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

Abstract: Cabinet modules are readily attached and removed from selected attachment parts on a vertical support to provide customized portable storage and instrument mounting. Drawers may be accommodated within a module. A lock on a single drawer can secure all other drawers and modules on one side of the vertical support. An uninterruptable power supply can be incorporated into an enclosed, ventilated module and located at an attachment point low on the vertical support to maintain a low center of gravity while supplying portable power to electronic instruments carried on the vertical support.

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.

Abstract: An interlock system 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 interlock 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. Alternatively, an actuator having pivoting or flexing fingers is connected to the front end of the intermediate members of each slide.

Abstract: An integrated interlock and homing device for a rail assembly. The interlock includes a number of stacked locking bars located adjacent to the rails and a separate locking slide mounted adjacent to each rail in alignment with the locking bars. The homing device includes a separate pivot arm mounted to each rail that moves between open and closed positions when the corresponding rail is extended or retracted. The pivot arm includes an actuator pin that operates the corresponding locking slide. When the homing device is opened, the arm and actuator pin move the locking slide into a locked position thereby locking the locking bars and preventing additional rails from being opened. When the homing device is closed, the arm and actuator pin move the locking slide into an unlocked position thereby releasing the locking bars.

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

Abstract: A locking system for a file cabinet which prevents opening of more than one drawer of the cabinet. The locking system includes a camming system which blocks opening of any secondary drawers after a first drawer has been opened. A rotatable cam having a hook mounts to an individual lock lever. The hook engages an opening in the file drawer or door to prevent retraction while also blocking the interlocking mechanism for the file drawers.

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

Abstract: A drawer system is provided having a frame, first and second drawers that are each slidable guidingly on the frame between open and closed positions, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a first blocking element mounted for movement relative to the frame between a blocking position and a neutral position and a second blocking element mounted for movement relative to the frame between a blocking position and a neutral position. A first actuating surface is provided on the first drawer, with a second actuating surface being provided on the second drawer. The first blocking element in its blocking position prevents the second blocking element from moving from its neutral position into its blocking position. The second blocking element in its blocking position prevents the first blocking element from moving from its neutral position into its blocking position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mounting a fan to a power supply in a computer are described. A camming handle pivotally connected to the power supply retains the fan and also provides an electrical connection between the fan and power supply. The fan is removably supported proximate to the power supply by the camming handle. Cooling requirements of the power supply dictate the type of fan selected for supporting within the camming handle. The camming handle pivots between open and closed positions with respect to the power supply. When the camming handle is in the closed position, the fan is disposed proximate, but external, to the power supply. A latch is provided for restraining the camming handle from pivotal movement when the camming handle is in the closed position. The camming handle includes two open slots which engage a ledge of the PC chassis.

Abstract: A non-interlock blocking element adapted for use with a furniture unit having a plurality of drawers, a vertical guide for receiving a vertical stack of blocking elements which are slidably mountable in the guide for vertical translation therein, and a wedge element associated with each of the drawers which is reciprocable into the stack of blocking elements to effect interlocking relationships among the drawers is provided. The non-interlock blocking element allows such furniture units which are adapted for use with interlocking mechanisms, to be configured as non-interlocking furniture units, or as partially interlocking furniture units. The non-interlock blocking elements are generally similar to standard interlock blocking elements, but include a recess which allows unobstructed reciprocation of a wedge element associated with a drawer when the recess is in horizontal alignment with the wedge element, whereby the drawer can be opened irrespective of whether another drawer is already opened.

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.

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.

Abstract: A non-interlock blocking element adapted for use with a furniture unit having a plurality of drawers, a vertical guide for receiving a vertical stack of blocking elements which are slidably mountable in the guide for vertical translation therein, and a wedge element associated with each of the drawers which is reciprocable into the stack of blocking elements to effect interlocking relationships among the drawers is provided. The non-interlock blocking element allows such furniture units which are adapted for use with interlocking mechanisms, to be configured as non-interlocking furniture units, or as partially interlocking furniture units. The non-interlock blocking elements are generally similar to standard interlock blocking elements, but include a recess which allows unobstructed reciprocation of a wedge element associated with a drawer when the recess is in horizontal alignment with the wedge element, whereby the drawer can be opened irrespective of whether another drawer is already opened.

