham, Wayne Hemmerling, Andrew Trank, Daniel Corby, Jeffrey Sullivan, Eric Nolle
  • Patent number: 8418512
    Abstract: A security lock for clamping a structure may include a lock housing having a barrel portion that mounts an adjustable band-type clamp. The clamp is adjustable using a lock screw that is rotatable in the housing and has threads that adjustably engage a ridged thread pattern on the clamp. The lock screw has a head that is recessed in a guideway of the housing. The lock screw head has a security lock pattern that requires a matching security key to rotate the lock screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Trank, John F. Mondo, David C. Meyer, Wayne A. Hemmerling
  • Publication number: 20130071204
    Abstract: A threaded fastener comprises a fastener body having a threaded portion, a tool engaging surface, and a head cap receiving bore. The head cap receiving bore has a head cap bearing surface and a head cap retaining surface. A head cap has a rigid base and a central stem extending from the base. The head cap stem is disposed in the head cap receiving bore. The head cap base has a body bearing surface in contacting or near-contacting engagement with the head cap bearing surface. The head cap base further has a head cap outer surface. A head cap retainer interconnects the head cap stem and head cap retaining surface. The head cap retainer comprises a material of sufficient strength and rigidity to retain the head cap on the fastener body in a high-strength, axially non-deformable interconnection that holds the head cap in a substantially fixed and immovable axial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Scott E. Hunter, Brandon J. Pepper, John F. Mondo, Jacob M. Vernon, Kyle M. Weis
  • Publication number: 20120298218
    Abstract: A security lock for a storage tank includes a lock ring configured for engaging an opening that provides access to the storage tank. A suitable mounting assembly is used to mount the lock ring to the opening. One or more obstructions are disposed within an inside (and/or outside) area of the lock ring. The one or more obstructions define one or more openings that are sized to allow storage tank contents to be introduced through the security lock while blocking pipes, tube or other implements that are larger than the openings so that such implements cannot be used for siphoning or otherwise removing the storage tank contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Trank, Jeffery R. Sullivan, David C. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20120087724
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant self-locking manhole cover includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame so as to be substantially flush with a top portion of the frame and a surrounding surface. An anchor on the cover plate, which may comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. A locking member on the cover plate, which may also comprise nonmetallic corrosion-resistant material, is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to such location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20120070249
    Abstract: An organic-coated, chrome-plated fastener includes a fastener body having one or more friction regions that are adapted to slidably engage another structure when the fastener is used for fastening. Some or all of the fastener body may be chrome-plated, including at least one of the friction regions. The at least one chrome-plated friction region may be coated with an organic composition that is selected to control a coefficient of friction of the at least one chrome-plated friction region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: David C. Meyer, Thomas R. Lanham, Shane A. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20120024023
    Abstract: A security lock for clamping a structure may include a lock housing having a barrel portion that mounts an adjustable band-type clamp. The clamp is adjustable using a lock screw that is rotatable in the housing and has threads that adjustably engage a ridged thread pattern on the clamp. The lock screw has a head that is recessed in a guideway of the housing. The lock screw head has a security lock pattern that requires a matching security key to rotate the lock screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Trank, John F. Mondo, David C. Meyer, Wayne A. Hemmerling
  • Publication number: 20110148631
    Abstract: A manhole security cover includes a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material. The manhole cover body is seatable on a manhole frame to cover a manhole opening. In the seated position, the first side is accessible from outside the manhole, the second side is disposed within the manhole, and the peripheral edge portion engages a manhole cover support surface on the manhole frame. A manhole cover tamper sensor is responsive to a predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. A transmitter is operatively connected to the manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when the manhole cover tamper sensor detects the predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through the manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Lanham, Andrew D. Trank, Daniel J. Corby, Jeffery R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110116891
    Abstract: A security fastener is for installation on a wheel having a recess hole. The security fastener includes a first end portion and a second medial portion. The first end portion is arranged so that it will be exposed outside, at or inside an entrance to the recess hole when the fastener is installed on the wheel, and has a security feature that resists fastener removal using conventional tools to grip the first end portion. The second medial portion has an external key-receiving lock pattern and is arranged so that a side wall region thereof will extend within the recess hole when the fastener is installed. The lock pattern is provided on the sidewall region and will be exposed outside, at or inside the entrance to the recess hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: David F. Notaro, Ingo Albs
  • Patent number: 7930913
    Abstract: A ring-type meter lock comprising a ring, first and second ends on the ring, a lock housing on the first end, a slot in the lock housing, a latch unit in the lock housing, a lock pin on the latch unit enterable and withdrawable from the slot, a tongue on the second end enterable into the slot, an opening in the tongue receiving the lock pin, a key-receiving configuration in the latch unit, and the lock pin being rotatably supported for unlatching of the latch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: McGard, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Meyer, Wayne A. Hemmerling, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7896574
    Abstract: A manhole cover having an integrated locking system that is self-locking and easy to open. The device includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame so as to be substantially flush with a top portion of the manhole frame and a surrounding surface in which the manhole frame is situated. An anchor on the cover plate is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to the first location. A locking member on the cover plate is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to the second location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7798742
    Abstract: A security key tool for unlocking and locking a manhole security device that secures a manhole access opening. The security key tool includes a longitudinal body portion and a handle portion. A security key at a first end of the longitudinal portion is adapted to engage a security lock on the security device for actuating a locking mechanism on the security device to an unlocked position. A slidable member may be used to help engage the security key to the security lock or to protect the security key. A latch release tool at a second end of the longitudinal portion is adapted to release a latch on the manhole security device for actuating the locking mechanism to a locked position. Optionally, the latch release tool may be disposed on a tool head that also includes a lifting tool adapted to engage and lift the security device away from a manhole frame after the security device is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: McGard, LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7704010
    Abstract: A manhole security device for securing a manhole access opening includes a circular barrier adapted to rest on a manhole cover support flange of a manhole frame. Locking members on the barrier are movable between a locked position in which the locking members are adapted to engage the manhole frame and an unlocked position in which the locking members are not adapted to engage the manhole frame. A biasing mechanism on the barrier is adapted to bias each locking member to its locked position. A rotatable locking mechanism on the barrier engages the locking members and has a locking rotational position wherein the locking members are in the locked position and an unlocking rotational position wherein the locking members are in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism has a security lock adapted to receive a security key that applies a rotational torque to the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090255183
    Abstract: A manhole cover having an integrated locking system that is self-locking and easy to open. The device includes a cover plate adapted to rest on a manhole cover support surface of a manhole frame so as to be substantially flush with a top portion of the manhole frame and a surrounding surface in which the manhole frame is situated. An anchor on the cover plate is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a first location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to the first location. A locking member on the cover plate is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member is adapted to engage the manhole frame at a second location in a manner that resists lifting of the cover plate proximate to the second location. In the unlocked position, the locking member is disengaged from the manhole frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090173115
    Abstract: A ring-type meter lock comprising a ring, first and second ends on the ring, a lock housing on the first end, a slot in the lock housing, a latch unit in the lock housing, a lock pin on the latch unit enterable and withdrawable from the slot, a tongue on the second end enterable into the slot, an opening in the tongue receiving the lock pin, a key-receiving configuration in the latch unit, and the lock pin being rotatably supported for unlatching of the latch unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: MCGARD, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Meyer, Wayne A. Hemmerling, Jeffrey R. Sullivan