With Separable Key As Operator Patents (Class 312/219)
  • Patent number: 6378963
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Drustar, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Relyea, Michael S. Relyea, Mark A. Relyea, Kristen K. Hestrom, Frank R. Wilgus, Donald J. Staufenberg, Gary L. Claypoole
  • Patent number: 6347848
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: E-Make Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lien-Chiu Cho
  • Patent number: 6341511
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Stanley Mechanics Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Snoke, James D. Stewart, George Funari, Gary Silvis
  • Patent number: 6217139
    Abstract: A standardized furniture unit in which a drawer moves in a longitudinal direction and has a plurality of fully closed positions, having a first slide element attached to a stationary panel, the drawer having a shell, a second slide element attached thereto. The first and second slide elements are coupled together and move relative to each other, one of which is provided with at least one set of a plurality of mounting holes aligned along the longitudinal direction. Each of the mounting holes in each set corresponding to a different drawer fully closed position, and one of the mounting holes in each set is aligned with a standardized slide element mounting point in either the stationary panel or the drawer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay M. Henriott, Grover L. Miller, Chad M. Schnell, Gregory K. Davis
  • Patent number: 6170927
    Abstract: A drawer interlinking system for a storage cabinet is disclosed herein. The cabinet includes a frame, a first sliding assembly, and a second sliding assembly. Each sliding assembly is movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the frame. The frame includes a flexible member coupled at a first end to the first sliding assembly. The line is directed by a first guide coupled to the frame in association with the first sliding assembly, a guide assembly coupled to the frame and spaced apart from the first guide, a glide assembly coupled to the frame by a tension member, and a second guide coupled to the frame in association with the second sliding assembly and spaced apart from the guide assembly. The flexible member is coupled at a second end to the second sliding assembly, so that when one sliding assembly is extended from the frame the other sliding assembly is retracted into the frame. The guide assembly can comprise a left pulley connected to a right pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Dykstra, David A. Oetman
  • Patent number: 6158830
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Johnson, Jeffrey C. Olson, Robert R. Steele, Bradley J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6109709
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Waterloo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Jon Holcomb, Steven Frederick Kohagen, Kent Charles Johnson, Robert J. Mehmen, Carl E. Hoffmeyer, Simon Yan
  • Patent number: 6082839
    Abstract: In a drawer control for a file cabinet, a latch member is adapted to rotate via a striker pin attached to the drawer from a release position to an engagement position when the drawer is about to be fully closed. The latch member is urged by a reversing spring which opposes the closing of a drawer until a neutral position adjacent to a fully closed position is reached, and once this neutral position is passed, the reversing spring assists the closing of the drawer to thereby provide a damping action to the drawer movement. Additionally, a moveable member extending across the latch members of the respective drawers can be moved by a cylinder lock so as to engage all the latch members to centrally lock all the drawers, and the moveable member is similarly actuated by opening of one of the drawers so as to interlock the movements of the drawers and permit only one of the drawers to be opened at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Inaba Saisakusho Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Chiku
  • Patent number: 6049451
    Abstract: An aperture in a mounting rail for receiving a retaining pin for securing or locking a carrier that is slid into a carrier bay on the mounting rail. The carrier holds a computer system hard disk drive. The retaining pin extends through the mounting rail aperture and engages a surface on the carrier when the carrier is in a secured position to secure or lock the carrier in the carrier bay. In one example, the mounting rail aperture is located on top of the mounting rail and is formed by an aperture frame that is supported by stiffening ribs. The retaining pin is moved to a secured or locking position by a key actuated cam. The key actuated cam moves a locking bar attached to the retaining pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Ty R. Schmitt, Arthur Lopez, Steven L. Sands
  • Patent number: 5988778
    Abstract: An interlock assembly for use with two or more vertically arranged drawers mounted on telescopic slides in a housing such as a cabinet so as to prevent the extension of a drawer once another drawer is opened. The interlocking system interfaces with the stationary members of vertically arranged slides attached to the cabinet. A pair of opposing upper and lower actuator followers are slidably and transversely fitted near the front of the stationary members so that movement of one actuator follower toward the other, displaces the other. A rod connects the upper actuator follower of one slide with the lower actuator follower of a slide directly above it. An actuator is connected to the front ends of the telescopic members of the slides. As a telescopic member is extended, the actuator of that slide makes contact and displaces the upper actuator follower of the slide which results in the upper displacement of the lower actuator followers of the slides directly above the extended slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Accuride International, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur E. Lammens
