With Separable Key As Operator Patents (Class 312/219)
  • Patent number: 11805898
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing medical products such as pharmaceutical and medical products in climate controlled storage devices includes climate control systems in communication with inventory access and tracking systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: HELMER SCIENTIFIC, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Larkner, Adam A. Cloud, Jason L. Hessler, Dennis H. Smith, Kyle T. Stout, Doug R. Sanqunetti, Bryan T. Shannon
  • Patent number: 11585596
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an upper door, a lower door positioned below the upper door and configured to be extended out of and retracted into the lower storage chamber, wherein the lower door includes a drawer part having a storage space and a door part configured to open and close the lower storage chamber, respectively, a draw-out, an ascending and descending mechanism provided at the drawer part and configured to ascend and descend the storage space, a driving mechanism provided at the door part and configured to provide a driving force to the ascending and descending mechanism, a controller to control the driving mechanism, a microphone module provided at the upper door and configured to receive a voice input from a user, and a voice recognition module to allow the controller to control the driving mechanism in response to the voice input from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Minkyu Hwang
  • Patent number: 11242149
    Abstract: A T-divider secures meal carts against lateral movement, and is at least partially deflectable to allow the meal carts to be removed from a restricted environment. The T-divider is secured in linear orientation via a latch with one or more indicators; one indicator indicates if the latch is locked; another indicator indicates if the T-divider is secured. The movement of the T-divider is defined by a track. One or more stops on the track define a linear, secured orientation and a fully deflected orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Donna C. Brownlie, Venkata Prasanth Suman Neti
  • Patent number: 11013321
    Abstract: A drawer slide with lock mechanism has an elongated outer slide member extendably coupled to an inner slide member. A latch arm or pin is fixed to the inner slide member for latching by a lock mechanism fixed to the outer slide member. The lock mechanism uses a latch receiver that rotates with respect to the lock mechanism and is in a travel path of the latch arm. A lever arm rotates with respect to the lock mechanism and is positionable to block rotation of the latch receiver in a locked position to retain the latch arm. A motor drives a cam to position the lever arm to free the latch receiver from the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Accuride International Inc.
    Inventors: Darush David Hashemi, Xiaoping Zhou, Xiwen Wang
  • Patent number: 10966520
    Abstract: A cabinet locking device includes a cabinet body, a plurality of movable storage devices, a plurality of locking devices, and a driving device. The driving device is interlocked with the locking devices via a plurality of drawstrings. Each locking device includes a sliding member, an interference member disposed on the sliding member, and a restriction mechanism for guiding the sliding member. The driving device can drive the sliding member to move to an engaging portion or a released position. When the sliding member is moved to the engaged position, the interference member interferes with an engaging portion of the corresponding movable storage device such that the movable storage device cannot be opened. When the sliding member is moved to the released position, the interference member does not interfere with the engaging portion such that the movable storage device can be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: MARTAS PRECISION SLIDE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wan-Lai Chen
  • Patent number: 10835038
    Abstract: An arrangement for tipping over prevention of a furniture (1) such as a chest of drawers or a cabinet comprising at least one drawer. The arrangement comprises a bar (300) and an attachment adapted to anchor the furniture (1) to a wall (W). The attachment comprises a guiding bracket (100) and an anchoring bracket (200) adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position in view of the guiding bracket (100). The anchoring bracket (200) has an anchoring portion (206) adapted to anchor the furniture (1) to a wall (W). The bar (300) is movable between a restriction position and a clearance position when acted upon by the anchoring bracket (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: IKEA Supply AG
    Inventor: Adam Johannesson
  • Patent number: 10407945
    Abstract: A system for providing securement of a plurality of secure portable encasements including one or more encasements each configured to engage, and subsequently disengage, inseparable interaction with a common docking unit; and one or more common docking units, wherein the one or more encasements each has a multi-point locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: EVERSAFE EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Hugh David Geoffrey McLean, Niall English
  • Patent number: 10206302
    Abstract: Ejector latch assemblies for securing a board within a frame and a computer assembly using the ejector latch assembly are disclosed. An ejector latch assembly includes a base and a handle pivotably coupled to the base. The handle includes a first handle segment, a second handle segment and a release structure. The first handle segment is coupled to the base. The base is coupled to a board. The first handle segment is pivotable relative to the base between a closed and an open position. The first handle segment is coupled to the second handle segment. The second handle portion is pivotable relative to the first handle segment between an extended and a retracted position. The release structure is movable between an engaged and a released position. When in the engaged position, the release structure prevents pivoting of the second handle segment relative to the first handle segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaoying Liao