Abstract: A storage library system is provided for storing cartridges having cartridge notches formed therein. The system includes a receiver forming an opening therein and includes an actuator member. A magazine is adapted for engagement within the receiver opening. The magazine includes a plurality of cells formed therein for receiving cartridges. The magazine includes a locking member engageable with the actuator member to facilitate locking member movement between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the cartridge notches for automatically locking and unlocking the cartridge in each of the plurality of cells as the magazine is moved with respect to the receiver.

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

Abstract: A lock bar assembly for use in a stacking file of the type separate first and second drawer modules that are connected to one another to form a cabinet. Each drawer module includes at least one drawer that is selectively slidable between an open position and a closed position. A snap-on connector allows two or more distinct lock bar portions to function as a single integrated lock bar for preventing simultaneous movement of the first and second drawers from their closed position to their open position. The snap-on connector simplifies connection of the lock bar portions.

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

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: A storage library system is provided for storing cartridges having cartridge notches formed therein. The system includes a receiver forming an opening therein and includes an actuator member. A magazine is adapted for engagement within the receiver opening. The magazine includes a plurality of cells formed therein for receiving cartridges. The magazine includes a locking member engageable with the actuator member to facilitate locking member movement between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the cartridge notches for automatically locking and unlocking the cartridge in each of the plurality of cells as the magazine is moved with respect to the receiver.

Abstract: A multiple drawer interlocking system includes a plurality of the elongate locking elements; the track for confining the locking elements in string; biasing means for urging the locking elements into a contiguous series with each adjacent pair meeting at a junction; and the plurality of actuator devices each having a first unlocked state and a second locked state; each actuator device including an actuator element and a pair of opposing camming elements engaged with the adjacent ends of a pair of locking elements at a junction; each actuator element in the unlocked state being poised adjacent a junction of the string and in its second locked state being introduced into the associated junction between a pair of the locking elements to drive apart the camming elements and the associated locking elements against the urging of the biasing means to misalign all of the remaining junctions with respect to the remaining actuator devices and prevent the remaining actuator devices from moving into the locked state.

Abstract: A multi-drawer cabinet having a cabinet housing and a plurality of drawers disposed one above the other in the housing and a slide mechanism slidably mounting each of the drawers in the housing for slidable movement between an open position extending outwardly from the housing and a closed position received entirely within the housing includes a drawer lock-out mechanism which binds the slide mechanisms of the closed drawers against slidable movement preventing a closed drawer from being opened when any of the other drawers is open.

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.

Abstract: A drawer locking mechanism for at least two drawers (6, 6') arranged one above the other has locking slides (13, 13') whose height is adjustable in a guide (7) along a setting axis (12). Setting elements (22, 22') with setting slots (29, 29') are attached with the slides between front panel (9, 9') of the drawer and the guide (7) arranged on the inner face of the side wall (2) of the body (1). Furthermore, the setting elements (22, 22') have two engagement regions which secure the setting elements (22, 22') in their respective angular positions corresponding to a pushed-in or pulled-out position of the drawers (6, 6'). Accordingly, control pins (31, 31'), associated with the side walls of the drawers (6, 6') as viewed from the front panels (9, 9') of the drawers (6, 6'), are positioned in front of the guide (7). Thus, the control pins do not have to pass the guide when the drawers are opened or closed, thereby improving utilization of space.

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

Abstract: A drawer interlock assembly for a furniture article having at least first and second drawers. A track member is positioned on the furniture article. The assembly includes at least first and second locking members slidingly mounted in the track member. The locking members are interconnected by at least one interconnection strip. Each of the locking members includes a locking projection. The assembly further includes at least first and second drawer members attached to the first and second drawers, respectively. Each of the drawer members includes a first ramp and a second ramp. Engagement of the locking projections with the first and second ramps allows only one drawer of the furniture article to be opened at a time.

Abstract: A multi-drawer cabinet having a cabinet housing and a plurality of drawers disposed one above the other in the housing and a slide mechanism slidably mounting each of the drawers in the housing for slidable movement between an open position extending outwardly from the housing and a closed position received entirely within the housing includes a drawer lock-out mechanism which binds the slide mechanisms of the closed drawers against slidable movement preventing a closed drawer from being opened when any of the other drawers is open.

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

Abstract: An anti-tip device is provided for use in cabinets having two or more drawers, for preventing more than one drawer from being opened simultaneously, thereby reducing the likelihood of the cabinet tipping over due to the force of multiple open drawers. The device comprises a series of bars and pivot members disposed within a vertical channel. The pivoting of one of the pivot members to its open position prevents the pivoting of members both above and below the open member. The pivot members engage the drawers of the cabinet such that a drawer may only be opened when its associated pivot member is pivotable to its open position.