  • Patent number: 5946953
    Abstract: A storage cabinet is disclosed having a frame and a drawer movable with respect to the frame and a locking system. The locking system includes an input device having an output link movable along a path between a raised position and a lowered position and a lock blade (or coupling link) coupled to the output link of the input device, an output end and a fulcrum point. The locking system also has a lockbar coupled to the lock blade, a first locking element associated with the lockbar, and a second locking element associated with the drawer to be engaged by the first locking element. When the input device drives the output link to the raised position, the input end of the lock blade is raised and the lock blade pivots about the fulcrum point so that the output end of the lock blade is lowered and the lockbar disengages the first locking element from the second locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Feldpausch (incapacitated)
  • Patent number: 5915802
    Abstract: An automatic teller machine (ATM) cassette security system divides the interior compartment of an automatic teller machine into a service-related area and a cash-related security area. A lock bar positioned to prevent access to cash cassettes establishes the cash-related security area while allowing service-related activities. The security system may be modified to also prevent movement of the transport housing by modification to the lock bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Buzz Siler
  • Patent number: 5873457
    Abstract: In the present invention, the watch is mounted in a conventional hollow collar which is in turn positioned in a display box. A slit in the display box allows a securing member to be slipped through the box and the watch collar. The securing member is locked to the wall of the box on the other side of the watch collar by an anti-theft locking means. The end of the securing member has a pin which is inserted into the locking means and is held in place until released by a release mechanism, such as by a magnet. Such a release mechanism, opens the locking means and allows the securing member to be withdrawn. The end of the securing member opposite the pin, projects out of the box both to form a handle to aid in the removal of the securing member and as a visual indicator that the securing device remains inserted in the watch box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: M. Z. Berger & Co.
    Inventor: Mark Madweb
  • Patent number: 5862689
    Abstract: An improvement in a drawer lock of a cabinet includes a cylinder, a trigger bar, a fixing block, a sliding block, a latch hook, a first elastic member and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism has a clutch pivotally engaged with a latch bar. A second elastic member keeps the clutch to be engaged with the latch bar at a preset angle. The latch hook of a closing drawer can wedge the latch bar to turn an angle smoothly while the clutch and the sliding block remain stationary, so as to prevent causing any damage to the latch hook even when the cabinet is in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Cheng-Kan Wen
  • Patent number: 5829859
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Planhold Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald Cram
  • Patent number: 5816672
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for securing a component in an electronics housing utilizing an apparatus including a rail attached to a side portion of an electronics housing, a door slidably coupled to the rail, a bezel coupled to the electronics housing and covering a portion of the rail, and a multiple position locking mechanism coupled to the rear of the bezel. The apparatus is used to cover and secure the external components of a server wherein the server contains one or more removable external components that are data drives and the media in those data drives. The locking mechanism includes a rotatable switch lock connected to an axial moving link that rotates a specially designed shaft that contains predetermined locking locations to contact a protruding rib portion of the door and hold or lock the door in a particular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brion E. LaPointe, William M. Becker
  • Patent number: 5803559
    Abstract: A lockable modular storage and support assembly uses a platform system that includes vertically disposed support posts. The support post has an extended tubular body and a plurality of symmetrically spaced, radially extending flanges running the length of the tubular body. Each flange has a first portion extending radially from the post and a second portion at the terminal end of the first portion. A slot is defined between each pair of adjacent flanges for receiving vertical panels or other inserts. A security system with both manual and electronic controls is provided to lock the modular storage and support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Carlson, David A. Reppert, Michael B. Burns, Douglas J. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 5720535
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Waterloo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Mehman
  • Patent number: 5691879
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, compact and cost effective locking device that simultaneously secures a multiple of hard disk drive carriers or cartridges in a disk drive housing. The disk drive housing includes at least two disk drive carrier bays in a disk drive carrier opening for housing associated disk drive carriers. The locking device of the present invention secures the disk drive carriers into the disk drive carrier bays and therefore into the disk drive housing. The locking device includes a moveable locking bar assembly located inside the disk drive housing and spanning the disk drive carrier bays and comprises a locking bar and at least two locking pins projecting from the locking bar, one locking pin for each of the disk drive carriers, wherein the locking bar is moveable to either a locked or an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Arthur Lopez, Steven L. Sands