  • Patent number: 9901170
    Abstract: A keyless locking tool chest has a plurality of drawers that can be locked and unlocked with a keyless lock. The keyless tool chest comprises a plurality of drawers, a keyless lock, a turn dial and a locking mechanism connected to the keyless lock and the turn dial that locks and unlocks the plurality of drawers. The keyless lock comprises a combination lock having a plurality of rotating discs with inscribed numerical notches. The locking mechanism comprises a horizontal bar connected to the keyless lock and the turn dial at its center, and a pair of vertical bars at its ends. Upon entering the correct numerical combination in the keyless lock, the keyless tool chest becomes unlocked, the turn dial becomes rotatable and the horizontal bar becomes movable together with the pair of vertical bars, such that the plurality of drawers can be pulled out of the tool chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Cze-Chao Tam
  • Patent number: 9829239
    Abstract: Covers for use with refrigeration units may include rails that extend across a top opening of the refrigeration unit. One or more lids may be supported by support surfaces on the rails. The lids may be movable (e.g., slidable) between closed and open positions. The lids may include lid plates and feet configured to raise lid plates off of the support surfaces, thereby forming gaps between the lid plates and the support surfaces. The lids may include filling elements to fill at least a portion of the gaps between the lid plates and the support surfaces. In some embodiments, the feet may have a generally Z-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the cover may include multiple frame elements having transparent spacers at the ends of the frame elements, and the cover may include end pieces at the ends of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: James Johann Buehning, John Roche
  • Patent number: 9775262
    Abstract: A security bezel for a server such as a rack mounted server includes a triggered securing mechanism at one end of the security bezel. The securing mechanism includes a trigger that when actuated, causes securing members deploy from the securing mechanism to engage corresponding recesses in the server, thereby attaching the security bezel to the server. The deployed securing members may be locked in position, thereby locking the security bezel to the server. The security bezel may be unlocked, allowing for retraction of the securing members to an undeployed state and detachment of the security bezel from a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS, LP
    Inventors: Po-Li (Nelson) Hsieh, Chuan Chieh (Dennis) Tseng
  • Patent number: 9187932
    Abstract: A lock device for a plurality of two-way travel drawers of a support body is provided with a positioning assembly including two links, two bending members, two biasing elements, and two triggers. The link includes a first enlargement proximate to a first end, an intermediate second enlargement, an extension extending inward from the second enlargement, an inclined section interconnecting the extension and a second end; the bending member secured to the support body and includes a vertical section having a third through hole; the first end is moveably disposed through the support body; each trigger is disposed on the first end and exposed; each biasing element is put on the extension and anchored between the second enlargement and the bending member; and the second end passes through the vertical section of the bending member; and the first enlargement is stopped by the support body in an inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: E-MAKE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kung-Cheng Chen, Lung-Chuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20150108881
    Abstract: A cabinet with display structure showing lock-control state thereof contains a cabinet body having a receiving space, a plurality of drawers slidably assembled in the receiving space, a lock-control unit and a display unit. The lock-control unit contains a driving member, a linking-up member and a lock-control member. The driving member drives the linking-up member to actuate, so that the linking-up member drives the lock-control member to control the drawers in unlocked or locked states. The display unit contains a slidable member and at least one display member. The slidable member moves laterally along with the actuation of the linking-up member and controls the at least one display member displaying the drawers in unlocked or locked states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Ting Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 9004620
    Abstract: A storage assembly has a container, a plurality of drawers arranged to be located in the container, and a gang lock arrangement. The gang lock includes a locking member located in the container and a locking unit locatable in the container. The locking unit has a support, and also a shifting part and a retaining part carried by the support. The shifting part is arranged to move the locking member with respect to the container such that the locking member releasably engages with, and thus releasably retains, the plurality of drawers in the container. The retaining part includes a resiliently biased latch member arranged to releasably retain the locking unit in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Stanley Works Israel Ltd.
