Abstract: A storage cabinet having a latching mechanism that can be unlatched by the use of either an upper actuator or a lower actuator is provided. The upper actuator may comprise a hand knob while the lower actuator may comprise a foot pedal. Thus, if an operator has his arms full and wants to open the doors of the cabinet, he can simply do so by actuating the foot pedal. Alternately, the doors of the cabinet may be opened by actuating the hand knob. This design affords the operator much flexibility in accessing the storage cabinet. A storage cabinet with a latching mechanism that is protected from damage under abusive conditions is also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of an enclosure for electrical equipment is described. The enclosure has a back part arranged to be mounted to a fixed support and having an open front, and a front part having an open back, arranged to contain electrical equipment, and hinged to the back part. A latch is mounted within one of the back and front parts, and is arranged to latch the front part and the back part closed. A key-operated control on the front of said front part permits a user to release the latch only by use of a key.

Abstract: A latch assembly of the type used on postal cluster units, such as central mailbox units including a latch assembly of multiple dual bold latch mechanisms for securing at multiple latch points a pair of center meeting hinged doors upon closure of the doors. The dual bolt latch mechanisms of the latch assembly are enclosed within the cabinet of the postal cluster unit and are operable by a single concealed handle to simultaneously unlatch the multiple latch points.

Abstract: A remote controlled cabinet includes an inner containment space and at least a retractable cabinet door having at least a toothed rail mounted in the interior of the cabinet thereof and at least a set of remote control switch driver having a remote control circuit therein. The remote control switch driver consists of gears which synchronize with a toothed rail teeth and a pulling arm connecting to the retractable cabinet door. Through a remote controller the remote control switch driver be moved along the toothed rail. By transmitting push-out or pull-in signals to the remote control switch driver through the remote control, the pulling arm and gears of the remote control switch drivers can be driven thereby opening and closing the retractable door from the cabinet body.

Abstract: A modular drawer system provides a system of interchangeable components that are easy to assemble. The system requires few fasteners because most of the parts are slidably interconnected. Many parts perform dual functions. A removable lock tray and a tracking mechanism to provide easier steering of a rolling cart are provided. A lock bar assembly with few moving parts is easily assembled. In addition, an accessory track provides two types of attachments for accessories, a more flexible, snap-on attachment and a more permanent, bolted attachment.

Abstract: An upright storage cabinet has a lock assembly which operates a vertically movable lock bar to simultaneously lock all drawers of the cabinet. The lock assembly includes a rotatable cam body which has a resiliently deflectable cam that projects radially therefrom. The cam body is rotatable between a locked position wherein the cam rotates a drive element to vertically displace the lock bar into engagement with the drawers, and an unlocked position wherein the cam allows the drive shaft to return to an initial position which disengages the lock bar from the drawers. The cam generates a driving force on the drive shaft during rotation of the cam body and is also resiliently deflectable to accommodate dimensional variations which varies the radial position of the drive shaft relative to the drive element.

Abstract: An upright storage cabinet has a lock assembly which operates a vertically movable lock bar to simultaneously lock all drawers of the cabinet. The lock assembly includes a rotatable cam body which has a resiliently deflectable cam that projects radially therefrom. The cam body is rotatable between a locked position wherein the cam rotates a drive element to vertically displace the lock bar into engagement with the drawers, and an unlocked position wherein the cam allows the drive shaft to return to an initial position which disengages the lock bar from the drawers. The cam generates a driving force on the drive shaft during rotation of the cam body and is also resiliently deflectable to accommodate dimensional variations which varies the radial position of the drive shaft relative to the drive element.

Abstract: A modular housing assembly is stacked in a vertical array of similar assemblies within a multi-drawer storage unit. A modular housing assembly includes a housing and a linear channel extending though opposite ends of the housing. The channel opens into the interior of the housing. Two bar end modules slide along the channel. The end modules may be connected to bar spacers cut from separate pieces to form assembled sliding bars. An actuator, including a fork and a cam, is provided to lock the sliding bars to prevent more than one drawer from opening at one time. The housing includes a pair of opposing, sloped surfaces to align an activator mounted on an associated drawer so that the activator will travel along a guide when the drawer is returned to its closed position. The actuator engages with the activator when the activator travels along the guide, causing the actuator to rotate within the housing, about a pin mounted between two walls of the housing.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.

