Patent Application
20140103786
The invention relates to anti-tip locking systems in multi compartment storage units. The invention may be used in various storage units including, but not limited to, office furniture, storage cabinets, filing cabinets, and many other examples of storage units having two or more storage compartments positioned in an array, and particularly those units which may topple if two or more compartments are opened simultaneously.
Typically, anti-tip systems have been plagued with compatibility problems, operational limitations, difficulties with installation and repairs, security issues caused by user tampering or vandalism, and a variety of other problems when combined with previously known locking systems.
It is therefore desirable to provide an anti-tip locking system which addresses a variety of these issues.
The invention includes an anti-tip assembly, a modular anti-tip mechanism which may be applied in OEM and retrofit applications, a lock assembly which may be used in various structures including filing cabinets, office furniture and a variety of other storage units having multiple storage compartments. Other embodiments will also become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the examples described herein.
Most often, such storage units have multiple compartments, such as drawers, for example, stacked and aligned vertically, usually to provide lightweight, space saving structures. However, such structures could be prone to tipping and falling if more than one drawer (or other type of compartment) would be allowed to open simultaneously with one or more other drawers within the storage units.
The invention may also be used in other installations within storage structures which may not be prone to tipping or upset. However, in some structures, the anti-tip locking system may be desirable to provide an alternative solution for preventing the simultaneous opening of two or more storage compartments even if tipping or upset is not a concern.
In one embodiment of the invention, an anti-tip assembly is provided for use in a storage unit comprising a plurality of storage compartments, with the compartments being in abutting relation. The storage unit defines a predetermined travel distance for the anti-tip assembly and all other, similar anti-tip assemblies, provided in the storage unit. The anti-tip assembly comprises the following components which operate as follows, when in use.
A base moves along a track between a first position and a second position. The first and second position define a separation distance equal to the predetermined travel distance.
A follower is positioned adjacent the base and the follower moves along the track between the first position and the second position.
A first actuator and a second actuator operate on the base. In some embodiments, the actuators rotate on axles extending from the base. The actuators operate in synchronized movement between an aligned position and a nonaligned position. In the aligned position, when an associated storage compartment is closed, the first and second actuators are in alignment with a common axis. In the non-aligned position, when the associated storage compartment is at least partially withdrawn, the actuators forms an acute angle with the common axis.
When the anti-tip assembly is in operation, an associated storage compartment is moved from a closed position to an open position. The first and second actuators move to the non-aligned position and the follower moves from the first position to the second position while the base is in the first position. The interaction of the components in the anti-tip assembly (with other anti-tip assemblies in the storage unit) inhibit opening of the other storage compartments in the storage unit, thus allowing only one compartment to open at one time.
When the first and second actuators are in the non aligned position, one of the actuators is positioned in close proximity to the inside wall of the storage unit and/or a drawer slide supporting the associated storage compartment, to inhibit realignment of the actuators when the associated drawer is at least partially opened. Preferably, the actuator, which is positioned in close proximity to the drawer slide (or an edge of the storage compartment), is configured and designed for movement so that it does not contact or rub against the drawer slide or the inside of the storage unit during operation of the storage compartment (since regular contact and/or rubbing may require lubrication and increased maintenance to inhibit wear, seizure or sticking, or possible failure).
When a storage compartment (other than the first storage compartment) is moved from a closed position to an open position, the follower and the base associated with the first storage compartment move together from a first base position to a second base position. The displacement of the follower and the base is equal to the displacement distance.
In one aspect, the anti-tip assembly includes a first bar segment and a second bar segment which move along the track. The first bar segment abuts against the follower, opposite the base, and the second bar segment abuts against the base, opposite the follower. When the associated compartment is closed, but another compartment in the storage unit is opened, the similar anti-tip assembly associated with the other compartment expands to occupy the space provided in the track, the space being equal to the predetermined distance.
Preferably, the track is mounted vertically on an interior wall of the storage unit. In some embodiments, the track may be manufactured as segments in predetermined lengths for each corresponding anti-tip assembly, so that two or more segments (and their corresponding assembly components) may be easily aligned and connected to form a longer operational track for the array of anti-tip assemblies. Although multiple assemblies and track segments may be combined, only one space equal to the displacement distance will be provided within the larger array once it is installed.
In another embodiment, a modular anti-tip assembly is provided for use in a storage unit comprising a plurality of storage compartments. The modular anti-tip assembly may comprise the following elements.
A first actuator is mounted on a base. The first actuator operates between a first position and a second position. In the first position, an associated storage compartment is closed, and in the second position, the associated storage compartment is open.
A second actuator is mounted on the base. The base is configured to operate along a track. The second actuator is synchronized for coordinated movement along with the first actuator when the anti-tip assembly operates between the first position and the second position. The movement of the first and second actuators may be synchronized by providing matched, interacting meshed gears (or other interactive features) on the first and second actuators.
