GB2216780A

GB2216780A - Drawer security device

Info

Publication number: GB2216780A
Application number: GB8807982A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Benbow
Original assignee: Mothercare UK Ltd
Current assignee: Mothercare UK Ltd
Priority date: 1988-04-06
Filing date: 1988-04-06
Publication date: 1989-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2008-04-06
Also published as: GB2216780B; GB8807982D0

Abstract

A drawer security devise comprises a catch part for attachment to the inside of a drawer front D and a rigid bracket 4 for attachment to the main body B in which the drawer slides. The catch has a hook 12 which engages the bracket at finger 6 on partial opening of the drawer. The drawer must then be given a short return movement to enable the catch to be flexed by finger pressure on integral button 11 to disengage the hook 12 and thus enable opening movement to be resumed. <IMAGE>

Description

Drawer Security Devices This invention relates to drawer security devices to hinder the opening of drawers by young children.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a drawer security device comprising a substantially rigid bracket for attachment to the body of an item of furniture to which the drawer is fitted, and a catch for attachment to the inside of the drawer, the bracket and catch being automatically interengaged by a preliminary opening movement of the drawer, disengagement being effected by a partial return (closing) movement of the drawer followed by a deliberate deflection of the catch by digital pressure which must be maintained as opening movement of the drawer is resumed.

One form of security device in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device in use; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the catch; Figs. 3 and 4 are a side view and a crosssection, respectively of the catch; Figs. 5 and 6 are somewhat diagrammatic crosssections showing operation of the device.

The device comprises a bracket 1 and a catch 2, both moulded from a plastics material such as an acetal resin. The catch 2 is secured to a drawer front D and the bracket to the main body B of the item of furniture to which the drawer is fitted.

The bracket, which is substantially rigid, is essentially of channel section, having at its ends lugs 3 by which it-is secured to the body B. The main portion of the bracket forms a cross-bar 4, having at its centre a finger 6 projecting inwardly, i.e. away from the drawer front.

The catch is approximately J-shaped as viewed in plan. At the outer end of its longer leg 7 it has an integral plate 8 by which the catch is secured to the inner face of the drawer front. The shorter leg 9 is in the same horizontal plane as the longer leg, and terminates at its outer end in an integral button 11. The transverse portion joining the inner ends of the catch legs is shaped to form a pocket, open from above, whose lower, forwardly directed wall constitutes a hook 12.

The catch is fitted to the drawer front at such a position that rests lightly on the cross-bar 4 of the bracket when the drawer is fully closed. In a preliminary opening movement of the drawer, the finger 6 enters the pocket in the catch, so that the hook 12 is firmly engaged under the finger, as shown in Fig. 5.

Now the drawer must be pushed in a short distance sufficient to disengage the hook from the finger, to the position shown in Fig. 6. The user now presses down on the button 11 causing the leg 9 to pivot about the edge of the cross-bar 4 and forcing the leg 7 to flex upwardly, the hook 12 thereby being raised above the upper surface of the cross-bar, and permitting opening of the drawer to be resumed. Finger pressure on the catch must be maintained until the catch is clear of the bracket but can then be released.

When the drawer is next closed, the sloping inner end of the catch engages the outer edge of the cross-bar and the leg 7 flexes upwardly to allow the inner end of the catch to ride over the cross-bar and then to snapback to its normal level, ready to engage the finger when the drawer is next opened.

To overcome the security device, the person attempting to open the drawer must understand the sequence of operations required and also have the strength required to depress the button of the catch.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A drawer security device comprising a substantially rigid bracket for attachment to the body of an item of furniture to which the drawer is fitted, and a catch for attachment to the inside of the drawer, the bracket and catch being automatically interengaged by a preliminary opening movement of the drawer, disengagement being effected by a partial return (closing) movement of the drawer followed by a deliberate deflection of the catch by digital pressure which must be maintained as opening movement of the drawer is resumed.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the catch is secured in use to the inside of the drawer front and extends generally inwardly of the drawer, the catch having at its inner end a hook for engagement with the bracket, the catch being flexible under digital pressure to displace the hook clear of the bracket.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the catch includes a pair of parallel, elongate legs joined together at their inner ends by a portion including the said hook, one leg having its free outer end secured to the inside of the drawer and the other leg being shorter and terminating in portion engageable by a digit for effecting flexure of the catch.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the two said legs extend across the top of a portion of the bracket and the application of digital pressure on the said portion of the catch causes the said other leg to pivot about the said portion of the bracket and thereby move the said hook clear of the bracket.

5. A drawer security device, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.