Abstract: A keyless locking system for a cart includes a lock mechanism with a drive mechanism in the form of a solenoid that is electrically coupled to an integrated circuit and a long lasting power supply. In an unenergized state, an armature of the solenoid prevents operation of the lock mechanism to release drawers supported by the cart. Upon entry of a correct access code via a keypad associated with the integrated circuit, current is supplied to the solenoid to permit operation of the lock mechanism and thereby release the drawers. Advantageously, the lock mechanism only draws from the power supply to temporarily release the solenoid only thereby requiring minimal power and significantly reducing the re-charging, replacement and maintenance requirements for the power supply and the down time for the cart.

Abstract: An article of furniture having a set of lockable drawers, a vertically-actuated lock rod, which has a plurality of extending lock members, and a plurality of dog members. Each of the dog members is coupled to a sidewall of an associated drawer and includes a resilient trailing portion. When the lock rod is positioned in an unlocked position, the lock members and the dog members do not cooperate to inhibit the movement of the drawers. When the lock rod is positioned in a locked position, the lock members are positioned horizontally in-line with the dog members. Contact between a lock member and the trailing edge of a dog member inhibits the opening of a drawer. The resilient construction of the dog member permits the drawers to be closed when the lock rod is positioned in the lock position.

Abstract: A cabinet lock controlled by a press-button lock is disclosed to include an upright track affixed to the back side of the cabinet, a sliding locking bar vertically movably mounted in the upright track and adapted to hook the drawers in the cabinet, a linkage coupled between the top end of the upright track and the top end of the sliding locking bar and driven by the lock cylinder of the press-button lock through a push bar to move the sliding locking bar, and a spring member adapted to push the sliding locking bar upwards from the locking position to the unlocking position.

Abstract: A multi-drawer device includes a first drawer and a second drawer, each carried by a housing, and movable between a closed position disposed within a housing and an open position extending from the housing. A first slide assembly couples the first drawer to the housing and a second slide assembly couples the second drawer to the housing. A ramp and follower are each associated with the first drawer and the follower is adapted to contact and slide along the ramp. A first blocking device is associated with the second drawer and coupled to one of the ramp and the follower.

Abstract: A tool cabinet has a stand, a drawer frame, an upper case, multiple drawers and a locking device. The locking device is mounted in the upper case to keep the drawer from sliding out from the drawer frame. The locking device has a parallelogram four-bar assembly, an upper bar, at least one locking bar and multiple locking tabs attached to the drawers. The locking bar has multiple locking holes corresponding and engaging with the locking tabs on the drawer. Accordingly, the drawers can be held in place by the locking device to keep drawers from unintentionally sliding out from the cabinet. This can keep any person from being injured by the drawers, and the safety of using and transporting the cabinet is improved.

Abstract: A storage cabinet includes a container having a floor, upright side walls and a rear wall attached to and extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to the side walls and rear wall. The floor, side walls, rear wall, and ceiling define a storage cavity. A vertical support member extends upwardly from the floor. At least one door is pivotally attached to one of the side walls and is movable between an open position, in which the cavity is accessible from a position forward of the cavity, and a closed position, in which the door contacts the support member and prevents access to the cavity from a position forward of the cavity. A latching mechanism is attached to the support member and includes upper and lower release members protruding forwardly from the support member that are movable in unison from a latched position to an unlatched position.

Abstract: A modular housing assembly is stacked in a vertical array of similar assemblies within a multi-drawer storage unit. A modular housing assembly includes a housing and a linear channel extending though opposite ends of the housing. The channel opens into the interior of the housing. Two bar end modules slide along the channel. The end modules may be connected to bar spacers cut from separate pieces to form assembled sliding bars. An actuator, including a fork and a cam, is provided to lock the sliding bars to prevent more than one drawer from opening at one time. The actuator rotates within the housing, about a pin mounted between two walls of the housing. A modular housing and a kit for installing a modular housing assembly are also described.

Abstract: A slide interlock assembly for a rack including a first rod, a first mount bracket secured to a first stationary member of the rack and having a first guide for receiving one end of the rod, a second mount bracket, secured to a second stationary member of the rack and having a second guide for receiving a second end of the first rod, a first actuator bracket secured to a first slide member adjacent the first mount bracket, having a surface that is inclined relative to a sliding axis of the first slide member for engaging a first end of the first rod, and a second actuator bracket, secured to a second slide member, having a hole for receiving a second end of the first rod when the first slide member is extended.

