Multiple Drawer Locking System

1. Background of the Invention

Reference is made to copending application for File Cabinet Locking System, Ser. No. 011,888, filed Feb. 6, 1987 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,505, Dec. 8, 1987. In the present case, the discrete elements in the line of elements have been improved so that something like a pin or lug may be more advantageously utilized in between elements for rigidifying the line of discrete elements in the locking action, especially for remote control as by a key. The present invention is usable for locking all the drawers in a desk or file cabinet and allied areas, and the novel discrete element unit can be used in the situation disclosed in the aforesaid application for patent also.

2. Summary of the Disclosure

In a series of drawers of the like, a line of discrete elements is provided in the same relation as the balls illustrated in said patent application, but in this case the elements are generally cylindrical and aligned along their longitudinal axes, whereby a pin or lug of appropriate size can be interposed between elements and more positively move the line against the action of a spring or other elastomeric device, for locking and unlocking. Means is provided to actuate the pin or lug from a distance as by a key or the like and this means includes a rotary circular member on a fixed axis with the pin or lug in the line of discrete elements but offset from the axis of the rotary circular member. A flexible cord about the periphery of the circular member may be utilized to turn the rotary circular member to load the elastomeric device and lock the circular member down, i.e., in locking condition of the drawers, whereas when unlocked, the elastomeric device returns the line of elements up and the pin or lug, to unlocked condition of the drawers.

The actual drawer locks each comprise a pin in the line of discrete elements, and a pin receiver on each drawer arranged in cooperative relation. When the rotary locking member is loose or free, the drawers can be slid in and out without hinderance, but when the lock is in effect, the pins or lugs are down and enter vertical, open top slots in the several drawers, these slots being the said "pin receivers". The pin receivers are located in abutment type members or the drawers, and it is to be noted that the pins in the line of elements can be located along the line of elements where desired and the slotted abutments can also be attached to the respective drawer sides to match. When the line of discrete elements is locked, i.e., down, the elements are substantially fixed in position but not wholly so, and under impact can move along the line, as they are located on the spring or elastomeric device as a whole. The abutments on the drawers are provided with a cam nose so that with the line of elements "locked", in down, drawer locking relation, an open drawer may be slammed in, and the cam nose will impinge upon and jolt aside its locking pin momentarily, to allow the drawer to be returned to closed, locked condition.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a line of discrete elements and appurtenant parts, showing the locking pins in up, unlocking condition;

FIG. 2 is a similar partial view showing the locking pins in down, locking condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a slotted abutment;

FIG. 4 is an edge view illustrating the relation of locking pin and slotted abutment, and

FIG. 5 is a bottom end view looking in the direction of arrow 5 in FIG. 1.

This invention is intended to simultaneously lock all the drawers of a filing cabinet, desk, bureau, or a similar chest of drawers type of furniture having stacked drawers. Usually a key operated lock will control the action, to lock or unlock all drawer members at once. A vertical track or receptor 10 is mounted interiorly of the housing or case for the drawers and extends vertically, facing the drawers as seen in FIG. 1. There is a spring 12 at the lower end held in the track by a plug 14, and a line of discrete elements 18 are held in the track, resting on this spring or other elastomeric device.

At intervals on the track there are mounted plates 20 each of which has a vertical slot 22 to accomodate a locking pin 24, slidable, with relation thereto and having an inner end interposed between a pair of elements 18, with the other or outer end projecting from the plate, see FIG. 4. Any means may be used to anchor the pins in the slots. At the upper end of the line of elements 18 there is preferably another spring 26, then at least one more element 18, and a closure plug 28. The plates 20 are merely mounted on the track or on a surrounding structure not shown by fasteners of any kind, as will be clear. The elements 18 are held in the track by overhangs 30 and slots 32 may be used to receive fasteners 34 for plates 20 and a fastener 36 for the rotary actuator 38 to be described.

The rotary actuator 38 is mounted to rotate or oscillate on its axes and is actuated as by a flexible cord 40 inturn actuated by a manual device such as a lock 42. A pin or lug 44 is secured to rotary member 38 at a position offset from its axis, and this pin or lug 44 impinges upon the upper end of contigous discrete element 18, so that as cord 40 is moved to the right in FIG. 1, by key lock 42, the entire line of discrete elements is translated downwardly against spring 12, compressing it. The locking pins move down also, compare FIGS. 1 and 2, the plates 20 being fixed. When the locking pins 24 are up, the drawers are unlocked and free, when the locking pins 24 are down, they are in drawer locking position. The sole movement of locking pins 24 is vertical, in the slots 22.

In FIG. 4, a drawer is indicated at 48. Each drawer 48 has a latch plate 50 thereon in cooperative position relative to a plate 20 and pin 24. Each plate 50 has a top open vertical slot or notch 52 which receives the respective locking pin 24 when down, in locking position, and the latch plates are free of locking pins 24 when they are up, FIG. 3 clearly the drawers cannot be withdrawn horizontally when the locking pins are in notches 52.

In the event that the circular rotary actuator 38 is turned to place the locking pins in locking position with a drawer open, such open drawer can be slammed shut by reason of a cam nose 54 at the leading edge of latch plate 50. This cam nose slams against the down pin 24, dotted lines FIG. 3, and due to the spring 26, jolts it up, over the hump 56, and seats it in notch 52, as the latch plate 50 and drawer are forces to the left in FIG. 3.

The individual discrete elements 18 are preferably generally cylindrical, but have tapered ends. This reduces friction and allows the pin or lug 44 to bear on the slope of the uppermost element 18, in FIG. 1.