Abstract: A combined locking and anti-tilt device (1) for a cabinet, and a cabinet including such a locking and anti-tilt device, having a plurality of drawers (3) mounted so as to be slidable out of the cabinet, comprising a guideway (G), and, slidably mounted within the guideway (G), a plurality of block units (7), a part (9) of each block unit (7) projecting to a position engageable by part (5) of an adjacent drawer (3), opening of a drawer (3) causing movement of an adjacent block unit (7) in a direction towards a first end of the guideway (G), the length of the guideway (G) within which the block units (7) may slide being limited such that the extent of movement of the block units (7) is limited, and a lock mechanism comprising a locking member (11) movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, is characterized in that the locking mechanism also comprises an elongate locking element (13) extending from the first end of the guideway (G) to at least the region of the locking member (11); the locking el

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.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a plurality of vertically aligned drawers in a housing that includes a locking member associated with at least each of the drawers and wherein the locking member is arranged for reciprocal vertical movement relative to the housing. A slide mechanism is associated with each of the drawers with each of the slide mechanisms being aligned perpendicular to the locking mechanism and being arranged for reciprocal horizontal extension to move the drawers between closed and opened positions with respect to the housing. Each of the slide mechanisms for at least each of the drawers other than the uppermost drawer includes a ramp section that is structured and dimensioned to engage the locking member when at least any one of the drawers other than the uppermost drawer is opened such that the remaining drawers are locked in a closed position.

Abstract: An all plastic container has a plurality of drawers which are pivotally secured within a frame. The drawers have pivot studs which are introduced into ramped grooves in the sides of the frame and which are retained within recesses in the sides when the container is fully assembled. Advantageously, the recesses are located behind the front surface of the container by approximately 40% of the depth of the frame.

Abstract: A drawer catch construction for a drawer and cabinet combination includes a plastic drawer catch comprised of spaced parallel legs which is fitted through an opening in the back side of the drawer and cooperates with a bar positioned on the inside of the cabinet to latch the drawer closed.

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

Abstract: A file cabinet having vertically arranged horizontally movable drawers and an anti-tip lock mechanism that permits movement of a single drawer from its closed to its opened position while simultaneously locking the remaining unopened drawers against movement from their closed to their opened positions.

Abstract: A closing mechanism for cabinets having a plurality of drawers includes vertically displaceable closing rods and cam pieces mounted on the sides of the drawers. Each closing rod has pins projecting toward the drawers. The cam pieces are provided with stop members which interact with the pins. A holding device serves to hold the closing rods in a displaced position. Each cam piece has an initially obliquely ascending guide surface which is integrated in the cam piece. The cam pieces are arranged at different distances from the closing rods, and the cam pieces of each drawer are arranged differently. The cam pieces and the stop members are mounted so as to be displaceable in longitudinal direction of the sides of the drawers. The cam pieces can be clamped in the selected positions relative to the closing rods.

Abstract: In a filing cabinet arrangement of vertically disposed drawers mounted on progressive two or three channel drawer slides an improved interlock or anti-tip mechanism is used. By means of a uniquely configured cam, the cabinet of drawers provides both an anti-tip mechanism as well as an anti-rebound quality which ensures that a drawer, once returned to the cabinet, does not rebound outwardly. In addition, this device will act as a security lock mechanism in conjunction with installed locking apparatus. The particular inventive features lie in the simplicity of the mechanism and in its space saving qualities. No additional space in a cabinet, other than that required for the drawers and the drawer slides, is necessary. The mechanism is economical, simple and worry free in its operation. It is adaptable to any file cabinet situation where two or three channel progressive drawer slides are used.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism for a multi-drawer file cabinet assembly, for preventing more than one drawer from being opened at a time. The interlock mechanism includes a series of control rods mounted for axial movement within a series of blocks located in the interior of the cabinet. The control rods are arranged in an abutting end-to-end relationship, forming joints therebetween. A pivotable lever is mounted to the blocks adjacent each joint, and an actuator member is mounted to each drawer. Movement of a drawer to its open position causes engagement of the actuator member with one of the levers, to pivot it to a position in which the lever separates adjacent control rods, resulting in upward or downward movement of the control rods and vertical displacement of the joints between adjacent control rods. The remaining levers engage the control rods at a location spaced from a joint between control rods, to prevent the remaining drawers from being opened.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism is provided for furniture units and the like of the type having two or more drawers, and functions to permit only one of the drawers to be opened at any given time, so as to avoid tipping, etc. The interlock includes a plurality of blocks slidably mounted in a vertical guide, with an actuator provided for each drawer. Each actuator comprises an arm having an upper portion pivotally mounted to the guide, and a lower portion with a notch shaped to selectively engage a pin on the associated drawer, such that closing and opening the drawer rotates the arm between corresponding unlocked and locked positions. Each actuator also includes a wedge pivotally connected with the lower portion of the arm, and slidably supported on the guide to reciprocate inbetween adjacent blocks when the associated drawer is opened, so as to lock closed all remaining drawers.

