Abstract: A flat file cabinet has a plurality of removable drawers slidably supported by a frame and bearings. Each drawer includes an interlocking channel on a side of the drawer which actuates a vertical column of independent locking bars slidably supported by the frame. Each locking bar includes a roller means which is urged upwardly by and rides on top of the interlocking channel when a drawer is partially withdrawn. Each locking bar also includes a pin means normally located slightly below the interlocking channel. When the roller is urged upward it displaces the locking bar to which it is connected, and all locking bars thereabove, upward into a displaced position in which the pins interfere with the locking channels of the above drawers, preventing forward movement of the above drawers. The interlocking channel of the withdrawn drawer also prevents upward travel of the pin of the locking bar located immediately therebelow thereby preventing the forward movement of all drawers below.

Abstract: A drawer system with an improved drawer interlock mechanism has a frame which slidably supports at least one drawer and at least one column of locking bars, perpendicular to the movement of the drawer. Each drawer includes a cam associated with a set of cam followers disposed on facing ends of adjacent locking bars. Each drawer cam is normally aligned to separate its associated set of cam followers and the associated locking bars when the drawer is opened, thereby displacing all locking bars in the column. The displaced locking bars misalign the cam followers associated with unopened drawers thereby preventing them from opening. Bias means returns the column of locking bars to a normal rest position when the drawer is retracted. A locking cam can be actuated to displace all locking bars toward said bias means to prevent all drawers from opening.