Patent · US Expired

Interlock mechanism for lateral file cabinets

US7063398B2 · kind B2 · utility

21Cited by
52References
7Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 27, 2003
Grant dateJun 20, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 27, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE05B65/466
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Interlocks for file cabinets that prevent more than one drawer from being opened at a given time include an elongated, flexible member, such as a cable, which is changeable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition when one of a number of associated drawers is opened. In the low slack condition, the interlocks prevent their associated drawers that are closed from being opened. In the high slack condition, which exists when the drawers are closed, the interlocks allow their associated drawers to be opened. The interlocks may be used in conjunction with a lock that selectively changes the cable from a high slack condition to a low slack condition and vice versa. The interlocks may be constructed to exert a force on the cable that is a small fraction of the pulling force exerted on a locked drawer.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.