Patent Application
20240392608
This disclosure relates to a furniture interlock system, and more particularly to a cable interlock system to regulate extension of drawers.
Drawer interlocks have been common in commercial office furniture, such as file cabinets, to regulate the simultaneous operation of multiple drawers to prevent furniture from tipping over. Generally, these drawer interlocks are assembled on-site with drawer slides. The conventional systems use catches, typically installed on sides of the drawers or integrated into the slides, to regulate the simultaneous operation. When one drawer is open, the catch engages to prevent other drawers from opening at the same time.
New federal furniture tip-over regulations have made drawer interlock system more important with residential furniture. However, the conventional interlock systems are not suitable for factory-assembled residential furniture. Factory-assembled residential furniture is subjected to significant impacts during transit, as well as changes in furniture material (expanding, contracting, twisting, and warping) that can cause installed conventional interlock systems to become misaligned and no longer function. This reduces furniture utility and safety.
There is a need for an interlock system that is optimized for residential furniture that is resistant to impacts and change in furniture shape.
A cable interlock system configured to regulate extension of drawers piece of a furniture is disclosed, the cable interlock system comprises a cable having cable first end and a cable second end. The cable first end and the cable second end are each secured to the furniture at one of a furniture body or a drawer of the piece of furniture. The cable first end is secured at a first anchor point and the cable second end is secured at a second anchor point. In some embodiments, the first anchor point and the second anchor point comprise a same location. In other embodiments the first and second anchor points comprise separate locations. The furniture comprises a plurality of drawers, each of the plurality of drawers comprises a plurality of walls wherein at least one of the plurality of walls of each of the plurality of drawers comprises a drawer opening, the first anchor point, the second anchor point, or a combination thereof. One or more furniture openings are disposed on the furniture body. The cable is threaded through each of the drawer openings forming a drawer threading point. The cable is further threaded through each of the furniture openings forming a furniture threading point. The cable further comprises a cable slack having sufficient slack so as to regulate the extension of each of the plurality of drawers. In some embodiments, the cable slack is configured to allow a single drawer of the plurality of drawers to fully open while preventing two drawers from fully opening simultaneously. The prevention of two drawers opened at the same time causes one of the drawers to retract to allow the other drawer to fully open.
The cable interlock system can be designed to allow different drawers to extend at different amounts depending on placement of each of the drawer threading points, the furniture threading points, and the first and second anchor points. Advantages of the cable interlock system include an interlock system that is more resilient and less prone to malfunction compared to conventional interlock systems. Furthermore, it can be applied to almost any furniture with minimal modifications. The cable interlock system does not require specialized drawer slides or other complex components. The cable interlock system can be utilized as a drawer stopper of the furniture. The cable interlock system can prevent drawers from accidentally be pulled all the way out of the furniture body. The cable interlock system can be especially advantageous with furniture without slides or that have slides without stoppers.
Other features, combinations, and embodiments will be appreciated by one having the ordinary level of skill in the art of furniture and accessories upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.
For purposes herein, the term “plurality of drawers” means two or more drawers assembled with a piece of furniture. The plurality of drawers may comprise all drawers of the furniture or may comprise a subset of all drawers of the furniture.
The term “cable” means any elongated flexible material.
Unless explicitly defined herein, terms are to be construed in accordance with the plain and ordinary meaning as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.
In one general embodiment, a cable interlock system is disclosed. The system comprises a furniture body configured to receive a plurality of drawers. The drawers comprise a drawer back side and a drawer front side opposite the drawer back side. The furniture body comprises a furniture front side, a furniture back side opposite the furniture front side, a furniture bottom side, and a furniture interior. The furniture body further comprises one or more furniture threading points disposed on the furniture interior, and a plurality of furniture apertures disposed on the furniture front side configured to receive the plurality of drawers. A first anchor point is disposed on one of the furniture body or one of the plurality of drawers. A cable having a cable first end and a cable second end is configured to extend through the one or more threading points. The cable first end is coupled to the first anchor point.
In some embodiments, the cable may further comprise a cable slack having a sufficient slack configured to regulate extension of the plurality of drawers. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of drawers may be configured to open to a full outward extension.
In some embodiments system comprises a single anchor point such that the cable second end may be coupled to the first anchor point.