In the first position, the first actuator and the second actuator are aligned with a common axis. Preferably, when the actuators are aligned with the common axis, the actuators may be easily locked and unlocked by displacing the corresponding assembly along the common axis, by a distance equal to the displacement distance. When the actuators are in the second position, the first actuator and the second actuator each form an acute angle with the common axis. Preferably, also, when the actuators are in the second position, each forming an acute angle, the actuators prevent access to the moving parts of the anti-tip assembly from the exterior of the storage unit when the associated compartment is opened.
A follower is positioned adjacent to the base. The follower and the base are both configured to operate along the track. When in use, the follower moves away from the base, from a first follower position to a second follower position, when the associated compartment is open, to prevent opening of other storage compartments in the storage unit.
In another embodiment of the invention, an anti-tip assembly is provided for use in an array of anti-tip assemblies within a storage unit. The anti-tip assembly is associated with a storage compartment in the storage unit. Every other storage compartment is associated with a similar anti-tip assembly. In this embodiment, the anti-tip assembly comprises the following elements.
When in use, a base operates between a first base position and a second base position. The first base position and the second base position define a separation distance along a longitudinal axis.
A follower is provided adjacent to the base, for operation between the first base position and the second base position.
A first actuator and a second actuator are mounted on the base, for synchronized movement between an aligned position along the longitudinal axis and a non-aligned position in which the first and second actuators are offset from the longitudinal axis.
When the associated storage compartment is moved from a closed position to an open position, the first and second actuators move to the non-aligned position, and the follower moves from the first position to the second position while the base remains in the first position. The opening of one or more other storage compartments in the storage unit is inhibited by displacing all of the other, similar anti-tip assemblies (located on the follower side of the activated anti-tip assembly) in the storage unit, across a displacement distance equal to the separation distance.
Preferably, the storage compartment is opened by withdrawing the storage compartment along a second axis which is perpendicular to the common axis defined by the track.
A lock assembly is also provided, which comprises an embodiment of the anti-tip assembly for use in a storage unit in association with an array of similar anti-tip assemblies, all in abutting relation, for limited movement along the track. For example, only one anti-tip assembly is permitted to expand to occupy a space equal to the separation distance.
In another embodiment, the lock assembly may include the following elements. An array of bar segments may be provided for blocking the storage compartments in the storage unit when the array of similar anti-tip assemblies are positioned so that each associated follower and each associated base are in their respective first positions.
A security bar may also be provided to lock all of the anti-tip assemblies, and their associated storage compartments, in a locked position. The security bar may be mounted by or on the track, for convenient assembly and for optimal space utilization. Preferably, the security bar locks and unlocks the assemblies (and their associated drawers) by movement along the track, to close the space corresponding to the separation distance. In other embodiments, the track may be an integral feature defined by the security bar.
A stop may be provided on the follower or on the base of an anti-tip assembly associated with a storage compartment. The stop engages a retainer associated with the storage compartment, to prevent withdrawal of the storage compartment when the security bar is in a locked position. The other storage compartments and their associated stops are provided with similar features to operate in a corresponding manner. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of opposing, offset stops are provided on the side wall of the storage compartment, to engage opposing sides of either the first or second actuator.
The invention also includes storage units which comprise a lock assembly as described herein. In one embodiment, a storage unit comprises a lock assembly with a security bar for locking the storage compartments in the storage unit to prevent withdrawal of the storage compartments when the security bar is in the locked position. In other embodiments, an optional locking bar may be provided parallel to the security bar, on the opposite side of the array of storage compartments.
Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those persons who are skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, drawings and appended claims.
a is a partial sectional side view of the anti-tip locking assembly of
b is another partial sectional side view of the anti-tip locking assembly of
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent upon a review of the appended drawings and the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
However, in another embodiment where the completed track is made in a single piece, the track segment 1 represents a notional sectional view of a larger, single unitary track feature in a security bar 49 (similar to the embodiment described in greater detail further below). In some instances, the security bar may be manufactured as a single piece including an integral track feature of a predetermined length which is sufficient to accommodate a predetermined number of anti-tip assemblies for a corresponding number of storage compartments.
In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, the track segment 1 (with its other associated anti-tip assembly components) is moved vertically during the locking and unlocking steps of the anti-tip assembly when installed for use in a storage unit. In various preferred embodiments, the upper and lower ends of the assembled C-shaped channel 2 supported by the single piece security bar 49 may be closed to define a unitary track assembly. The unitary track assembly may define a predetermined length sufficient to accommodate a predetermined number of similar anti-tip assemblies in abutting relation, for use with a corresponding number of drawers or other storage compartments.
Each track segment 1 is slide fitted with the other components of the anti-tip assembly, which include a pair of synchronously moving actuators adapted to interact with a corresponding storage compartment (in a linear array of compartments, which are typically, but not necessarily, stacked) in a storage unit so that only one drawer will open when the storage unit is unlocked. Follower 5 comprises a J-shaped restraint 7 which projects from the face of follower 5, to fit snugly within recess 8 of upper lever 15 when upper lever 15 and lower lever 17 are in longitudinal alignment with the longitudinal axis of track segment 1. Spacer 16 extends from upper lever 15, defining an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of upper lever 15.
