US20020070640A1 - Locking mechanism, and locking barrier and cabinet using same - Google Patents
Locking mechanism, and locking barrier and cabinet using same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020070640A1 US20020070640A1 US09/733,015 US73301500A US2002070640A1 US 20020070640 A1 US20020070640 A1 US 20020070640A1 US 73301500 A US73301500 A US 73301500A US 2002070640 A1 US2002070640 A1 US 2002070640A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- locking
- barrier
- cabinet
- locking mechanism
- detent element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C9/00—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing
- E05C9/04—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing with two sliding bars moved in opposite directions when fastening or unfastening
- E05C9/043—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing with two sliding bars moved in opposite directions when fastening or unfastening with crank pins and connecting rods
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B65/00—Locks or fastenings for special use
- E05B65/46—Locks or fastenings for special use for drawers
- E05B65/462—Locks or fastenings for special use for drawers for two or more drawers
- E05B65/467—Locking bars secured in front of the drawers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05C—BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS
- E05C9/00—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing
- E05C9/008—Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing mounted in an elongate casing on the surface of the wing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G12/00—Accommodation for nursing, e.g. in hospitals, not covered by groups A61G1/00 - A61G11/00, e.g. trolleys for transport of medicaments or food; Prescription lists
- A61G12/001—Trolleys for transport of medicaments, food, linen, nursing supplies
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B63/00—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics
- E05B63/18—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt or latch in the retracted position
- E05B63/20—Locks or fastenings with special structural characteristics with arrangements independent of the locking mechanism for retaining the bolt or latch in the retracted position released automatically when the wing is closed
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a locking mechanism for use with a locking barrier. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self-locking mechanism for use with a lock bar on a cabinet, such as a cabinet adapted to contain pharmaceuticals and supplies.
- Lockable pharmaceutical cabinets and carts are widely used in hospitals and other medical care facilities. Keeping pharmaceutical products secure from unauthorized access is a matter of major concern in medical care facilities, not only to protect against theft and misuse of the pharmaceuticals but also to comply with legal requirements concerning controlled substances. Security of pharmaceutical carts used for delivering and dispensing pharmaceutical substances are of particular concern since the carts are of necessity used in areas where they are within easy reach of patients and other non-medical personnel. It is a general requirement in hospitals and the like that pharmaceutical carts be locked when not attended by an authorized person.
- locking bars are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,069,511, 5,205,628, and 5,314,244, all issued to Swets et al. These patents disclose a multiple drawer cabinet having a lockable vertically extending locking bar external to the cabinet and pivotally attached to one edge thereof. The locking bar, in its locked position, extends along the front of several drawers to obstruct their movement. This vertical locking bar cooperates with a plurality of horizontal locking bars to selectively allow and prevent removal of bins or drawers from a plurality of shelves of a cabinet.
- a locking mechanism that has self-locking ability.
- the locking mechanism includes one or more locking members moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a detent element engaging the locking member when the locking member and the detent element are in an unlocked position.
- the detent element is biased towards the unlocked position, and the detent element is moveable to a locked position where the detent element does not engage the locking member.
- the locking mechanism also includes an actuator connected with the one or more locking members, the actuator capable of movement between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuator is biased towards the locked position, and the actuator is adapted to move the one or more locking members to the locked position in response to the movement of the detent element to its locked position.
- a locking barrier that uses a locking mechanism having automatic locking capacity.
- the locking barrier includes a barrier housing having one or more locking members within the housing which are moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
- the locking barrier also includes a detent element within the housing that engages the locking member when the locking member and the detent element are in an unlocked position.
- the detent element is biased to the unlocked position, but is moveable to the locked position where the detent element does not engage the locking member.
- the locking barrier also includes a first actuator rotationally mounted within the housing and connected with the one or more locking members.
- the actuator is capable of rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position and is biased towards the locked position.
- the actuator is adapted to move the one or more locking members to their locked position in response to the movement of the detent element to its locked position.
- a cabinet that utilizes a locking barrier that includes a self-locking mechanism.
- the cabinet includes a cabinet housing and a plurality of bins within the cabinet housing. The bins are moveable between a closed position and open positions.