  • Patent number: 5673983
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Carlson, David A. Reppert, Michael B. Burns, Jonathan M. Daugherty, Kenneth A. Stevens, Craig F. Orlove
  • Patent number: 5567027
    Abstract: A lock system for a container having a first side wall and a second side wall. The lock system comprises a first component supported on a first track which defines a path for the first component to move from a closed position to an open position. The lock system comprises a first locking bar movable from a first position to a second position allowing the first component to move along the first track to the open position. The lock system comprises a second component supported on a second track defining a path for the second component to move from a closed position to an open position. A second locking bar is movable from a first position to a second position allowing the second component to move along the second track to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane G. McClung, Paul G. Dame
  • Patent number: 5533798
    Abstract: A lock system for casegoods, such as desks, cabinets, storage units, wardrobes and the like, includes an elongated, flexible tape or lock member having a plurality of spaced lock studs positioned thereon. A lock actuator moves the tape between unlocked and locked positions. Catches are mounted on the drawers, doors and the like of the article. When the flexible tape is moved to the locked position, the lock studs block or prevent opening movement of the drawers or doors due to contact with the catches. The flexible tape is routed through channels or other mounting structure formed in panels and tops of the article of furniture. An interlock mechanism, which may be integrated with the lock member, includes a lock lever, a cable attached to the lock lever and a plurality of interlock cams. Control members on the drawers rotate the cams to take up the cable causing the interlock lever to pivot and engage the lock member, thereby moving the lock member to a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Phillip D. Carino, Frederick S. Faiks, David M. DeBoer, Samuel J. Ellison, Daniel N. Siegrist
  • Patent number: 5427445
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Quest Engineering
    Inventor: Terry L. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5385039
    Abstract: A lock for furniture includes a plunger assembly for actuating a lock mechanism. The plunger assembly includes a reader for receiving a control signal from a key. The plunger assembly includes a curved surface for contacting a lock rod such that the plunger assembly requires a constant force to move the lock rod through its range of motion to a locked position. A catch assembly secures the plunger, and hence the lock rod, in a locked position. A solenoid shifts the catch assembly to release the plunger assembly. The lock assembly may also include a lever connected at one end to the catch assembly and having a counterweight on an opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Joseph R. Branc, Robert B. Lubinskas
  • Patent number: 5358322
    Abstract: A lock system for an article of furniture such as a cabinet or pedestal having one or more drawers or doors includes a lock bar movable between locked and unlocked positions responsive to an actuator and operating mechanism. The actuator and operating mechanism includes a lead screw which provides front-rear movement of a slider to which a toothed rack is mounted, in response to key operation of the lock mechanism by an operator. A toothed pinion is engaged with the toothed rack, and is rotatable in response to the front-rear movement of the rack. A pair of shafts are mounted to and rotatable with the pinion, extending between the pinion and a pair of levers mounted one on each side of the cabinet. Each lever is pivotably mounted, and includes an arm for lifting and lowering the lock bar in response to rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5257860
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Snap-on Tools Corporation
    Inventor: George R. Slivon
  • Patent number: 5199774
    Abstract: A cabinet assembly having a plurality of vertical rows of drawers. A combination lock and interlock system is provided wherein a cable having a predetermined slack is positioned adjacent the plurality of drawers and interacts with a catch that is positioned on each drawer. Upon opening of a drawer, the catch moves the cable from a slack position which permits a drawer to be opened to a taut position which prevents the opening of a second drawer. One end of the cable is attached to a remote locking device which selectively pulls the cable taut and releases it to a slack position to allow remote locking and unlocking of all drawers while in their closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Hedinger, Steven F. Trinkel, David L. Hostetter
  • Patent number: 5184887
    Abstract: A lock for an interlock mechanism that prevents the opening of more than one filing cabinet drawer at a time. The interlock mechanism comprises a fixed-length channel having at least one movable block and at least two wedges. When a drawer is opened, one of the wedges is moved, thereby filling the channel and preventing the opening of another drawer. The lock selectively prevents the wedges from moving into the channel when all of the drawers are closed, thereby locking all of the drawers in the filing cabinet in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. O'Keefe, Michael J. Veihl
  • Patent number: 4966423
