Patents Assigned to The Eastern Company
  • Patent number: 5599140
    Abstract: A reinforcing and support system and method of installation thereof including both a mechanical expansion anchor on the distal end of an elongated bolt and a resin grouting mix installed in a blind drill hole in a mine roof, or the like. A pair of elongated leg members, fixed with respect to the shell, extend into the annular space surrounding the bolt below the shell for a distance about as great as the axial length of the shell. Upon advance of the bolt, carrying the expansion anchor and leg members, into the drill hole to break a cartridge containing the initially flowable components of the grouting material, the bolt is rotated to effect expansion of the anchor and tensioning of the bolt. Mixing of the components in the annular space surrounding the bolt below the anchor as the bolt is rotated is enhanced by hydraulic turbulence produced by flow of the components about the leg members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Raymond L. Wright
  • Patent number: 5595076
    Abstract: A versatile operating mechanism for a two-point latch or lock includes a "front" module having a flush-mountable handle and housing assembly that can be connected by simple fasteners to a "rear" module having a mounting bracket that movably supports linkage including an operating arm A pair of latch assemblies are connected to and operated by the mounting-bracket-mounted linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs
  • Patent number: 5586458
    Abstract: A slam-capable, flush-mountable, paddle handle operated rotary latch having a pan-shaped housing employs a single rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl, with the latch having spaced first and second housing side plates that sandwich the rotary jaw, the rotary pawl and a torsion spring that biases the jaw toward an open position, with the side plates defining aligned first and second U-shaped notches that cooperate with a third U-shaped notch formed in the rotary jaw for concurrently receiving and latchingly retaining a suitably configured strike formation, with the first housing side plate being rigidly connected to the pan-shaped housing, and with the second housing side plate being rigidified in close proximity to its U-shaped notch by an integrally formed flange that extends transversely to bridge between the housing side plates. The pawl defines a release trigger which, when tripped, permits the jaw to be pivoted by the spring to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Scott A. Arthurs
  • Patent number: 5564295
    Abstract: A slam-capable rotary latch employs a single rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl, with the latch having a pair of spaced housing side plates that sandwich the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl, with the side plates defining aligned first and second U-shaped notches that cooperate with a third U-shaped notch formed in the rotary jaw for concurrently receiving and latchingly retaining within the confines of the first, second and third U-shaped notches a suitably configured strike formation, with housing side plate portions that define a selected one of the first and second U-shaped notches being rigidified and strengthened by the close proximity presence to the selected U-shaped notch of a flange 1) that is formed integrally with the side plate portions that define the selected U-shaped notch, 2) that is connected by a tight radius bend to the side plate portions that define the selected U-shaped notch, and 3) that extends transversely so as to bridge between the pair of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Arthur J. Kuminski, James L. Hollingsworth, Scott A. Arthurs
  • Patent number: 5531084
    Abstract: A difficult-to-duplicate key for operating a rotatable plug and cylinder lock has an imaginary center axis that extends along the length of the key at a location situated between opposed, relatively narrow edge surfaces, and centered between opposed, relatively wide side surfaces. The edge and side surfaces cooperate to define a key of generally rectangular cross section. First, second and third rows of concave recesses are formed in and extend lengthwise along the side and edge surfaces of the key for receiving rounded inner end regions of pin tumblers of the plug and cylinder lock when the key is inserted to an operating position in a keyway of the lock for positioning the tumblers to permit the plug to be rotated relative to the cylinder. The recesses of the first, second and third rows extend along first, second and third sets of recess axes that extend in first, second and third planes, respectively, that radiate from the imaginary center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Timothy P. Laabs, Michael O. Misner, Richard H. Schulz, Elbert M. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5501551
    Abstract: A mechanical expansion anchor and radially expansible shell for use therein having particular application in combination with resin grouting materials. The anchor includes a conventional, tapered camming plug moveable axially upon a mine roof bolt to move the shell leaves outwardly into gripping engagement with the drill hole wall. The shell is distinguished by the provision of grooves in the outer surfaces of the shell leaves, extending between the upper and lower ends of the leaves. Components of a resin mix inserted into the drill hole in advance of the expansion anchor, carried on the end of the bolt, flow through the grooves in the outer leaf surfaces to the area below the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Raymond L. Wright