- An actuating member is attached to the cabinet housing.
- a locking barrier is also connected with the cabinet housing and is moveable between a closed position and open positions. The locking barrier is adapted to secure the bins in their closed position when the locking barrier is in its closed position, while allowing the bins to move to their open positions when the locking barrier is in an open positions.
- the locking barrier includes a locking mechanism.
- the locking mechanism includes one or more locking members capable of activating to thereby lock the locking barrier in its closed position.
- a contact portion of the locking mechanism is configured so as to contact the actuating member when the locking barrier is in its closed position. The locking mechanism and the actuating member cooperate to activate the locking member in response to movement of the locking barrier from an open position to its closed position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet utilizing a locking barrier according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cabinet and locking barrier of FIG. 1, shown in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the locking barrier and locking mechanism according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of a top portion of the locking barrier of FIG. 3, shown as it relates to the cabinet.
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the locking barrier shown with the back panel removed and the locking mechanism in the locked position.
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of the locking barrier shown with its back panel removed and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 1 a cabinet according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 100 .
- the cabinet 100 of the preferred embodiment is substantially similar to the cabinets disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,069,511, 5,205,628, and 5,314,244, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- the cabinet 100 is a segmented side wall pharmaceutical cabinet 100 having a housing including a top surface 101 and a base 102 .
- the cabinet is provided with casters 104 and may be used as a pharmaceutical dispensing cart.
- the cabinet housing further includes a base side wall segment 103 , middle side wall segments 105 and a top segment 106 . It is provided with a plurality of drawers 109 for containing various items and a plurality of pharmaceutical cassettes 107 , each containing a plurality of bins 108 .
- Each of the cassettes 107 comprises two rows of bins 108 disposed in a side-by-side relation, and is slidably removable from cabinet 100 .
- Each of the cassettes 107 is further provided with a horizontally extending bin locking barrier 116 extending frontally along a lower portion of an upper row of bins and an upper portion of a lower row of bins.
- the bin locking barriers 116 have an elongated cross section and are rotatable between a horizontal releasing position allowing for removal of individual ones of the bins 108 and a vertical locking position in which removal of the bins 108 is restrained.
- a vertically extending cabinet locking barrier 110 is hingedly attached to one side of cabinet 100 by a hinge 111 and is rotatable between a locked position as shown in FIG. 1 and an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 2.
- the locking barrier 110 is formed as a lock bar, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments the locking barrier 110 could be formed as a door, shield, or other barrier having a locking mechanism.
- cabinet locking barrier 110 cooperates with the horizontally extending bin locking barriers 116 of the individual cassettes 107 , to lock each of the individual bins 108 in the cart.
- the details of the structure and operation of the cassettes 107 , bins 108 , and horizontally extending bin locking barriers 116 are described in detail in the above referenced patents.
- the locking barrier 110 includes a rotatable handle 112 for opening for the locking barrier 110 .
- the handle 112 is only rotatable after unlocking the locking barrier 110 using the key core 114 or the key button pad 118 .
- FIGS. 3 - 8 illustrate the locking mechanism 120 (FIG. 5) of the preferred embodiment.
- the locking mechanism 120 is disposed within the locking barrier housing defined by front panel 160 , a spaced rear panel 162 , a bottom cap 164 , and a top bracket 166 and a detent housing 200 .
- the locking mechanism 120 includes locking members defined by an upper locking pin 122 and a lower locking pin 124 .
- Locking pins 122 and 124 are oriented so as to move in substantially parallel but opposite directions. Locking pins 122 and 124 , when in an extended position as shown in FIG. 5, engage cavities (not shown) in the cabinet 100 and thereby secure the locking barrier 110 in a closed position.
- the locking barrier 110 is rotatable along hinge 111 to any of its open positions.
- the locking pins 122 and 124 are connected to an actuator disk 126 at lateral positions thereof.
- the actuator disk 126 is rotatable about an axle assembly 128 (FIG. 5) disposed normal to the front panel 160 .
- the opposite end of the axle assembly 128 is connected to a manual actuator defined by a rotatable handle 112 mounted on the front panel 160 .
- the actuator disk 126 is rotatable by manual turning of actuator handle 112 .