    Inventors: Danny Baruch, Elad Hay Shitrit
  • Patent number: 8824130
    Abstract: A chip card holder includes a base, a first retaining board attached to the base, a second retaining board attached to the base spaced apart from the first retaining board, and a receptacle is defined between the first retaining board and the second retaining board. The first retaining board has a first electrical connector. The second retaining board has a second electrical connector. A drawer is movably received in the receptacle. When the drawer received in the receptacle, the chip cards are retained between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chia-Hsin Chang
  • Patent number: 8760860
    Abstract: A fastening device for a hard disk drive (HDD) includes a bottom plate and two fastening members. Two protrusions protrude from the bottom plate. A positioning portion is fastened to the bottom plate. The positioning portion includes an operation tab. A block protrudes from the operation tab. Each fastening member includes a sidewall, and a top wall and a bottom wall extending from top and bottom sides of the sidewall. The top walls are fastened to a bottom of the HDD. Each bottom wall defines an engaging hole. The engaging hole includes a first hole and two second holes communicating with the first hole. When the HDD is being fastened, the HDD is slid to allow each protrusion to enter one of the second holes, and to allow the block to block a corresponding side of the HDD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Patent number: 8636327
    Abstract: Storage chests for tools or the like feature swiveling drawers pivotally mounted to avoid jamming due to misalignment in use of a sliding drawer. The chests employ unique locking systems tailored for use with such pivoting drawers, where an actuator is operable to pivot a blocking member inside the chest between the drawers and a wall of the surrounding housing about a vertical axis into a position interfering with motion of a feature projecting outward from one or more drawers under attempted pivoting thereof. Some embodiments feature a wheel deployment system operable to give a user control over when to rollably support the chest or have it stand on stationary legs, for example for use of the top surface of the chest as a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: OKNO Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin Penner, Norman Penner, Abe Penner
  • Patent number: 8596729
    Abstract: A locking system or a storage unit with the locking system, includes a locking core and a connected cammed lever. A user can rotate the core and lever about an axis when a latch is disengaged from a detent. When the latch is engaged with the detent, the core and the cammed lever are prevented from rotating about the axis. When the locking assembly is installed within the storage unit, the latch may be configured to strike a guide associated with a locking bar assembly, so that when the latch is moved to an unlatched position, the locking core and the lever are free to rotate, operating the locking bar between locked and unlocked positions. When the latch is withdrawn away from the guide, the latch engages with the detent to prevent movement of the lever and locking core relative to the locking assembly, to retain the lever and locking core in a desired, predetermined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Wesko Systems Limited
    Inventor: Tonino Sabelli
  • Patent number: 8519859
    Abstract: A cover for use with a rack system defining a bay for mounting electronic components may comprise six mounting brackets, a door frame, two hinges, and a door. The six mounting brackets may each have a respective first end and a second end. The first end of each mounting bracket may be configured to attach to a respective junction plate associated with the bay. The door frame may be configured to attach to the second ends of the six mounting brackets. The two hinges may be disposed on the door frame. The door may be configured to mount on the two hinges and block access to the bay when closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Paul Forristal, Michael Braucht
  • Patent number: 8348357
    Abstract: A cabinet is fitted with a locking assembly suited for simultaneously locking or unlocking all of the drawers retained within the cabinet assembly. The locking assembly includes a primary actuation assembly, accessible from the exterior of the cabinet which engages a secondary actuation assembly. The secondary actuation assembly defines a plurality of lip elements which are displaceable intermediate the glide assembly which is associated with each drawer of the cabinet. In a closed, locked condition the lip elements are displaced in front of the glide elements thereby forming an obstacle to the lateral displacement of the glide assembly thereby precluding the outward withdrawal of the drawer from its retained position within the cabinet. In an open position, the lip elements are displaced to a position outside of the travel path of the glide assembly whereby they do not impede the operation of those glide assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Briggs
  • Patent number: 8169176
    Abstract: A movement structure for a drawer of a refrigerator is provided. The movement structure may a storage box to be automatically withdrawn from or inserted into a storage compartment of the refrigerator by pressing a button. This automatic movement of the storage box may allow the storage box to be easily withdrawn from and inserted into the storage compartment regardless of a weight of items stored in the storage box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ok Sun Yu, Yong Hwan Eom, Hyoun Jeong Shin
  • Patent number: 8169175