Abstract: A keyless locking system for a cart includes a lock mechanism with a drive mechanism in the form of a solenoid that is electrically coupled to an integrated circuit and a long lasting power supply. In an unenergized state, an armature of the solenoid prevents operation of the lock mechanism to release drawers supported by the cart. Upon entry of a correct access code via a keypad associated with the integrated circuit, current is supplied to the solenoid to permit operation of the lock mechanism and thereby release the drawers. Advantageously, the lock mechanism only draws from the power supply to temporarily release the solenoid only thereby requiring minimal power and significantly reducing the re-charging, replacement and maintenance requirements for the power supply and the down time for the cart.

Abstract: A cabinet drawer locking device including a cabinet body, at least one drawer disposed in the cabinet body, a slide seat arranged on the cabinet body, an engaging body slidably disposed on the slides seat, a latch plate mounted on the drawer and a damper unit. The engaging body is formed with an engaging hole corresponding to the latch plate. The damper unit includes a shifting section, a forcing section, a first slide section and a second slide section. The forcing section serves to drive the shifting section. The first slide section is disposed on the shifting section and the second slide section is disposed on the engaging body corresponding to the first slide section. The first and second slide sections are relatively movably connected with each other, whereby the shifting section can drive the engaging body to slide between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A modular housing assembly is stacked in a vertical array of similar assemblies within a multi-drawer storage unit. A modular housing assembly includes a housing and a linear channel extending though opposite ends of the housing. The channel opens into the interior of the housing. Two bar end modules slide along the channel. The end modules may be connected to bar spacers cut from separate pieces to form assembled sliding bars. An actuator, including a fork and a cam, is provided to lock the sliding bars to prevent more than one drawer from opening at one time. The actuator rotates within the housing, about a pin mounted between two walls of the housing. A modular housing and a kit for installing a modular housing assembly are also described.

Abstract: A guiding device for drawer is disclosed. The device comprises a cupboard body having a vertical slot at the inner wall thereof near to the external edge of the cupboard body, and a plurality of drawers. A plurality of safety connection blocks are mounted to the slot so that only a sliding space is provided. The top and bottom sides of each safety connection blocks are provided with rollers, so that when a drawer is withdrawn, the rail board located at the side of the drawer will squeeze in between two adjacent rollers and the sliding space of the slot is fully filled. This will cause the other safety connection blocks to mutually urge against each other and other drawers are restricted from withdrawal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cabinet with a removable and reversible door and, in preferred embodiments, a cabinet having a separable door to which is mounted two sets of hinges that are independently retractable to enable a user to easily and efficiently open a mounted door from left to right and from right to left, or to completely remove the door from the cabinet. The disclosed cabinet typically includes latch/hinge mechanisms that are mounted to the door and configured to engage the hinge openings associated with the door frame. A gear box assembly is advantageously utilized in a disclosed latch/hinge mechanism embodiment to effectuate the desired relative movement, and bushings associated with the latch/hinge mechanisms ensure appropriate spacing between the door and the door frame for desired door operation.

Abstract: A drawer interlock system for a multi-drawer filing cabinet includes respective cam units, one associated with each drawer. The cam units are aligned on a common axis and each unit includes an in-line cam assembly that includes a rotary cam and two stationary cams, one above and one below the rotary cam. When a drawer is opened, the rotary cam is turned, causing axial displacement of the stationary cams, which takes up available “play” in the system, locking the cam units of the other drawers and preventing them being opened.

Abstract: A housing for a central processing unit including a body capable of supporting and enclosing the central processing unit. The body has a front side including an upper portion and a lower portion. A first decorative faceplate is for detachably engaging with at least a portion of the upper portion of the front side of the body. A first-faceplate-quick-connect-device extends from the first decorative faceplate for readily attaching and removing the first decorative faceplate to the body. Also described herein is a housing for a central processing unit including a body capable of supporting and enclosing the central processing unit. The body has a front side including an upper portion and a lower portion. A first decorative faceplate is detachably engagable with at least a portion of the upper portion of the front side of the body. A second decorative faceplate is for detachably engaging with at least a portion of the lower portion of the front side of the body.