- the actuator disk 126 is biased by a spring element 130 to a locked position.
- the opposite end of the spring element 130 is connected to an extension 167 of top bracket 166 .
- the locking pins 122 and 124 are held in an extended position by virtue of their connection at lateral positions of the actuator disk 126 which are now raised and lowered, respectively.
- the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 6 the locking pins 122 and 124 are held in a retracted position because the lateral positions of the actuator disk 126 are lower and higher, respectively, as compared to their positions when the actuator disk 126 is in the locked position.
- the locking mechanism also includes a lever 140 and a cam 152 .
- the lever 140 is mounted at a pivot axle 142 , which is in turn mounted to a mounting bracket 150 (see FIG. 3; the mounting bracket 150 is shown in phantom the FIGS. 5 and 6).
- the lever 140 is biased by a spring element 144 to a locked position as shown in FIG. 5.
- a disk engaging portion defined by a flange 143 (FIG. 3) extending perpendicular to the end of the lever 140 fits into slot 127 of actuator disk 126 .
- the flange 143 renders the actuator disk 126 incapable of movement, and thus maintains the locking mechanism 120 in its locked position.
- the flange 143 can be removed from the slot 127 by rotation of cam 152 and thus the lever 140 , as shown in FIG. 6.
- the cam 152 is moveable only by rotation of lock core assembly 114 .
- the flange may be removed by a rod 172 defining a release member.
- the rod 172 is moveable downward by knob 119 (FIG. 1) only after the correct sequence of buttons 117 (FIG. 1) have been pressed by the user.
- the actuating member 126 may be rotated by handle 112 (FIG. 1) after the flange 143 has been removed from the slot 127 .
- the gate member 145 is attached to the actuating member 126 by a pivot axle 147 .
- the gate member 145 is biased to a slot covering position by spring 146 , so that once the flange 143 is removed from slot 127 , the gate member 145 covers slot 127 and prevents flange 143 from re-entering the slot 127 . Therefore, the locking barrier 110 can be opened with one hand because the handle 112 can be turned without simultaneously holding a key in the lock core 114 or the knob 119 in the open position.
- the locking mechanism 120 is designed to lock automatically, after rotation and removal of the key, and upon movement of the locking barrier 110 from an open position to its closed position, as will be described in detail below.
- a detent housing 200 is mounted atop the locking barrier 110 .
- the detent housing 200 houses a contact portion of the locking mechanism 120 defined by a detent element 202 .
- a flange 204 of the detent element engages channel 206 and thus the detent element is free to pivot between an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 7 and a locked position as shown in FIG. 8.
- a spring element 208 resting in channel 209 biases the detent element 202 to the locked position.
- an end portion of the detent element 202 resides in a machined shoulder 123 (see FIG. 4) at the top of the locking pin 122 .
- the detent element 202 resides in the shoulder 123 and thus prevents the locking pin 122 from upward movement, the entire locking mechanism 120 is held in an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 6.
- the detent housing 200 includes a cavity 210 that communicates with the detent element 202 .
- the cavity 210 is positioned in the housing such that when the locking barrier 110 is in its closed position, an actuation projection 230 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and in phantom in FIG. 7) attached to the cabinet 100 extends into the cavity 210 .
- the actuation projection 230 is dimensioned such that it contacts the detent element 202 and moves it away from the locking pin 122 . Once the detent element 202 clears the shoulder 123 of the locking pin 122 , the locking pin 122 is free to extend through a locking member aperture 212 of the detent housing 200 and into its locked position.
- the elements shown in the preferred embodiment are designed to be fully reversible to facilitate placement of the locking barrier 110 on either side of the cabinet 100 .
- the detent element flange 204 could be mounted in channel 305
- the spring element 208 mounted in channel 309
- the actuator disk 126 could also be flipped over in a reverse orientation, with the spring element 130 attached to a leg 367 of the bracket 166 .
- the lever 140 , the cam 152 , and the spring element 144 are readily repositioned to support this reverse orientation.
- the locking barrier 110 may also include an alarm 280 (FIG. 3) for signaling to the user the locking barrier 110 has been in an unlocked position for a specified period of time.