    Abstract: A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator and a refrigerator employing this system is provided. This system and method allows for the automatic opening and closing of multiple drawers of a refrigerator either sequentially or simultaneously. The system automatically closes a first drawer after a second drawer has been opened to reduce the loss of cooling air and to preserve freshness of items stored in the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ok Sun Yu, Yong Hwan Eom, Hyoun Jeong Shin
  • Patent number: 8148932
    Abstract: A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator are provided. This system allows a drawer to be automatically withdrawn from and/or inserted into a main body of the refrigerator. This system also allows a drawer which has been stopped during the withdrawal process to be further withdrawn from the main body so as to complete action on a withdrawal command, or to be re-inserted into the main body, so as to reduce cool air loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myung Keun Yoo, Yong Hwan Eom, Ok Sun Yu, Hyoun Jeong Shin
  • Patent number: 7901017
    Abstract: A self-closing, self-locking security file cabinet having one or more lateral and vertical file drawers mounted on sliding supports includes a lock return mechanism for returning the lock to the lock position after the individual has released his/her hold on the key with the key staying with the lock when the lock is in the unlock position for opening the drawers, a plurality of lock catches pivotally mounted to vertically slidable lock bars mounted to the interior cabinet side walls adjacent the cabinet front and which interact with fixed protrusions on the exterior surfaces of the drawer side panels to allow the opening of the drawers upon lock rotation and closure of the drawers upon release of the lock by the individual, and a constant rate coil spring having a distal end attached to each drawer for returning an open drawer to the closed position at a controlled rate of acceleration when the drawer is manually released by the individual so that the drawer is not damaged against the cabinet back wall durin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Corry Contract, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Kafferlin
  • Patent number: 7866768
    Abstract: A storage assembly of a type including at least two modules which can be solidly connected to one another. Each of said modules is equipped with structure for accessing at least one storage space, a closure mechanism and a mechanism for solidly connecting the modules to one another. The at least one module includes structure for locking the mechanism for solidly connecting the modules to one another and the closure mechanism for closing off access to at least one module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Yves Mallouk
  • Patent number: 7823991
    Abstract: A storage unit having a frame, drawers and a carrying handle. When the unit is lifted by the handle, or the handle is moved to a position suitable for lifting the storage unit, the handle arms lift the bottom drawer of the stack of drawers which in turn lifts each of the above drawers relative to the frame. As each drawer rises, the clearance gap between adjacent drawers is reduced and the drawers are moved to a locked position where they are blocked by detents mounted on the inside of the frame. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the handle is coupled to drawer locking slides instead of the bottom drawer and detents on the drawer locking slides engage with the drawers to lock them in the closed position as the drawer locking slides are moved relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: PDY Systems LP
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Purdy
  • Patent number: 7665812
    Abstract: A locking system for drawers may include a lock with a lock driver that is configured for engaging a drive actuator. The drive actuator may have a lock bar slider in communication with a lock bar. A slave actuator may also be provided in communication with the drive actuator through a shaft. The drive actuator and slave actuator may be respectively positioned so as to lock opposite ends of a drawer. The locking system may also provide the lock with a lock driver that is prevented from being moved into a locked position when the drawer is opened. One of several different resulting arrangements prevents unintentional or inadvertent locking until the drawer is placed into engagement with a drive actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg W. Walla
  • Patent number: 7540573
    Abstract: A cabinet has a housing, multiple tracks, multiple drawers, a safety device and a lock assembly. Each track has a sliding rail having a guiding notch and a locking hole. The safety device is mounted in the housing and has a fixed base, a moving base, multiple locking blocks, multiple locking tongues, multiple guiding posts and multiple guiding blocks. The locking blocks are securely attached to the moving base and each have a locking tab. The locking tongues are mounted respectively on the drawers and selectively aligning with the locking tabs on the locking blocks. The guiding posts are mounted on the moving base and locate respectively above the locking blocks. The guiding blocks are slidably and respectively attached to of the tracks. Each guiding block has an inclined face and corresponding to and selectively abutting with a corresponding one of the guiding posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 7484817