    Abstract: A cabinet drawer interlock to prevent more than one drawer from being opened at one time has an actuator on each drawer which is engaged with a separate sprocket rotor. A number of locking bars arranged in end contacting relation and each bar having a slot. First and second pawls on each rotor are inserted between the ends of a pair of adjacent locking bars and within a locking bar, respectively, when a first drawer is opened rotating the rotor for that drawer. The remaining closed drawers cannot be opened since the associated locking bars contact the pawl ends on attempted rotor rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Russ Bassett Company
    Inventors: Bernard A. Higuera, Miguel A. Arreola
  • Patent number: 4957334
    Abstract: An interlock system for a multi-draw cabinet having a latching module for each drawer which is actuated by the movement of the draw between an open and a closed position relative to the cabinet. Each latching module includes a base which is mounted to the side wall of the cabinet and includes an actuating lever which is pivotally mounted on the supporting base and is moved between a non-actuating position and an actuating position through an inter-connection between the lever and the drawer. An elongated transmitter extends between each adjacent latching module for relative longitudinal movement between adjacent latching modules within appropriate vertical passageways in the modules. Each latching module has a horizontal passageway which intersects the vertical passageway and which contains a horizontally-extending transmitter which is moved toward the vertical passageway by movement of the actuating lever from its non-actuating position to its actuating position upon opening of its corresponding drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Priority Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Lakso
  • Patent number: 4865404
    Abstract: A multi-drawer file cabinet having an interlock mechanism to prevent opening of more than one drawer at a time. The interlock mechanism includes modular lock bars for accommodating half-height and full-height drawers in any desired combination. A security lock mechanism is actuatable without requiring shifting of the lock bars. Doors may be provided for the cabinet spaces and anti-rebound mechanisms are provided for the drawers and/or doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Harpers
    Inventor: Henry J. Harper
  • Patent number: 4823570
    Abstract: A locking mechanism to secure a coin operated vending machine includes an elongate locking bar insertable into a housing of the vending machine to secure closed a door hingedly mounted to the housing. A pair of metal loops integral with the door, and a pair of cover plates integral with the housing, are aligned to simultaneously contain the locking bar when the door is closed. A key-operated lock cylinder, mounted in recessed fashion inside the housing, supports a latch for pivotal movement toward and away from a latching position, wherein the latch enters a slot formed in the locking bar to keep the locking bar in its locking position. A reinforcing plate, with a keyway and a larger opening to permit insertion of the locking bar, protects the locking mechanism against tampering to discourage unauthorized entry into the vending machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Air-Vend, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Jurek
  • Patent number: 4768844
    Abstract: A locking system for a filing cabinet which permits only one drawer to be pulled out at a time includes a vertical track at the side of the cabinet in which move vertically extending bars, one for each drawer, against the pressure of a spring through a predetermined limited distance. When the cabinet is locked the bars are held against any movement. When the cabinet is unlocked, such movement is permitted. When one drawer is withdrawn, a two position cam on the respective bar is rotated 90.degree.. The cam is rotationally mounted on one bar but bears against a projecting shelf on the next adjacent bar or a fixed shelf. When the cam is rotated by the respective drawer being pulled out further movement of the bars is precluded locking all of the other drawers against withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Hauserman, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4761045
    Abstract: A drawer lock subassembly (16) for one or more drawers (25 and 26) is described. The assembly includes stop members (18) which are secured in hole (17a) in a slide member (17) mounted in a recess lip. The slide member is held in place by a clip (23) on a subassembly (15) which holds the slide member in place for vertical sliding movement in the recess. The stop member is moved by the slide member into a locked or unlocked position by a key (19a) activating a lever (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Metalworks, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Paine
  • Patent number: 4721347
    Abstract: An improved cabinet drawer locking system is provided which permits a user to lock the cabinet drawers by placing the system in the locked position after closing the drawers and/or by placing the system in the locked position and then closing the drawers. The system includes a key actuated lock and a shaft, rotatably mounted in the cabinet and connected at one end to the lock. The shaft includes an offset lever at the end opposite the end connected to the lock. This lever drives a linkage which engages a spring-biased latch bar. The latch bar co-acts with a cooperating member secured to the drawers of the cabinet to lock and unlock the drawers. In operation, the lock rotates the shaft and the offset lever; and the linkage transmits this motion to the latch bar to move the latch bar between a locked and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: The Remline Tool Storage Company, Inc.