  • Patent number: 5485735
    Abstract: A key operated rotatable plug and cylinder define pin-receiving holes arranged in first, second and third rows that extend in first, second and third planes, respectively that radiate from a common center axis that extends substantially centrally through a plug-defined keyway. A key of generally rectangular cross-section is insertable into the keyway to bring recesses that are formed in its two relatively flat side surfaces and in one of its narrow edge surfaces into alignment with the pin-receiving holes so that inner ends of tumbler pins that are carried within the holes are received in the key-defined recesses to position the tumbler pins to permit plug rotation relative to the cylinder. The first plane extends from the center axis through the holes of the first row, and parallels the opposed, relatively flat side surfaces of a keyway-inserted key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Timothy P. Laabs, Michael O. Misner, Richard H. Schulz, Elbert M. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5445422
    Abstract: A handle operated, toggle type draw latch assembly is mountable on one of two members and is operable to selectively engage and disengage a latch-engageable formation connected to the other of the two members. The latch assembly includes a complexly configured operating handle that is pivotally connected near one end to a mounting base for movement relative to the base between closed and open positions, that provides a hand grip near its opposite end, and that, at locations between its opposite ends pivotally mounts a drawbar for movement between extended and retracted positions, and defines not only a pair of stops but also a catch-engageable formation. One stop engages the base when the handle is closed. The other stop engages the drawbar when the drawbar is retracted. When the handle is open, the drawbar can be pivoted into and out of extended positions for selectively embracing the latch-engageable formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Arthur J. Kuminski
  • Patent number: 5439260
    Abstract: A slam-capable rotary latch employs a single rotary jaw that is releasably retained in its latched position by a rotary pawl, with the latch having a pair of spaced housing side plates that sandwich the rotary jaw and the rotary pawl, with the side plates defining aligned first and second U-shaped notches that cooperate with a third U-shaped notch formed in the rotary jaw for concurrently receiving and latchingly retaining within the confines of the first, second and third U-shaped notches a suitably configured strike formation, with housing side plate portions that define a selected one of the first and second U-shaped notches being rigidified and strengthened by the close proximity presence of a flange 1) that is formed integrally with side plate portions that define the selected notch and 2) that extends transversely to bridge between the housing side plates at a location near the first and second U-shaped notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Arthur J. Kuminski, James L. Hollingsworth, Scott A. Arthurs
  • Patent number: 5352066
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anchor assembly for installing a threaded mine-roof bolt under tension in a bore hole formed in underground passageways, mines, and the like. The anchor assembly includes a two compartment resin cartridge and a mechanical expansion unit. A support collar is threaded on the bolt to restrict axial movement of the mechanical expansion unit. The mechanical expansion unit includes a camming plug and an expansion shell. The expansion shell has a plurality of fingers extending upwardly from an annular collar. Spaces or slots are formed between adjacent fingers. Each of the plurality of fingers include a vertically extending rib for forming channels between the external surfaces of the fingers and the side walls of the bore hole to permit the free flow of resin. The side surfaces of the fingers adjacent the uppermost portion thereof are tapered so that substantially V-shaped notches are formed between adjacent fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignees: The Eastern Company, Birmingham Bolt Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Schaeffer, Raymond L. Wright
  • Patent number: 5344257
    Abstract: A bail element (10) having a medial portion (12) with a pair of legs (14, 16) extending integrally therefrom and a mechanical expansion anchor having a pair of shell halves (68, 70) and tapered plug (80) held in assembled relation by the bail. The bail legs are identical to one another and, prior to assembly with the shell halves and plug, have three distinct, linear portions (46, 48, 50) respectively extending at preferred angles of about 10.degree., 36.degree. and 12.5.degree. with respect to lines parallel to the bail centerline (A--A). The bail medial portion includes a pair of upstanding portions shown in a first embodiment (34, 36) and a second embodiment (54, 56) for puncturing a resin cartridge which may be installed with the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Raymond L. Wright, Carl A. Clark
  • Patent number: 5316414
    Abstract: A mechanical expansion anchor and tapered plug for use therein having particular application in combination with resin grouting materials. The anchor includes conventional shell structure having a plurality of radially expansible leaves with internal surfaces opposing compression surface portions of a tapered camming plug. Components of a resin mix inserted in a drill hole between the blind end thereof and the end of a bolt carrying the expansion anchor flow around the tapered plug and through axial passageways therein. The plug is distinguished by the provision of axial grooves for passage of resin components in the compression surfaces of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Raymond L. Wright