- the details of the alarm 280 are disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 4634/133) entitled “Alarm for Locking Mechanism, And Cabinet Using Same,” filed Dec. 7, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the locking barrier has been shown as a lock bar in the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism of the invention could be used in a door or shield. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to a specific embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a locking mechanism for use with a locking barrier. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self-locking mechanism for use with a lock bar on a cabinet, such as a cabinet adapted to contain pharmaceuticals and supplies.
- Lockable pharmaceutical cabinets and carts are widely used in hospitals and other medical care facilities. Keeping pharmaceutical products secure from unauthorized access is a matter of major concern in medical care facilities, not only to protect against theft and misuse of the pharmaceuticals but also to comply with legal requirements concerning controlled substances. Security of pharmaceutical carts used for delivering and dispensing pharmaceutical substances are of particular concern since the carts are of necessity used in areas where they are within easy reach of patients and other non-medical personnel. It is a general requirement in hospitals and the like that pharmaceutical carts be locked when not attended by an authorized person.
- One important advance in such cabinets is the use of a locking bar. Such locking bars are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,069,511, 5,205,628, and 5,314,244, all issued to Swets et al. These patents disclose a multiple drawer cabinet having a lockable vertically extending locking bar external to the cabinet and pivotally attached to one edge thereof. The locking bar, in its locked position, extends along the front of several drawers to obstruct their movement. This vertical locking bar cooperates with a plurality of horizontal locking bars to selectively allow and prevent removal of bins or drawers from a plurality of shelves of a cabinet.
- The arrangement disclosed in these patents allows a plurality of bins or drawers to be locked in place by pivoting the locking bars into a locked position without the need for providing individual locks on the bins or requiring that the bins be contained within a lockable drawer or the like. Furthermore, the bins may be readily removed by unlocking the vertical locking bar, which will allow for free rotation of the horizontal locking bars, providing for convenient removal of the bins individually.
- Although providing a substantial improvement in the art, the cabinets disclosed in those patents did not provide for automatic locking of the vertical lock bar. The lock bar of these patents had to be manually locked once closed. Thus, a potential problem is that medical personnel might remember to close the lock bar, but then forget to lock the lock bar once the lock bar was in the closed position.
- Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved locking barrier for use on such cabinets that automatically locks upon closing.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a locking mechanism is provided that has self-locking ability. The locking mechanism includes one or more locking members moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a detent element engaging the locking member when the locking member and the detent element are in an unlocked position. The detent element is biased towards the unlocked position, and the detent element is moveable to a locked position where the detent element does not engage the locking member. The locking mechanism also includes an actuator connected with the one or more locking members, the actuator capable of movement between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuator is biased towards the locked position, and the actuator is adapted to move the one or more locking members to the locked position in response to the movement of the detent element to its locked position.
- In another aspect of the invention, a locking barrier is provided that uses a locking mechanism having automatic locking capacity. The locking barrier includes a barrier housing having one or more locking members within the housing which are moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking barrier also includes a detent element within the housing that engages the locking member when the locking member and the detent element are in an unlocked position. The detent element is biased to the unlocked position, but is moveable to the locked position where the detent element does not engage the locking member. The locking barrier also includes a first actuator rotationally mounted within the housing and connected with the one or more locking members. The actuator is capable of rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position and is biased towards the locked position. The actuator is adapted to move the one or more locking members to their locked position in response to the movement of the detent element to its locked position.
- In yet another aspect of the invention, a cabinet is provided that utilizes a locking barrier that includes a self-locking mechanism. The cabinet includes a cabinet housing and a plurality of bins within the cabinet housing. The bins are moveable between a closed position and open positions. An actuating member is attached to the cabinet housing. A locking barrier is also connected with the cabinet housing and is moveable between a closed position and open positions. The locking barrier is adapted to secure the bins in their closed position when the locking barrier is in its closed position, while allowing the bins to move to their open positions when the locking barrier is in an open positions. In addition, the locking barrier includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes one or more locking members capable of activating to thereby lock the locking barrier in its closed position. A contact portion of the locking mechanism is configured so as to contact the actuating member when the locking barrier is in its closed position. The locking mechanism and the actuating member cooperate to activate the locking member in response to movement of the locking barrier from an open position to its closed position.