Abstract: A modular drawer system provides a system of interchangeable components that are easy to assemble. The system requires few fasteners because most of the parts are slidably interconnected. Many parts perform dual functions. A removable lock tray and a tracking mechanism to provide easier steering of a rolling cart are provided. A lock bar assembly with few moving parts is easily assembled. In addition, an accessory track provides two types of attachment means for accessories, a more flexible, snap-on attachment and a more permanent, bolted attachment.

Abstract: A retaining device for a side cover of a computer casing has a sliding plate movably received beneath the top face of the computer casing and a set of extensions formed on the side cover. The sliding plate has a wedged block formed to detachably engage with distal ends of the extensions. The movement of the sliding plate allows the wedged block to engage with the distal ends of the extensions of the side cover to push away the side cover from the computer casing. Therefore, the side cover is separated from the computer casing readily.

Abstract: A locking device for drawers of a cabinet, including a case body, several drawers vertically arranged in the interior space of the case body, a slide seat disposed in the case body, a latch plate disposed on each drawer and a detent unit. One end of the latch plate is bent toward the drawer to form a stop section with a predetermined length and inclination angle. The detent unit includes an engaging body and a link. The engaging body is vertically slidably fitted in the slide seat. The engaging body is formed with several engaging holes corresponding to the latch plates of the drawers. An upper end of the engaging body is formed with an elongated hanging slot. The link is perpendicularly passed through the hanging slot to abut against the inner edge of the upper end of the hanging slot.

Abstract: A lock system for locking a chest having multiple banks of drawers having a horizontally situated transfer mechanism, the transfer mechanism adapted to move horizontally and where the transfer mechanism is positioned behind a portion of each of the multiple banks of drawers intended to be locked and unlocked; a lockrod for actuating the horizontally situated transfer mechanism; and a plurality of vertically situated lock hinges, where each of the lock hinges corresponding to a bank of drawers, and wherein each of the vertically situated lock hinges are actuated by a horizontal movement of the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: In a multi-drawer filing cabinet arrangement of vertically disposed drawers mounted on progressive telescopic two or three channel drawer slides, with an interlock mechanism, an improved connecting stub is used. Field installation, assembly, disassembly, replacement or repair of particular cabinet drawer or interlock mechanism can now be accomplished due to the arrangement and configuration of an improved connecting stub for use in an interlock mechanism without taking the file cabinet apart. The connecting stub comprises a partial pocket where the arc segment subtended by the partial pocket is more than 180 degrees and has a predetermined length, thereby allowing lateral or transverse insertion and removal of an associated vertical actuator locking vertical connecting rod without taking the whole filing cabinet apart.

Abstract: A lock assembly for use in an enclosed structure housing a locking bar having a plurality of locking fingers includes a lock arm mechanism having a lock arm and a lock arm mounting assembly for mounting the lock arm mechanism in the enclosed structure. The lock arm causes a rigid finger on the locking bar to be raised and lowered and in doing so raises and lowers the locking bar.

Abstract: A food service cart for airplanes is provided with a vertically slidable latching mechanism for it doors. The latching mechanism may be secured by a padlock and the upper handle of the latch forms a protective hasp to prevent thievery of stored goods. The handle of the latch is located in an ergonomically advantageous position.

Abstract: A bezel assembly comprising a bezel plate having at least one elongated member projecting outwardly therefrom; a structural member having at least one opening extending therethrough; a lock plate having at least one opening extending therethrough; a catch member mounted on either the bezel plate or the lock plate; and a lock member mounted on the plate which does not have the catch member; the lock member being displaceably lockingly engageable with the catch member; the structural member being disposed between the bezel plate and the lock plate; the elongated member extending through the openings in the structural member and the lock plate.

Abstract: A cabinet is provided which includes wall structure defining an open-faced compartment containing a plurality of upright drawers or panels mounted in the compartment for movement from a first position totally within the compartment to a second position extending out of the compartment. The cabinet includes a lock bar movable between unlocked and locked positions, wherein in the locked position the lock bar prevents drawers disposed in the first position from moving to the second position and biasing structure coupled to the lock bar and resiliently urging the lock bar toward the unlocked position. The lock bar moves to its locked position in response to movement of a drawer to its second position.