    Abstract: Interlocks for file cabinets and the like which generally prevent more than one drawer from being opened at a given time. The interlocks include a cable which is changeable from a slack condition to a taut condition. In the taut condition, the interlocks prevent the associated drawer from being opened. In the slack condition, the interlock allows the associated drawer to be opened. The interlocks may be used in conjunction with a lock that selectively changes the tension in the cable from a slack condition to a taut condition and vise versa. The interlocks may be constructed to exert a tension on a cable that is independent of the pulling force exerted on a locked drawer. Alternatively, the interlocks may be constructed to exert a force on the cable that is a small fraction of the pulling force exerted on a locked drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Keith A. Hoffman, Sharon M. Carson
  • Publication number: 20080278043
    Abstract: A drawer storage container having a plurality of lockable drawers includes a movable lock bar with a drawer catch associated with each of the lockable drawers. The lock bar is moved between an unlocked position and a locked position with an actuator that is coupled to a locking mechanism, such as for example, a key cylinder. Each drawer includes a striker mechanism that is configured to be held by the drawer catch when the lock bar is in the locked position. The actuator includes a release that allows the lock bar to be moved by the striker from the locked to the unlocked position when the striker impacts a camming surface on the catch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: WATERLOO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gregory Jon Holcomb
  • Patent number: 7393067
    Abstract: A lock-controlled drawer slide structure comprises a lock device, a steel rope, and a latch device, wherein the lock-controlled drawer slide is connected with an interlocking device so as to lock several drawers securely. The lock device comprises a fixing main body, a lock head, a rotatory means, a pull plate, and a fixing plate. The steel rope comprises two fixing heads. The latch device comprises a base, a slidable means, a braking means, a fastening plate, and a cover. The steel rope is utilized to connect the lock device with the latch device securely without the use of complicated fixing structure. The drawers can be locked together by using the braking means that controls the interlocking device. When the braking device is released from being braked by the interlocking device, the braking device retrieves its ability to lock or unlock the upper or lower drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Nan Juen International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Sheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20080136297
    Abstract: A hinge pivots a cover to a base of an object, and consists of a sleeve, an acting counteraction bar, a passive counteraction bar, and an oil hydraulic member; the acting counteraction bar has a connecting section, and a slope section, and is fitted in one end of the sleeve, and joined to the cover at the connecting section; the passive counteraction bar has a slope section, and is held in the sleeve in a linearly slidable manner with its slope section touching the slope section of the acting counteraction bar; the hydraulic member has an acting end, and is pressed against other end of the passive counteraction bar; when the cover is being pivoted open, the slope section of the acting bar will slide on the slope section of the passive bar to push the passive bar for the hydraulic member to slow down the acting bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Shan-Ping Huang
  • Patent number: 7309114
    Abstract: A cabinet has a housing, multiple tracks, multiple drawers, a safety device and a lock assembly. Each track has a sliding rail having a guiding notch and a locking hole. The safety device is mounted in the housing and has a fixed base, a moving base, multiple guiding blocks, multiple locking blocks, multiple guiding brackets and multiple sliders. The guiding blocks are securely attached to the moving base and each have an inclined face. The locking blocks are securely attached to the moving base and each have a locking tab selectively engaging with a corresponding locking hole. The guiding brackets are attached to the fixed base and each have a guiding slot laterally defined through the guiding bracket. Each slider has a top abutting with a corresponding inclined face and a pin engaging with a corresponding guiding notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 7293845
    Abstract: Interlocks for file cabinets and the like which generally prevent more than one drawer from being opened at a given time. The interlocks include an elongated, flexible member, such as a cable, which is changeable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition. In the low slack condition, the interlocks prevent their associated drawers that are closed from being opened. In the high slack condition, the interlocks allow their associated drawer to be opened. The interlocks may be used in conjunction with a lock that selectively changes the cable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition and vice versa. The interlocks may be constructed to exert a force on the cable that is a small fraction of the pulling force exerted on a locked drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Keith A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7063398