In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a second anchor point disposed on one of the furniture body or one of the plurality of drawers, wherein the cable second end is coupled to the second anchor point. The first anchor point and the second anchor point may each be disposed on the furniture back side.
In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a cable weight coupled to the cable first end. The cable weight may translate along a weight guide.
In some embodiments, at least one of the cable first end and the cable second end may be coupled to a cable retracting reel.
In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of drawers may comprise a drawer threading point wherein the cable is configured to extend through each of the drawer threading points.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of drawers may comprise the drawer threading point.
In some embodiments, one or more of the drawer threading points may comprise a pulley coupled to a corresponding drawer.
In some embodiments, one or more of the drawer threading points may comprise two apertures disposed on a corresponding drawer.
In some embodiments, one or more of the drawer threading points may comprise a hook coupled to a corresponding drawer. The hook may further comprise a spring-loaded gate.
In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of drawers may comprise a plurality of the drawer threading points to regulate drawer extension.
In some embodiments, each of the drawer threading points and each of the one or more furniture threading points may be in vertical alignment relative to the furniture bottom side.
In some embodiments, each of the one or more drawer threading points may be disposed on the drawer back side.
In some embodiments, the cable may comprise a plurality of smaller cables connected in a series using intermediate couplings for preventing twist in said cable.
In some embodiments, the cable may further comprise a synthetic polymer sheath surrounding a synthetic fiber core.
In some embodiments, the first anchor point may be disposed on the furniture interior of the furniture body.
In some embodiments, the system may further comprise an interlock release mechanism having an interlock release cover disposed at the furniture back side, the interlock release cover configured to provide access to the furniture interior. The interlock release mechanism may further comprise a leader cord attached to the cable to create sufficient cable slack to remove one of the plurality of drawers.
In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of drawers comprises an access cutout disposed on a back side of the drawer.
In some embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a single column wherein a single cable interlock system is configured to regulate extension of the drawers. In other embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a plurality of columns wherein a plurality of independent cable interlock systems is configured to regulate the plurality of drawers with each of the plurality of columns comprising one of the independent cable interlock systems. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a plurality of columns wherein a single interlock system is configured to regulate the plurality of columns.
In another general embodiment, a cable interlock system is disclosed. The cable interlock system comprises a plurality of drawers, each of the plurality of drawers having a drawer back side and a drawer front side opposite the drawer back side, wherein one or more of the plurality of drawers comprises a drawer threading point. The cable interlock system further comprises a furniture body comprising a furniture front side, a furniture back side opposite the furniture front side, a furniture bottom side, and a furniture interior. One or more furniture threading points are disposed on the furniture interior, and a plurality of furniture apertures disposed on the furniture front side configured to receive the plurality of drawers. A first anchor point is disposed on one of the furniture body or one of the plurality of drawers, and a second anchor point disposed on one of the furniture body or one of the plurality of drawers. A cable having a cable first end and a cable second end wherein the cable first end is coupled to the first anchor point, the cable second end is coupled to the second anchor point, and the cable is configured to extend through each of the drawer threading points and the one or more furniture threading points.
In some embodiments, the cable may further comprise a cable slack having a sufficient slack configured to regulate extension of the plurality of drawers. In some embodiments at least one of the plurality of drawers may be configured to open to a full outward extension.
In some embodiments, the first anchor point and the second anchor point may each be disposed on the furniture back side.
In some embodiments, the second anchor point may be disposed vertically below each of the drawer threading points and each of the one or more furniture threading points, and the first anchor point may be disposed vertically above each of the drawer threading points and each of the one or more furniture threading points.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of drawers may comprise at least one of the first anchor point, the second anchor point, or the drawer threading point.
In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a cable weight coupled to the cable first end. The cable weight may translate along a weight guide. Translation of the cable weight may be substantially vertical.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of drawers may comprise the drawer threading point.
In some embodiments, one or more of the drawer threading points may comprise a hook coupled to a corresponding drawer. The hook may further comprise a spring-loaded gate for easy detachment of the cable.
In some embodiments, each of the drawer threading points and each of the one or more furniture threading points are in vertical alignment relative to the furniture bottom side.
In some embodiments, each of the drawer threading points may form a first collinear alignment when the plurality of drawers is in a closed state. The first anchor point, the second anchor point, and the one or more furniture threading points disposed on the furniture body may form a second collinear alignment. The first collinear alignment may parallel to the second collinear alignment. The first collinear alignment may comprise a horizontal offset from the second collinear alignment.