Abstract: A combination cabinet and drawer construction includes a catch associated with the drawers that is cooperative with a biased, releasable locking bar. The locking bar is responsive to a cylinder lock actuated by a rod that engages the locking bar and rotates the bar to move it out of engagement with a leg of a drawer catch thereby releasing the drawer.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for removably attaching a data processing device to a cage of a computer housing comprises a base plate forming a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. Both sidewalls extend vertically from transverse sides of the base plate. The first and second sidewalls define a receiving space for receiving a data processing device therein. The first sidewall includes a biasing flange extending horizontally into the receiving space from a free end thereof, and the second sidewall includes at least a biasing tab extending toward the receiving space thereby facilitating the installation of the data processing device within the receiving space.

Abstract: The showcase includes a closure mechanism which compresses a seal by pulling the door panels against the main frame from inside. To this aim, a closure rod is mounted to the main frame which has alternating segments with expanded and contracted cross-sections, and a plurality of binding elements are mounted to the door panel for engagement by the rod. Each binding element has a rod-receiving socket of sufficient width to accommodate the expanded cross-section segments of the rod; the socket is formed with a side gap for admitting the rod whose width allows the contracted cross-section segments of the rod therethrough but not the its expanded cross-section segments.

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.

Abstract: A personal computer includes a housing and a access panel providing access to the housing interior. The access panel is held closed by a latch, and the latch is locked against actuation, by a lock. The lock includes a bar that can be pulled out to a latch-locking position, whereupon an aperture of the bar is exposed for receiving an auxiliary locking member such as a padlock. The padlock prevents the bar from being retracted into a latch-release position. The access panel carries a cooling fan and a plug. The plug is automatically plugged into a receptacle carried by the housing, in response to the access panel being closed.

Abstract: A desk locking mechanism operated by reversible D.C. electric motors and powered by dry cell batteries is controlled by a programmable microprocessor. A column of drawers are locked and unlocked simultaneously by a single, vertical axis motor having a threaded drive shaft to reciprocate a vertically guided locking bar. The microprocessor provides primary and secondary programmable operating codes in a multiplicity of digits with program states signified by distinctive LED flashing sequences.

Abstract: A multiple drawer, heavy duty cabinet includes a plurality of rectangular, endoskeleton frameworks formed of U-shaped channel members, arrayed in parallel and connected to one another by side, top and bottom panels to define an opening for receipt of slide drawers. A back panel is attached to the cabinet and includes a hinged cover. A locking system is actuated by a key and pull tab through flexible cables and vertical lock bars on the back interior wall of the cabinet.

Abstract: A storage cabinet with a plurality of drawers has an interlocking mechanism which prevents more than one drawer being opened at any time. A vertical U-shaped support rail is located in the back of the cabinet, and vertical locking bars are disposed therein. Each locking bar pivots between two angular positions, and at least one shuttle mounted in the support rail confines the locking bars to a restricted range of pivoting, and requires that their pivoting be simultaneous. A spring bias on the shuttle forces the locking bars into one of two spring-biased pivot positions. In a first position, all the drawers are closed, and are free to be opened. The opening of a drawer causes a camplate attached to the drawer to shift the locking bars from the first pivot position to the second pivot position. In the second position, the unopened drawers are locked due to the obstruction of the camplates of the unopened drawers by one of the locking bars.

Abstract: A medication cart features a frame assembly formed from a plurality of vertical support posts and wall panels secured to the posts. Each support post has a plurality of equally-spaced, radially extending flanges running the longitudinal length of the post. The medication cart contains, in addition to an array of drawers and bins, a multi-level cassette assembly. An internal locking mechanism secures the cassette assembly when it is positioned in the medication cart, and an external locking mechanism secures the cassette assembly outside of the medication cart.

Abstract: A multi-cabinet assembly comprises single cabinets which are arranged next to one another. The single cabinets include at least one master cabinet and one slave cabinet. All of the cabinets have a door. The multi-cabinet assembly further comprises an interlock system for the slave doors which includes at least one horizontally movable interconnecting rod, a locking means connected to the interconnecting rod for being displaced between an engagement position and a release position, and a counterlocking means for engaging said locking means in a locked position of the slave door in case said locking means is arranged in engagement position. The counterlocking means is arranged at the slave door and the interconnecting rod is movably connected with the master door for displacing the locking means.