    Abstract: Interlocks for file cabinets that prevent more than one drawer from being opened at a given time include an elongated, flexible member, such as a cable, which is changeable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition when one of a number of associated drawers is opened. In the low slack condition, the interlocks prevent their associated drawers that are closed from being opened. In the high slack condition, which exists when the drawers are closed, the interlocks allow their associated drawers to be opened. The interlocks may be used in conjunction with a lock that selectively changes the cable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition and vice versa. The interlocks may be constructed to exert a force on the cable that is a small fraction of the pulling force exerted on a locked drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Keith A Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7001001
    Abstract: A cabinet includes at least two doors located on opposite sides of the cabinet. The cabinet includes an interlocking means comprising a pair of release mechanisms, locking mechanisms, and latching mechanism. The latching mechanism functions to retain the doors in the closed position unless activated by an operator, allowing the doors to be opened. The locking mechanism prevents the latching mechanism from being activated when the opposing door is open. The release mechanism communicates the position of the door to the locking mechanism associated with the other door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: A & A Sheet Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6942306
    Abstract: A cabinet includes side panels, a back panel, and a top panel that frictionally-attach together with non-intrusive integrally-formed connectors. The illustrated base is screw-attached, and includes openings for routing wiring within the cabinet. Brackets are adapted to support shelves in the cabinet in either a flush or inset condition, and at different heights based on which cabinet slots they engage and based on their orientation in those slots. A light-transmitting top panel and top shelf can be used to provide improved light within the cabinet. Hinge brackets on the cabinet support either a thick door with internal storage space, a proud door or an inset door. Drawers supported in the cabinet include a lock within the drawer's header for operating a vertical cabinet lock rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Company
    Inventors: Bradley D. Youngs, Randall P. Nelsen, Timothy J. Wiersma, Kevin J. Longhurst, Keith L. Buffinga, William A. Korreck, Michael A. Jourden, Niels Joachim Eilmus, Michael W. Welsh
  • Patent number: 6932444
    Abstract: A casing includes a housing has a pair of spaced apart housing side walls and housing rear wall therebetween. A drawer slidably supported within the housing has a bottom, drawer side walls extending vertically from the bottom, and drawer front and rear walls extending vertically from the bottom. A key retaining lock is disposed in the drawer front wall and a rotatable shaft is connected to the lock and extends through an interior of the drawer to the drawer rear wall. A rotatable locking cam is connected to the shaft and located behind the drawer rear wall. A blocking member attached to the housing is located to cooperate with the locking cam to lock the drawer in a closed position. A stop block attached to the housing blocks the locking cam until the locking cam is in a position to cooperate with the blocking member to lock the drawer in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Delbert E. Price
  • Patent number: 6779855
    Abstract: Interlocks for file cabinets and the like which generally prevent more than one drawer from being opened at a given time. The interlocks include a elongated, flexible member, such as a cable, which is changeable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition. In the low slack condition, the interlocks prevent their associated drawers that are closed from being opened. In the high slack condition, the interlocks allow their associated drawer to be opened. The interlocks may be used in conjunction with a lock that selectively changes the cable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition and vice versa. The interlocks may be constructed to exert a force on the cable that is independent of the pulling force exerted on a locked drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Keith A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20040135477
    Abstract: A casing includes a housing has a pair of spaced apart housing side walls and housing rear wall therebetween. A drawer slidably supported within the housing has a bottom, drawer side walls extending vertically from the bottom, and drawer front and rear walls extending vertically from the bottom. A key retaining lock is disposed in the drawer front wall and a rotatable shaft is connected to the lock and extends through an interior of the drawer to the drawer rear wall. A rotatable locking cam is connected to the shaft and located behind the drawer rear wall. A blocking member attached to the housing is located to cooperate with the locking cam to lock the drawer in a closed position. A stop block attached to the housing blocks the locking cam until the locking cam is in a position to cooperate with the blocking member to lock the drawer in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Delbert E. Price
  • Publication number: 20040119383
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Richard G. Haworth, Jayson J. Robinson, Jeremy J. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20040100166
    Abstract: The invention relates to interlocks for file cabinets and the like which generally prevent more than one drawer from being opened at a given time. The interlocks include a elongated, flexible member, such as a cable, which is changeable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition. In the low slack condition, the interlocks prevent their associated drawers that are closed from being opened. In the high slack condition, the interlocks allow their associated drawer to be opened. The interlocks may be used in conjunction with a lock that selectively changes the cable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition and vice versa. The interlocks may be constructed to exert a force on the cable that is independent of the pulling force exerted on a locked drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Keith A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20040100165
