Drawer closing and latching system
US6511138B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05B2047/0025
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A mechanical system closes and latches one or more drawers in a multiple-drawer cabinet. Drawers which are slightly ajar are grasped by the latching mechanism, pulled fully closed, and locked shut. A latch finger engages a catch connected to the drawer and pulls the drawer closed. The finger is actuated by a crankshaft which, as it rotates, first lowers the latch finger to capture the catch, and then retracts the latch finger and with it the captured drawer. The crankshaft rotates to a position where any pull forces on the finger are nearly in line with the axis of the crankshaft and have little tendency to cause reverse rotation. The crankshaft is then retained in this position, effectively locking the drawer closed. Thus, any drawer which is left slightly ajar, and which may falsely appear to be latched, is subsequently closed and securely locked. The latching mechanism may be motorized or manually operated. If motorized, a controller may actuate the mechanism to close and lock the drawers after some predetermined delay. Unlocking may be enabled by key or by security code entry. The locking capability of this system makes it particularly useful in controlling access to medication…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.