Abstract: A storage cabinet with a plurality of drawers has an interlocking mechanism which prevents more than one drawer being opened at any time. A vertical U-shaped support rail is located in the back of the cabinet, and vertical locking bars are disposed therein. Each locking bar pivots between two angular positions, and at least one shuttle mounted in the support rail confines the locking bars to a restricted range of pivoting, and requires that their pivoting be simultaneous. A spring bias on the shuttle forces the locking bars into one of two spring-biased pivot positions. In a first position, all the drawers are closed, and are free to be opened. The opening of a drawer causes a camplate attached to the drawer to shift the locking bars from the first pivot position to the second pivot position. In the second position, the unopened drawers are locked due to the obstruction of the camplates of the unopened drawers by one of the locking bars.

Abstract: A device for controlling the opening and closing of at least two doors, each enabling access to an enclosure, a single control means adapted to allow separate and controlled access to each of the enclosures. The control means operates locking means for keeping the doors closed or for releasing them, in such a manner that the doors can be simultaneously either all closed at the same time or else at least one open and another closed. The locking means includes, for each door, at least one sliding bolt associated with a receiving seat provided on a corresponding door.

Abstract: An interlock structure of the cable type for stacked plural drawer cabinet structures which limits the opening of drawers to a single drawer and prevents plural drawers being opened at the same time. An elongate base or frame is mounted in the cabinet adjacent to the drawers. The frame supports plural (one for each drawer) eccentric blocker elements and adjacent follower elements and supports at one end a provided slider element having limited movement. A cable is attached at one end to the slider and at the other end to the frame with an intermediate loop which provide two cable courses, one of said courses threaded on the successive blockers and the other course operably threaded over the respective adjacent followers maintaining the respective blockers and followers in operative engagement. The blockers are moved by interference engagement by a selected drawer.

Abstract: A tool cabinet includes a bottom wall with a plurality of casters, two vertical opposed side panels connected securely to the bottom wall, a back panel, two door panels mounted pivotally and respectively on front edges of the side panels, a cover member mounted on horizontal upper edges of the side panels, a partition plate and a plurality of drawers. Each side panel has a column of block projections that is formed on an inner panel surface thereof. Each two adjacent block projections cooperatively define a longitudinal groove therebetween. The inner panel surface of each side panel has a first engaging groove adjacent to the rear edge, and a second engaging groove between the rear edge and the first engaging groove. The back panel has two opposed vertical edges which engage respectively the first engaging grooves. The partition plate is mounted on the side panels by engaging aligned ones of the longitudinal grooves.

Abstract: A cabinet has a plurality of drawers, each provided with a latch hook at its rear end which is receivable through a corresponding one of a plurality of apertures in a lock bar at the rear of the cabinet which vertically reciprocates between a lowered position interfering with the latch hooks to prevent opening of the drawers and a raised position accommodating free movement of the latch hooks through the apertures to permit opening of the drawers. A lock at the front of the cabinet rotates an elongated rod, the rear end of which engages a coupling bracket on the lock bar to lift it part way to its raised position, at the same time moving a sliding portion of the coupling bracket into position for engagement with a pivoting crank coupled to the rear end of a second spring-biased and push button-actuated rod. When the push button is depressed, the crank is pivoted to lift the lock bar the rest of the way to its raised position.

Abstract: An anti-tilt mechanism is provided for a multi-drawer cabinet. The mechanism has a number of housings each of which has a respective locking cam mounted in it. The locking cams are rotatable about respective cam axes from an inactivated position in which they have a first effective height, to an activated position in which they have a second effective height. The second effective height is greater than the first effective height. The cam is longitudinally moveable within the housing a distance generally corresponding into the difference between the first and second effective heights. Actuating means reacting to movement of the drawers are provided for rotating the cam between the activated and inactivated positions. Respective locking rods extend between adjacent locking cams and are longitudinally moveable with the cams. The anti-tilt mechanism may include a locking mechanism having stop means which limit longitudinal movement of at least one of the cams within its respective housing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a latch mechanism for locking the drawers of items of furniture such as desks and file cabinets. The latch mechanism is manufactured of plastics using injection molding techniques. The mechanism includes an open sided housing having a oppositely directed pair of mounting flanges which extend from the opposite sides of the housing. A longitudinal slot is formed between the flange members and this slot slidably receives the latch member. The cavity of the housing receives a compression spring which protrudes from the open side of the cavity and is received in an aligned slot or through aperture of the latch member. The latch member has a forward and inclined ramp that is mounted opposite and adjacent to the upper cam post of a vertical slide member. The vertical slide member is received in a groove in a upright standard of the furniture, typically in a partition located between the center drawer and a vertically stacked set of lateral drawers of a desk.