    Inventor: George N. Kritselis
  • Patent number: 4662689
    Abstract: A file cabinet provided with a housing which has a front opening, and which supports thereon a vertically-spaced plurality of drawer units supported for horizontal displacement between open and closed positions relative to the housing. A horizontally elongated but vertically narrow filler panel is positioned within the front opening of the housing between two vertically-spaced drawer units. The filler panel is disposed at a convenient working height which is preferably in the range of 24 to 36 inches above the floor. The filler panel mounts thereon a key-operated lock mechanism which is preferably centrally positioned both vertically and horizontally of the cabinet, and which activates locking bolts which project sidewardly of the cabinet for activating vertically-movable lock bars which are mounted for limited vertical displacement on the insides of the housing side walls. These lock bars having locking elements which engage the closed drawer units to hold them in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis M. Chatterson, Thomas McKernan
  • Patent number: 4616890
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medication dispensing system comprising a medication cart having one or more medication cassettes. The panels forming the cassette interlock in an unique manner and are rigidly secured together by an U-shaped frame. Novel lock means insure that medication trays contained in the cassette may be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Inventor: Jerome M. Romick
  • Patent number: 4609233
    Abstract: An improved locking system for furniture of the type having a plurality of drawers, at least one of which is locked from a remote position through a keyed operator module by translating a slide bar to interfere with one of the drawers in a locked position. A flexible, rotatable cable extends between the operator module and a connector/actuator module associated with the slide bar. The connector/actuator module comprises a crank with an integral shaft and rotatable, eccentric lug which is directed in an L-shaped slot in a slide plate. Rotation of the cable imparts translatory movement to the slide plate which is followed by the slide bar. In another aspect of the invention, the operator module, which is geared to the cable through a translatable rack, causes extension of a bolt on the rack to lock a second drawer simultaneously as the slide bar realizes a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Timberline Supply, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregg W. Walla
  • Patent number: 4605266
    Abstract: A drawer unit having a lock mechanism for controlling a plurality of drawers. The lock mechanism employs a vertically elongated lock bar having a plurality of vertically spaced locking tabs mounted thereon at selected intervals, which lock tabs are permanently fixed to the bar. The drawer unit employs a cabinet which mounts therein the plurality of drawers, which plurality can vary in number and/or size to permit the user to select the optimum drawer arrangement. Irrespective of the number and/or sizes of drawers selected, the same lock bar cooperates with and lockingly holds all of the drawers in a closed locked position when activated, without requiring any rearrangement of the lock bar. An open drawer can also be readily moved into its closed position without undue effort since the lock bar is displaced against the urging of a spring so as to permit the lock stop on the activated drawer to move therepast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. McKernan, Gordon C. Berry
  • Patent number: 4533336
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has hinged and lockable doors, trunk lid, and hood, each with an internal U-shaped shackle, clevis, or claw projecting inwardly. A single locking plate is slidably positioned inside the vehicle. The plate has an integral sliding bolt at each position which is adjacent a shackle, clevis, or claw. The internal hub of each wheel has an integral, cam shaped member formed thereon to be captured or released by detents on the locking plate. A key fits through a key hole in the bottom of the vehicle in order to slide the plate forward or aft, as the key turns. As it so slides, a bolt or detent on the plate slides through or out of each shackle, clevis, or claw and engages or disengages the cam members, thereby locking or unlocking the doors and wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Inventors: John Dixon, Peter Manning
  • Patent number: 4511041
    Abstract: A jewelry store display tray for displaying finger rings and other jewelry items to customers is provided with a security system for locking rings and such other items into the tray and for locking the tray to security mounts affixed to jewelry display counter tops thereby to prevent thefts of jewelry items and thefts of entire jewelry display trays. Finger activated means are provided to release, from lock condition, the rings or other jewelry items of a given row of rings or other items in the tray and to release the tray from its secured position on a counter top. Key lock means are provided to lock the finger actuated release means against their operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Inventor: Michael D. Waitzman
  • Patent number: 4477130