    Abstract: The invention relates to interlocks for file cabinets and the like which generally prevent more than one drawer from being opened at a given time. The interlocks include an elongated, flexible member, such as a cable, which is changeable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition. In the low slack condition, the interlocks prevent their associated drawers that are closed from being opened. In the high slack condition, the interlocks allow their associated drawer to be opened. The interlocks may be used in conjunction with a lock that selectively changes the cable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition and vice versa. The interlocks may be constructed to exert a force on the cable that is a small fraction of the pulling force exerted on a locked drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Keith A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6726294
    Abstract: A cabinet locking system includes at least one cabinet having a housing and a plurality of separately openable compartments in the housing. The system has an interlocking device locking the compartments, that device including separate switchable locking devices mounted in the housing and assigned to the compartments as well as an access authorization device into which identification codes corresponding to the compartments may be entered. An electronic processing unit that is connected to the interlocking device and the access authorization device controls the locking devices in accordance with codes entered into the access authorization device so that by entering selected codes into that device, corresponding ones of the compartments are unlocked. The system also includes an interlock responsive to the opening of one unlocked compartment for preventing the opening of any other unlocked compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lista Europe Holding AG
    Inventors: Thomas Muller, Bruno Hasler
  • Patent number: 6722167
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Long-Jung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6698258
    Abstract: A rotating modular arm with two arm segments is used in a cabinet locking system. The two arm segments are urged apart by a spring. Each arm segment is connected to a lock bar. When the modular arm is rotated, the arm segments displace the lock bars to lock or unlock the drawers of the cabinet. One of the arm segments defines an elongated asymmetrical slot with two slot portions. The first slot portion is elongated and has a width that is less than the diameter of the second slot portion. A keyed lock housing includes a rotating lock core attached to a Z-shaped crank. A retainer is securely attached to the crank. The retainer has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the second slot portion, but the retainer diameter is greater than the width of the first slot portion. During installation, the retainer is engaged with the modular arm by first inserting the crank through the second slot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Wesko Locks Ltd.
    Inventor: Florian Westwinkel
  • Patent number: 6681604
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Delta Consolidated Industries
    Inventor: Richard A. Samsel
  • Publication number: 20030173878
    Abstract: A cabinet includes side panels, a back panel, and a top panel that frictionally-attach together with non-intrusive integrally-formed connectors. The illustrated base is screw-attached, and includes openings for routing wiring within the cabinet. Brackets are adapted to support shelves in the cabinet in either a flush or inset condition, and at different heights based on which cabinet slots they engage and based on their orientation in those slots. A light-transmitting top panel and top shelf can be used to provide improved light within the cabinet. Hinge brackets on the cabinet support either a thick door with internal storage space, a proud door or an inset door. Drawers supported in the cabinet include a lock within the drawer's header for operating a vertical cabinet lock rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Bradley D. Youngs, Randall P. Nelsen, Timothy J. Wiersma, Kevin J. Longhurst, Keith L. Buffinga, William A. Korreck, Michael A. Jourden, Niels Joachim Eilmus, Michael W. Welsh
  • Publication number: 20030025425
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Hoff Fu Chia Cheng
  • Patent number: 6409290
    Abstract: A drawer fastening device is disposed on a drawer. The drawer fastening device has a lock device, a connection plate, a slide plate, a plurality of hooking plates, a plurality of pivot pins, and a positioning frame. The positioning frame has a plurality of slide slots and a plurality of enlarged holes. The slide plate has an upper end groove and a plurality of through holes. Each hooking plate has an upper distal hook and a lower blocking bar. Each pivot pin fastens the positioning frame, the hooking plate and the slide plate together. The lock device has a positioning seat, a driven plate connected to the positioning seat, and a mount connected to the driven plate. The connection plate is fastened in the mount pivotally and the connection plate is connected to the driven plate. The slide plate is connected to the connection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: San Jye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui-Liang Lin