Patents by Inventor Eric R. Nolle

Eric R. Nolle 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: 10704221
    Abstract: A lockable manhole cover system including a manhole cover and a locking mechanism attached to the bottom surface thereof and including a fixed end and an actuated end, each including locking pins movable between locked and unlocked positions. The actuated end includes a keyed lock. When in the locked position, the free ends of the locking pins extend beneath a flange prevent the cover from being lifted up. When the actuated side is moved to the unlocked position via the key, the locking pin free ends retract such that the cover is free to be lifted from the ring. On the fixed side, the locking pins are biased to move to their extended positions upon manual depression of a release stem located at the upper surface of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Trifect Composites, LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Erik V. Koch
  • Publication number: 20190136483
    Abstract: A lockable manhole cover system including a manhole cover removably attached to a mounting ring secured to a surrounding structure such as an underground vault or concrete column, for example. A locking mechanism is attached to the bottom surface of the cover and includes a fixed end and an actuated end, each including at least one but preferably two locking pins which are movable between locked and unlocked positions. The actuated end includes a keyed lock. When in the locked position, the free ends of the locking pins extend beneath a flange extending radially inwardly on the inside surface of the ring thereby preventing the cover from being lifted up and off the ring. When the actuated side is moved to the unlocked position via the key, the locking pin free ends retract and locate radially inwardly of the flange such that the cover (and locking mechanism which is mounted thereto) is free to be lifted from the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Trifect Composites, LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Erik V. Koch
  • Patent number: 9157212
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9115479
    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 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20150104253
    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 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 20080260460
    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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: McGard LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Nolle, Jeffrey R. Sullivan
  • 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