In some embodiments, each of the one or more drawer threading points is disposed on the drawer back side.
In some embodiments, the cable may comprise a plurality of smaller cables connected in a series using intermediate couplings for preventing twist in said cable.
In some embodiments, the cable may further comprise a synthetic polymer sheath surrounding a synthetic fiber core.
In some embodiments, the first anchor point may be disposed on the furniture interior of the furniture body.
In some embodiments, the system may further comprise an interlock release mechanism having an interlock release cover disposed at the furniture back side, the interlock release cover configured to provide access to the furniture interior. The interlock release mechanism may further comprise a leader cord attached to the cable to create sufficient cable slack to remove one of the plurality of drawers.
In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of drawers comprises an access cutout disposed on a back side of the drawer.
In some embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a single column wherein a single cable interlock system is configured to regulate extension of the drawers. In other embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a plurality of columns wherein a plurality of independent cable interlock systems is configured to regulate the plurality of drawers with each of the plurality of columns comprising one of the independent cable interlock systems. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a plurality of columns wherein a single interlock system is configured to regulate the plurality of columns.
In another general embodiment, a cable interlock system is disclosed. The cable interlock system comprises a plurality of drawers, each of the plurality of drawers comprises a drawer back side and a drawer front side opposite the drawer back side, wherein each of the plurality of drawers comprises a drawer threading point at the drawer back side. The cable interlock system further comprises a furniture body comprising a furniture front side, a furniture back side opposite the furniture front side, a furniture bottom side, and a furniture interior. A first anchor point is disposed on the furniture interior at the furniture back side, and a second anchor point is disposed on the furniture interior at the furniture back side. One or more furniture threading points are disposed on the furniture interior, and a plurality of furniture apertures disposed on the furniture front side configured to receive the plurality of drawers. The first anchor point is disposed vertically above each of the drawer threading points and each of the one or more furniture threading points, and the second anchor point is disposed vertically above each of the drawer threading points and each of the one or more furniture threading points. The cable interlock system further comprises a cable having a cable first end and a cable second end. The cable first end is coupled to the first anchor point, and the cable second end is coupled to the second anchor point. The cable is configured to extend through each of the drawer threading points and the one or more furniture threading points. The cable interlock system further comprises a cable weight coupled to the cable first end, wherein the cable weight translates along a weight guide. A first collinear alignment formed by each of the drawer threading points when the plurality of drawers is in a closed state, and a second collinear alignment formed by each of the first anchor point, the second anchor point, and the one or more furniture threading points. The first collinear alignment is parallel to the second collinear alignment.
In some embodiments, the cable may further comprise a cable slack having a sufficient slack configured to regulate extension of the plurality of drawers. In some embodiments at least one of the plurality of drawers may be configured to open to a full outward extension.
In some embodiments, one or more of the drawer threading points may comprise a hook coupled to a corresponding drawer. The hook may further comprise a spring-loaded gate.
In some embodiments, each of the drawer threading points and each of the one or more furniture threading points may be in vertical alignment relative to the furniture bottom side.
In some embodiments, the first collinear alignment comprises a horizontal offset from the second collinear alignment.
In some embodiments, the cable may further comprise a synthetic polymer sheath surrounding a synthetic fiber core.
In some embodiments, the drawer opening on each of the plurality of drawers forms a series of drawer opening pairs such that each of the furniture openings is disposed vertically between each of the drawer opening pairs. In other embodiments, the cable interlock system does not comprise a furniture opening between each drawer opening. In some embodiments, a drawer may comprise multiple threading points to regulate the amount of extension for that specific drawer.
In some embodiments, each of the drawer threading points and each of the furniture threading points are vertically aligned with each other relative to a bottom side of the furniture body.
In some embodiments, the drawer threading points form a collinear alignment when the drawers are all closed. The furniture threading points and the first and second anchor points also form a collinear alignment, wherein the collinear alignment of the drawer threading points and the collinear linear alignment of the furniture threading points and anchor points can be characterized as being parallel with each other.