  • Patent number: 5282698
    Abstract: A threaded fastener and method of fabrication thereof wherein the fastener or nut includes a first portion having external, wrench-engaging surfaces and a central, through bore, internally threaded for at least a portion of its length from a base surface. A wall portion extends integrally from the end of the first portion opposite the base surface, concentrically surrounding and spaced radially outwardly from the end of the bore. The first and wall portions are formed as a metal casting with the wall portion in two segments separated by longitudinally extending, V-shaped notches. The free edges of the wall segments, which initially lie in a plane normal to the axis of the bore, are deformed by a die, moving radially inward so that the wall segments are in a domed configuration with the free edges defining a substantially oval opening having a major axis with a length about equal to the diameter of the bore and a minor axis about 4/5 that of the major axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Raymond L. Wright, Carl A. Clark
  • Patent number: 5275512
    Abstract: A bail member having a medial portion of substantially conical shape for retaining shell and tapered plug portions of a mechanical expansion anchor in mutually assembled relation prior to installation. The medial portion is positioned over the large end of the plug and tapers inwardly in a direction away from the plug to provide a lead-in for insertion of the anchor, carried on the end of a mine roof bolt, into the open end of a blind drill hole. The bolt and medial portion may include an axial bore and a plurality of openings, respectively, for passage of a hardenable grout pumped through the bore to provide an anchoring system of enhance strength and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Raymond L. Wright
  • Patent number: 5265454
    Abstract: A combined lock and latch for use with an exterior compartment door on a recreational vehicle has a cylindrical barrel and a rotatable plug mounted within an axial opening formed in the barrel. A number of spring-biased, key retractable tumblers extend through the plug and are received in a narrow slot formed in the barrel to prevent the plug from rotating relative to the barrel when the plug is in a locked position. A metal cam having mutually perpendicular legs is mounted at one end of the key plug, with one of the cam legs engaging a fixed keeper when the plug is in the locked position. An arcuate groove is formed on the barrel and receives the tumblers when the key plug is in latched and unlatched positions. The groove sweeps through approximately 90 degrees and allows the plug to be freely rotated without the use of a key. A second leg on the metal cam engages the keeper when the key plug is the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Eastern Company
    Inventors: John Crocco, Herbert Kincaid
  • Patent number: 5235832
    Abstract: Substitutable plug assemblies are removably retained at an operating position within a forwardly opening chamber of the barrel of a lock assembly. A plug assembly that has been inserted to the operating position is releasably retained within the enshrouding barrel by a retainer that is moved by spring bias to a plug-retaining position wherein the retainer bridges complementary formations that are defined by the barrel and by the inserted plug assembly. A retained plug assembly that has been inserted to the operating position can be rotated about the central axis relative to the barrel between at least a pair of angularly spaced positions. One of the plug assemblies carries tumblers that are engageable with interior portions of the barrel for locking the one plug assembly in at least one of the angularly spaced positions unless the one plug assembly is unlocked by a suitably configured key. The other of the substitutable plug assemblies preferably includes a manually operable formation such as a knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Lux, Timothy P. Laabs
  • Patent number: 5222835
    Abstract: An article for assisting in the mixing of components of a resin grouting material within a drill hole in a rock formation to form a hardenable mass anchoring the threaded, distal end of an elongated bolt in the hole. The article includes an annular base portion having a central, through opening for threaded engagement with the bolt, and at least one leg extending from the base portion in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the opening. The article is rotated together with the bolt, the leg having leading and trailing edges with respect to the direction of rotation. The leading edge is a flat surface substantially parallel to the axis of the bolt and the trailing edge is a relatively sharp, linear edge, non-parallel to the bolt axis. The article may be employed in chemical anchors with a single leg extending from the base portion toward the distal end of the bolt, or with a pair of legs extending in opposite directions from the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Raymond L. Wright
  • Patent number: D361929
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Arthur J. Kuminski, James L. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: D364082
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Arthur J. Kuminski
  • Patent number: D366204
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Lee S. Weinerman, Arthur J. Kuminski