- Other aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet utilizing a locking barrier according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cabinet and locking barrier of FIG. 1, shown in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the locking barrier and locking mechanism according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of a top portion of the locking barrier of FIG. 3, shown as it relates to the cabinet.
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the locking barrier shown with the back panel removed and the locking mechanism in the locked position.
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of the locking barrier shown with its back panel removed and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6.
- Referring now to the accompanying drawings and initially to FIG. 1, a cabinet according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown generally at100. With the exception of the locking mechanism and the locking barrier (as described in detail below), the
cabinet 100 of the preferred embodiment is substantially similar to the cabinets disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,069,511, 5,205,628, and 5,314,244, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. - In the preferred embodiment as shown, the
cabinet 100 is a segmented side wallpharmaceutical cabinet 100 having a housing including atop surface 101 and abase 102. The cabinet is provided withcasters 104 and may be used as a pharmaceutical dispensing cart. The cabinet housing further includes a baseside wall segment 103, middleside wall segments 105 and atop segment 106. It is provided with a plurality ofdrawers 109 for containing various items and a plurality ofpharmaceutical cassettes 107, each containing a plurality ofbins 108. Each of thecassettes 107 comprises two rows ofbins 108 disposed in a side-by-side relation, and is slidably removable fromcabinet 100. Each of thecassettes 107 is further provided with a horizontally extendingbin locking barrier 116 extending frontally along a lower portion of an upper row of bins and an upper portion of a lower row of bins. Thebin locking barriers 116 have an elongated cross section and are rotatable between a horizontal releasing position allowing for removal of individual ones of thebins 108 and a vertical locking position in which removal of thebins 108 is restrained. - A vertically extending
cabinet locking barrier 110 is hingedly attached to one side ofcabinet 100 by ahinge 111 and is rotatable between a locked position as shown in FIG. 1 and an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown, thelocking barrier 110 is formed as a lock bar, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments thelocking barrier 110 could be formed as a door, shield, or other barrier having a locking mechanism. When in the locked position, as shown in FIG. 1,cabinet locking barrier 110 cooperates with the horizontally extendingbin locking barriers 116 of theindividual cassettes 107, to lock each of theindividual bins 108 in the cart. The details of the structure and operation of thecassettes 107,bins 108, and horizontally extendingbin locking barriers 116 are described in detail in the above referenced patents. - The
locking barrier 110 includes arotatable handle 112 for opening for thelocking barrier 110. When the locking barrier is locked, thehandle 112 is only rotatable after unlocking thelocking barrier 110 using thekey core 114 or thekey button pad 118. - FIGS.3-8 illustrate the locking mechanism 120 (FIG. 5) of the preferred embodiment. The
locking mechanism 120 is disposed within the locking barrier housing defined byfront panel 160, a spacedrear panel 162, abottom cap 164, and atop bracket 166 and adetent housing 200. Thelocking mechanism 120 includes locking members defined by anupper locking pin 122 and alower locking pin 124. Lockingpins pins cabinet 100 and thereby secure thelocking barrier 110 in a closed position. When locking pins 122 and 124 are in the retracted position (as shown in FIG. 6), thelocking barrier 110 is rotatable alonghinge 111 to any of its open positions. - The locking pins122 and 124 are connected to an
actuator disk 126 at lateral positions thereof. Theactuator disk 126 is rotatable about an axle assembly 128 (FIG. 5) disposed normal to thefront panel 160. The opposite end of theaxle assembly 128 is connected to a manual actuator defined by arotatable handle 112 mounted on thefront panel 160. Thus, theactuator disk 126 is rotatable by manual turning ofactuator handle 112. - As shown in FIG. 5, the