In some embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a single column wherein a single cable interlock system is configured to regulate extension of the drawers. In other embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a plurality of columns wherein a plurality of independent cable interlock systems is configured to regulate the plurality of drawers with each of the plurality of columns comprising one of the independent cable interlock systems. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of drawers may form a plurality of columns wherein a single interlock system is configured to regulate the plurality of columns.
The cable interlock system may comprise an interlock release mechanism to either disengage one or more drawers from the cable interlock system or to increase the cable slack of the cable interlock system for opening of the one or more drawers during maintenance.
In one aspect, a method of installing the cable interlock system is disclosed. The steps may comprise, in a various orders: (i) installing a drawer opening to each of the plurality of drawers; (ii) installing one or more furniture openings to the furniture body; (iii) anchoring the cable first end to either one of the plurality of drawers or the furniture body creating the first anchor point; (iv) threading the cable second end through each of the drawer openings and furniture openings, thereby forming a drawer threading point with each drawer opening and a furniture threading point at each furniture opening; (v) anchoring the cable second end to the either one of the plurality of drawers or the furniture body creating the second anchor point; wherein the cable comprises a cable slack have sufficient slack to restrict drawer extension.
Each of the components of the cable interlock system described herein may be manufactured and/or assembled in accordance with the conventional knowledge and level of a person having skill in the art.
While various details, features, combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.
Now turning to the drawing,
The cable comprises a cable slack (115) that regulates drawer extensions for reasons including controlling the number of drawers that can be opened simultaneously, or extension amount of each drawer, as well as other purposes as can be appreciated by one having skill in the art. As shown, the cable interlock system (100) is used to prevent a certain number of drawers from fully extending at one time. In one embodiment, the cable slack comprises a sufficient slack so as to allow a single drawer of the plurality of drawers (140) to fully open while preventing two or more drawers of the plurality of drawers from fully opening. The prevention of any two drawers to be fully open at the same time causes one of the drawers to retract to allow the other one to open. For example, if the cable slack comprises sufficient slack to allow for 12 inches of drawer extension, the 12 inches of drawer extension can be consumed by a single drawer or multiple drawers. For example, the 12 inches of drawer extension could be consumed by one drawer fully extending to 12 inches, two drawers each extending 6 inches, six drawers each extending 2 inches, etc. Generally, once the cable slack is consumed, further extension of any drawer will cause an equivalent combined retraction of the other drawers. For example, in a three-drawer system, a 2-inch extension in one drawer will cause a 1-inch retraction to each of the other two drawers.
As shown, each of the drawer openings (150) comprises a bracket coupled to the drawer back side (148) of each of the plurality of drawers (140). In other embodiments, the drawer openings may be disposed on other portions of the drawer wall (146) including the drawer lateral side (147). In some embodiments, the drawer opening may comprise alternate structure which is similarly configured to receive threading from the cable (110). For example, and without limitation, the drawer opening may comprise two apertures on a drawer wall configured to allow the cable to thread through one aperture and out the other. In other embodiments, a combination of aperture and bracket may be utilized. One having skill in the art will appreciate various hardware and modifications to each of the plurality of drawers to achieve the drawer opening for the cable interlock system (100).
As shown, the furniture openings (131) are each coupled to the furniture body (121) at an interior surface (128) of the furniture back side (123). In other embodiments, each of the furniture openings may be disposed at other portions of the furniture body including the interior surface (128), the exterior surface (
In some embodiments, when one drawer is fully opened, the cable slack (115) will cause a previously opened drawer to fully close. In some embodiments, the cable slack comprises a sufficient slack such that while one of the plurality of drawers (140) is fully open, each remaining of the plurality of drawers is prevented from opening at all without causing the already fully opened drawer to retract.
The first anchor point (112) and the second anchor point (114) can be coupled to any portion of the furniture body (121) including the interior surface (128), the exterior surface (129), the first lateral side (124), the second lateral side (125), the top side (126), the bottom side (127), the furniture back side (123), the furniture front side (122), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first anchor point and second anchor point are disposed on a drawer wall. As shown, the first and second anchor points are coupled to the interior surface at the furniture back side. The cable first end (111) and the cable second end (113) may comprise leftover overhang extending beyond the first anchor point and the second anchor point, respectively. The first anchor point is disposed vertically above each of the drawer threading points (149) and each of the furniture threading points (130) relative to the bottom side of the furniture body. Likewise, the second anchor point is disposed vertically below each of the drawer threading points and each of the furniture threading points relative to the bottom side. In other embodiments, the first and second anchor points comprise a same location on either the furniture body or drawer wall.