Upper lever 15 and lower lever 17 are mounted on upper axle 12a and lower axle 12b, respectively. Upper axle 12a extends through bore 11a in upper lever 15, allowing upper lever 15 to rotate about upper axle 12a. Lower axle 12b extends through bore 11b in lower lever 17, allowing lower lever 17, to rotate about lower axle 12b. Upper gear 18a on upper lever 15 is engaged with lower gear 18b, for synchronized movement of the two levers 15,17 so that when the upper lever 15 is urged into rotational movement about upper axle 12a, the lower lever 17 is urged to rotate in a synchronized manner about lower axle 12b, by interactive movement of upper gear 18a and lower gear 18b.
In
In
In FIGS. 4,5, drawer slide 22 is opened in direction O, outwardly away from the interior of the storage unit. As the drawer slide 22 is withdrawn, activator pin 30 on drawer 23 engages the upper tip of upper lever 15 (
Preferably, when drawer 23 is at least partially open, levers 15, 17 are in the non aligned position, and one of the levers (which in this illustrated example is lower lever 17) is positioned in close proximity to drawer slide 22 (supporting associated drawer 23) and/or a feature on an inside wall of the storage unit, to inhibit realignment of the levers 15, 17 when the associated drawer 23 and drawer slide 22 are at least partially opened. Preferably, lever 17, which is positioned in close proximity to the drawer slide 22 when drawer 23 is at least partially opened, is configured and designed for movement so that lever 17 does not contact or rub against the drawer slide 22 during operation of the drawer 23 (since regular contact and/or rubbing may require lubrication and increased maintenance to inhibit wear, seizure or sticking, or possible failure). Lever 17 is preferably configured so that it at least partially overhangs the proximate edge of drawer slide 22, to prevent realignment of the levers 15, 17 with the axis defined by the track. For example, if lever 17 were to be forcibly moved downwardly toward drawer slide 22, lever 17 would stop against the upper edge of drawer slide 22, thus preventing premature realignment of the levers 15, 17, before drawer 23 is returned to the fully closed position. It will be understood that one of the levers (in this case, lower lever 17) will be blocked against tampering or realignment that could lead to simultaneous opening of more than one drawer. Of course, other embodiments will be possible in which other drawer elements or features on the storage unit may be used to provide a stop or obstacle to premature realignment of the levers. For example, in some embodiments, the levers (or other actuator configurations) may be designed to interact with either drawer related components or with features provided on the storage unit, to inhibit premature closure of the levers before the drawer is returned to the closed position.
When the locking system is locked (as shown in
In
Spring 55 is provided to maintain the displacement distance G between segments 60, 61 when the drawers are closed, and the locking system is in the locked or unlocked position. When the system is unlocked, the security bar 49 is lowered, and the spring 55 urges the anti-tip assemblies to follow in a downward direction to maintain the separation distance G between segments 60,61. The spring 55 also acts to establish the preferred alignment of the levers 15,17 with activator pins 30,31 so that the levers 15,17 will properly interact with the activator pins 30,31 during opening and closing the associated drawer.
During manufacture, assembly or installation of the locking assembly, and the predetermined number of anti-tip assemblies, the lengths of one or both of the spacer bar segment 60 and the end bar segment 61 may be adjusted by cutting or grinding (or substitution with a larger piece if added length is required). The length of one or both segments may be adjusted to provide a snug, abutting relationship between the neighboring anti-tip assemblies. An adjustment may be required or desirable so that a suitable displacement distance G is provided within manufacturer tolerances and/or specifications, to avoid loose fitting components within the final array of like anti-tip assemblies. Accordingly, a well fitted locking assembly may be installed in a storage unit. Similarly, other features may be used as a substitute biasing feature in place of the compression spring 55 described in the preferred embodiment.
In
In some embodiments of the invention, the anti-tip assembly may be provided as a fully assembled kit or a partially assembled kit for installation in an OEM storage unit, or for retrofit installations in previously used storage units. A preferred kit may comprise the components of the anti-tip assembly illustrated in
Other embodiments of the invention will include locking assemblies comprising a lock, an actuator arm activated by the lock, and security bar with a suitable number of interactive anti-tip assemblies mounted in the security bar. In the illustrated embodiment, the key operated rotating lock 27 and crank arm 29 are an example of a preferred swivel crank arm mechanism described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,258. It will be appreciated that other locking actuator mechanisms may be adapted and used in association with the anti-tip assembly of the present invention.
The foregoing examples are illustrative of only some embodiments of the invention, including preferred embodiments of an anti-tip assembly, a locking system, and a storage unit or a storage structure including a preferred locking system. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that additional embodiments and variations are possible and that such embodiments and variations will fall within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02792324 | Oct 2012 | CA | national |