Abstract: A medication cart has a base formed of a pair of molded plates interconnected by rails. The plates have molded grooves and holes for receiving structural elements of the cart. Molded hollow plastic end panels have horizontal ribs that support drawers. The end panels are seated in grooves in the base plates. A top cap covers the top of the cart. Locking bars which can be made to automatically open are provided to secure the drawers in the cart.

Abstract: Locking apparatus for wooden cabinets for long guns such as rifles and shot guns comprises a lower stationary metal band horizontally mountable in the cabinet at about trigger height, and an upper metal band horizontally mountable in the cabinet above the lower band at about barrel height. The upper band comprises a back bar fixedly mountable to the back of the cabinet, side bars fixedly mountable to the sides of the cabinet, and a removable front locking bar which is releasably securable to the side bars. The locking bar is engaged to one of the side bars by means of a tang in one end of the locking bar which mates with an aperture in the one side bar, and is locked to the other side bar by a pin-tumber type lock in a housing coupled to the other side wall having a cam which mates with an aperture in the other end of the locking bar.

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.

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.

Abstract: A drawer interlock structure having a channel-like plural station frame supporting at each station a cam on one side of the frame and an operably connected slider movable by the cam on the other side of the frame. A trip pin is attached to each drawer and is located in the opening and closing of each drawer to operably engage the cam. As the cam moves and the slider is displaced a taut strap of flexible material is displaced against a spring force at opening of any one drawer and the spring is limited in its extension by a blocker whereby no other drawers can be opened until closure of the one opened drawer and whereby simultaneous movement of plural drawers are blocked by the limitedly blocked spring loaded strap. The withdrawal of the slider from a positive block against the cam is prevented until the single opened drawer is closed. Simple locking of the structure is by means of a lock device disabling any movement of the strap.

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

Abstract: A lateral file cabinet having at least two drawers and wherein the drawers are mounted for forward and outward tilting movement so as to provide access to the interior of each drawer. A principle feature of the file cabinet is that when one drawer is open, the other drawer of a two drawer file cabinet cannot be opened. An open lower drawer prevents a next upper drawer from being opened and an opened upper drawer prevents a next lower drawer from being opened.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for stacked drawer arrangements comprises operating parts for each drawer which are mounted on the drawer slide for the respective drawer. Such an arrangement may allow any arrangement of drawers of different depths in a cabinet because no actuating parts are provided at fixed intervals on the cabinet. A flexible band having slack length therein is provided on the cabinet over its height. The band is deflectible by the actuating parts when a drawer is withdrawn to take up the slack length. Thus, when one drawer is withdrawn, no slack length is available to allow withdrawal of another drawer. Guides are provided on the drawer slides to maximize deflection of the band.

Abstract: A lock and interlock mechanism for file cabinets, desks, storage units and the like includes an elongated channel which receives a plurality of elongated lock bars in a vertically stacked relationship. A plurality of cam actuators are selectively positionable adjacent the elongated channel. Each actuator is pivotally mounted for movement from a first to a second position upon opening movement of a cabinet drawer. The actuators each define cam portions adapted to engage one of the lock bars and shift it vertically. When one of the actuators is in the second or operative position, the remaining actuators may not be moved or are blocked from movement to their second positions. A detent arrangement on the actuator and lock bars holds each actuator in its second position in a detent type fashion. A control member is mountable on a drawer or drawer guide mechanism to pivot the actuator between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A batching mechanism for an anti-tipping drawer mechanism rigidly attaches adjacent stacked drawers in the retracted position, thus mitigating the tendency to looseness in the mechanism. Preliminary withdrawal movement of any one drawer detaches the latching means and thereafter, further movement of the drawer actuates anti-tipping latching of the other drawers.