Generally, the cable (110) is low-elongation, low-friction, abrasion-resistant and has high break strength. Materials can include metals, thermoplastics, synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or any other material that can be appreciated with on having skill in the art. In some embodiments, the cable interlock system (100) may comprise a crank, spool, or other device installed to the interior surface (128) or the exterior surface (129) to regulate the amount of cable slack (115) in the cable and for making adjustments to the cable interlock system.
In some embodiments, the cable interlock system (100) does not comprise rollers. Instead, the cable (110) flows freely through each of the furniture threading points (130) and the drawer threading points (149). In some embodiments, the cable may comprise a synthetic fiber core and a synthetic polymer sheath. The synthetic fiber core has high tensile strength and durability. Examples of the synthetic fiber core can include aramid fibers like Kevlar, liquid crystal polymer fibers like Vectran, or a combination thereof. The synthetic polymer sheath has resistance to abrasion and low friction. Examples of the synthetic polymer sheath can include high tenacity polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or a combination thereof. UHMWPE can include spectra or dyneema. Advantages of this cable structure with a synthetic fiber core and synthetic polymer sheath includes resistance to fatigue, kink, and abrasion. Cables comprising solely braided steel cable can show material fatigue and are may be insufficiently pliable Cables comprising solely the synthetic fibers can be undesirable due to eventual fraying under continuous use.
In some embodiments, each of the drawer threading points (249) and each of the furniture threading points (230) are vertically aligned with each other relative to the bottom side (227) of the furniture body (221). In some embodiments the drawer threading points form a collinear alignment when the drawers are all closed. In some embodiments, the furniture threading points and the first and second anchor points (212; 214) form a collinear alignment. In yet other embodiments, the collinear alignment of the drawer threading points and the collinear linear alignment of the furniture threading points/anchor points can be characterized as being parallel.
The exterior terminus (316) comprises the cable (310) of the cable interlock system to extend out of the furniture body (321) through a grommet (333). A cable first end (311) of the cable is anchored to an exterior surface (329) of the furniture body by a fastener. The faster can be easily loosened to provide additional slack to the cable as a means for the drawer release system. After which the cable can be reattached to a first anchor point (312).
Other drawer release systems may also be utilized as can be appreciated by one having skill in the art. For example, the release of each drawer may be accessible inside or outside each drawer box such that each drawer can be individually disengaged from the cable interlock system without having to first fully disengage the cable interlock system. In another embodiment, the furniture may comprise a sliding door in the back panel for each access to the cable interlock system.
The cable interlock system (300) further comprises a cable weight (352) for purposes of cable management. When the plurality of drawers (340) is closed, slack in the cable (310) can cause undesirable twist and snag. The cable weight is coupled to the cable first end (311) wherein the cable weight creates tension with the cable and maintains any existing slack in a taut state which extends vertically along the furniture body. The cable weight translates vertically along a weight guide (356) which can include a second cable, rod, or the like. The weight guide prevents the cable weight from swinging and tangling within the system. Preferably, the cable weight should reach an obstacle, such as a guide terminal end (363) where the weight guide is anchored to the furniture body. In other embodiments, the obstacle can include a loop that the weight guide can travel but the weight cannot. The guide terminal end forms the first anchor point (312) of the system when the cable weight reaches the guide terminal end. The cable first end couples to the first anchor point which prevents further extension.
In the first configuration of
In the first configuration, the cable may cross over itself in an unwanted manner, potentially leading to tangling or wear and tear. This can be at least partially solved by the second configuration of
The allowable extension of drawers in a particular furniture determines total cable slack available in the system. However, increased slack increases the chances of snags and tangles. Additionally, the slack in a system can create an irregular feel when opening different drawers. Slack can accumulate adjacent to one or more drawers such that when one drawer is opened no resistance is felt while opening another drawer the slack can be felt moving to a different part of the system. In the third configuration of
As the number of drawers and threading points increase, or when a cable weight is used such as in
In the fourth configuration of
In
In
While various details, features, and combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.
This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/469,003, filed May 25, 2023; the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63469003 | May 2023 | US |