    Abstract: A security cabinet for protecting one's valuables having a key actuatable locking means provided with an elongate locking bar for lockingly engaging with a door flange provided on the inner side of the door. Additional locking means are provided along the hinge side of the door in the form of an additional key actuatable locking bar or a series of internal locking pins carried by the door and cooperating with cutouts provided in the surrounding door-jamb or frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: Tread Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Frantz
  • Patent number: 4469382
    Abstract: A remote control locking mechanism is provided for a modular desk assembly, pedestals, cabinets and like assemblies which permits the various storage compartments to be moved about and yet still be locked and unlocked irrespective of their location relative to a remote control lock actuator. Each of the various storage compartments has a locking device attached thereto which is connected to the remote control lock actuator by a cable which is slidably encased within a sheath. The sheath has one end anchored at the particular storage compartment and its opposite end anchored at the remote control lock actuator. One end of the cable is connected to the locking device of the storage compartment and its opposite end connected to a moving device within the remote control lock actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew A. Slaats, Jay M. Henriott, Paul R. Hedinger, Steven F. Trinkel
  • 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: 4352529
    Abstract: The system includes an elongated latching bar located behind the drawers and rotatable between latching and unlatching positions. A spring biases the latching bar to its latching position. A latching clip is mounted on each drawer and has a cam for engaging the latching bar and causing rotation thereof to its unlatching position as the drawer is closed. The latching clip has a keeper for receiving the latching bar as it rotates back to its latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1982
    Assignee: Lyon Metal Products, Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark H. Steinke
  • Patent number: 4337987
    Abstract: A cabinet includes a locking mechanism which prevents removal of a key unless the cabinet door is properly closed and a prescribed item is properly positioned and stored within the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment, the cabinet door assembly includes a hinge which is slotted so as to accept a rotatable cam of the locking mechanism to prevent hinge movement in the locked position. The stored item has a magnet secured thereto which, when properly positioned in the cabinet, pulls a spring biased magnetized bar into a position wherein a slotted extension of the bar permits the cam to pass into the hinge slot. With the item improperly positioned or removed, the slotted bar extension prevents rotation of the lock by blocking passage of the cam into the hinge slot. The key and lock combination are standard items of the type which prevent key removal from the lock unless the lock is turned to the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Stuart M. Brooks
    Inventors: Stuart M. Brooks, Martin R. Fagan
  • Patent number: 4269039
    Abstract: An ice receptacle support for use in a refrigeration apparatus, such as a freezer, wherein ice bodies are stored in an upwardly opening receptacle. The receptacle is removably carried on a support which is swingably mounted by a front pair of links and a rear pair of links so as to be gravity biased forwardly against a small access door carried in the main door of the freezer. When the small access door is opened, the receptacle swings forwardly as a result of the forward gravity biasing thereof by the supporting link arrangement so as to place the receptacle automatically in an ice access position. The links are arranged to provide a controlled limited force of the gravity biasing so as to effectively avoid undesirable opening of the freezer doors by the gravity biasing force. The front pair of links may be pivotally connected to a front upper portion of the receptacle carrier and the rear pair of links may be pivotally connected to a lower rear portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Cecil J. Baker
  • Patent number: 4246769
    Abstract: A gang locking system for use in furniture cabinets having a plurality of doors or drawers comprises a lock tube which rotates to move a lock bar from a disengaged or open position to an engaged or locked position. Rotation of the lock tube is effected by a lock cam attached to a lock cylinder. The lock cam is a generally rod shaped member having two offsets to constitute a "Z" or zig-zag shape and projects through a pair of slots in the lock tube. The slots in the lock tube have a width only slightly greater than the diameter of the rod-like cam so as to reduce any slack or "play" between the lock cam and the lock tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Assignee: Storwal International Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon McLaughlin
  • Patent number: RE34171
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medication dispensing system comprising a medication cart having one or more medication cassettes. The panels forming the cassette interlock in an unique manner and are rigidly secured together by an U-shaped frame. Novel lock means insure that medication trays contained in the cassette may be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventors: Jerome M. Romick, Duane Beardsley