Patents by Inventor Eric R. Noll

Eric R. Noll 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: 20080256997
    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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: MCGARD LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7377134
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: McGard, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Sullivan, Eric R. Nolle
  • Patent number: 7021090
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a two-piece clip bracket having a stationary bracket member and a movable bracket member pivotally mounted to the stationary bracket member. The stationary bracket member is adapted to engage outside and inside surfaces of a wall of the box frame and remain stationary with respect thereto when the stationary bracket member is in an installation position. The movable bracket member is pivotable relative to the stationary bracket member into and out of engagement with the outside surface of the wall when the stationary bracket member is in the installation position. A lock body is adapted to latch to the movable bracket member and engage the cover. A spacer is mounted to the stationary bracket member and adapted to block movement of the movable bracket relative to the stationary bracket member when the movable bracket member is in engagement with the exterior surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: McGard, LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6976373
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: McGard, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Sullivan, Eric R. Nolle
  • Patent number: 6742365
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Sullivan, Eric R. Nolle
  • Publication number: 20040093917
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a clip bracket adapted to engage a wall of the box frame, a lock body adapted to latch to the clip bracket and engage the box cover, a locking member carried by the clip bracket and adapted to clamp the clip bracket to the box wall when the locking member is in a clamping position, and a pivotable actuating lever adapted to actuate the locking member into the clamping position. The locking member and the actuating lever can be implemented as a two-piece system comprising first and second pivoting members. Alternatively, the locking member and the actuating lever can be integrally formed as a one-piece system. The locking mechanism is capable of multiple mounting positions on the box without drilling, and uses a spring-loaded plunger assembly that allows for a quick, keyless, slam installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Sullivan, Eric R. Nolle