Patents by Inventor Douglas Scheerhorn

Douglas Scheerhorn 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: 5056876
    Abstract: A lock and interlock mechanism for file cabinets, desks, storage units and the like includes an elongated channel which receives a plurality of elongated lock bars in a vertically stacked relationship. A plurality of cam actuators are selectively positionable adjacent the elongated channel. Each actuator is pivotally mounted for movement from a first to a second position upon opening movement of a cabinet drawer. The actuators each define cam portions adapted to engage one of the lock bars and shift it vertically. When one of the actuators is in the second or operative position, the remaining actuators may not be moved or are blocked from movement to their second positions. A detent arrangement on the actuator and lock bars holds each actuator in its second position in a detent type fashion. A control member is mountable on a drawer or drawer guide mechanism to pivot the actuator between its first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 4960309
    Abstract: A lock and interlock mechanism for file cabinets, desks, storage units and the like includes an elongated channel which receives a plurality of elongated lock bars in a vertically stacked relationship. A plurality of cam actuators are selectively positionable adjacent the elongated channel. Each actuator is pivotally mounted for movement from a first to a second position upon opening movement of a cabinet drawer. The actuators each define cam portions adapted to engage one of the lock bars and shift it vertically. When one of the actuators is in the second or operative position, the remaining actuators may not be moved or are blocked from movement to their second positions. A detent arrangement on the actuator and lock bars holds each actuator in its second position in a detent type fashion. A control member is mountable on a drawer or drawer guide mechanism to pivot the actuator between its first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 4471638
    Abstract: A front removable lock for office furniture units, and the like, comprises a housing having an rear plug rotatably mounted in a rear portion of the housing. A front plug, having key operated tumblers, is telescopingly received within a front portion of the housing, and includes a latch mechanism which detachably connects the same with the rear plug. A release is mounted on the rear plug to uncouple the front and rear plugs, and is accessible through a window in the housing when the plugs are rotated into a partially unlocked position. A gate is mounted on the rear plug adjacent to the release, and is positioned such that the gate closes the window when the plugs are rotated into a locked position to prevent unauthorized access to the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 4457569
    Abstract: A lock arrangement is provided for office furniture units, such as desks, credenzas and the like, that include one or more pedestals defining at least one closable compartment in the nature of a drawer, a cabinet, et cetera, having a mechanism to lock the compartment closed, and a top extending the length of the unit. The lock arrangement is particularly adapted for in-top installations, and comprises a primary lock mounted in the top, and a channel which opens downwardly from the lower surface of the top adjacent the forward edge thereof. A connector device is mounted within the channel, and mechanically interconnects the primary lock with the compartment lock mechanism, such that manipulation of the primary lock locks and unlocks the compartment. A removable cover assembly encloses the channel, and preferably comprises two covers which are positioned over opposite ends of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 4445729
    Abstract: An over-centered lock arrangement is provided for office furniture units, such as desks, credenzas and the like, that include one or more pedestals, having at least one closable compartment, in the nature of a drawer, a cabinet, et cetera, with a mechanism to lock the compartment closed, and a top extending the length of the unit. A primary lock is mounted in the unit, and includes lock tumblers mounted in a plug or cylinder, which is rotatable between the locked and unlocked positions. At least one lock slide is slidably mounted in the unit, and reciprocates to shift the compartment lock between locked and unlocked positions. The cam lock assembly includes a crank arm connected with the tumbler cylinder, and an actuator arm having opposite ends pivotally connected with the crank arm and the lock slide at first and second pivot points, whereby rotation of the tumbler cylinder reciprocates the lock slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 4057307
    Abstract: The specification discloses a locking system for locking a plurality of drawers or like components in desk pedestals or like components having a primary and secondary locking means movable between a first position unlocking said components and a second position locking said components, and an adjustable linkage operably connecting the primary locking means to the secondary locking means. The linkage system includes two rods adjustably connected to each other by a spring clip whereby the effective length of the linkage assembly can be varied and the first and second positions of the secondary locking means thereby adjusted. The spring clip engages a linkage rod so there is a bias force against the linkage rod preventing movement of the rod relative to the spring clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 3998508
    Abstract: A gang locking mechanism for use with a cabinet having a plurality of slidably mounted drawers includes a single drawer mounted control rod operatively connected at one end to a master lock supported at the front panel of one of the drawers. The other end of the control rod engages a pivot plate secured to the inner face of the rear wall of the cabinet when the drawer is in a closed position. Linkage members extend from the pivot plate and engage corner mounted locking bars. The locking bars are mounted for limited pivotal movement about their vertical axes and include a plurality of hook-like clips adapted to lock the drawers in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 3941441
    Abstract: The specification discloses a drawer interlock system for a drawer assembly having a plurality of vertical rows of drawers. Each vertical row is provided with an interlock mechanism to prevent opening of more than one drawer at a time. Means are provided for interconnecting the interlock mechanisms for the different vertical rows of drawers to thereby prevent the opening of more than one drawer at one time in any of the adjacent rows of drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1976
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Scheerhorn