actuator disk 126 is biased by aspring element 130 to a locked position. The opposite end of thespring element 130 is connected to anextension 167 oftop bracket 166. In the locked position as shown in FIG. 5, the locking pins 122 and 124 are held in an extended position by virtue of their connection at lateral positions of theactuator disk 126 which are now raised and lowered, respectively. In the unlocked position as shown in FIG. 6, the locking pins 122 and 124 are held in a retracted position because the lateral positions of theactuator disk 126 are lower and higher, respectively, as compared to their positions when theactuator disk 126 is in the locked position. - The locking mechanism also includes a
lever 140 and acam 152. Thelever 140 is mounted at apivot axle 142, which is in turn mounted to a mounting bracket 150 (see FIG. 3; the mountingbracket 150 is shown in phantom the FIGS. 5 and 6). Thelever 140 is biased by aspring element 144 to a locked position as shown in FIG. 5. In the locked position, a disk engaging portion defined by a flange 143 (FIG. 3) extending perpendicular to the end of thelever 140 fits intoslot 127 ofactuator disk 126. When engaging and residing in theslot 127, theflange 143 renders theactuator disk 126 incapable of movement, and thus maintains thelocking mechanism 120 in its locked position. - The
flange 143 can be removed from theslot 127 by rotation ofcam 152 and thus thelever 140, as shown in FIG. 6. Thecam 152, in turn, is moveable only by rotation oflock core assembly 114. Alternately, the flange may be removed by arod 172 defining a release member. Therod 172 is moveable downward by knob 119 (FIG. 1) only after the correct sequence of buttons 117 (FIG. 1) have been pressed by the user. Thus, once thelocking mechanism 120 is in a locked position, only turning of the rotation of the lock core assembly 114 (FIG. 1), such as by a key, or pressing of thebuttons 117 will permit movement of the locking mechanism to an unlocked position, and thus subsequent movement of thelocking barrier 110 to one of its opened positions. - The actuating
member 126 may be rotated by handle 112 (FIG. 1) after theflange 143 has been removed from theslot 127. Thegate member 145 is attached to the actuatingmember 126 by apivot axle 147. Thegate member 145 is biased to a slot covering position byspring 146, so that once theflange 143 is removed fromslot 127, thegate member 145 coversslot 127 and preventsflange 143 from re-entering theslot 127. Therefore, thelocking barrier 110 can be opened with one hand because thehandle 112 can be turned without simultaneously holding a key in thelock core 114 or theknob 119 in the open position. - The
locking mechanism 120 is designed to lock automatically, after rotation and removal of the key, and upon movement of thelocking barrier 110 from an open position to its closed position, as will be described in detail below. - As shown in FIGS.2-6, a
detent housing 200 is mounted atop the lockingbarrier 110. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, thedetent housing 200 houses a contact portion of thelocking mechanism 120 defined by adetent element 202. Aflange 204 of the detent element engageschannel 206 and thus the detent element is free to pivot between an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 7 and a locked position as shown in FIG. 8. Aspring element 208 resting inchannel 209 biases thedetent element 202 to the locked position. In the unlocked position, an end portion of thedetent element 202 resides in a machined shoulder 123 (see FIG. 4) at the top of thelocking pin 122. When thedetent element 202 resides in theshoulder 123 and thus prevents thelocking pin 122 from upward movement, theentire locking mechanism 120 is held in an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 6. - The
detent housing 200 includes acavity 210 that communicates with thedetent element 202. Thecavity 210 is positioned in the housing such that when thelocking barrier 110 is in its closed position, an actuation projection 230 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and in phantom in FIG. 7) attached to thecabinet 100 extends into thecavity 210. Theactuation projection 230 is dimensioned such that it contacts thedetent element 202 and moves it away from the lockingpin 122. Once thedetent element 202 clears theshoulder 123 of thelocking pin 122, the lockingpin 122 is free to extend through a lockingmember aperture 212 of thedetent housing 200 and into its locked position. Because theactuator disk 126 is biased by thespring element 130, the movement of theactuator disk 126 and thus the locking pins 122, 124 is automatic upon clearance of thedetent element 202 from theshoulder 123. Furthermore, as long as thelock core 114 orknob 119 are not held in the open position,spring element 144 causes thelever flange 143 to urge against the periphery ofactuator member 126. Thelevel 140contacts portions gate member 145, and pushesgate member 145 clear of theslot 127. Theflange 143 then entersslot 127, thereby locking theactuator disk 126. Thus, closure of thelocking barrier 110 results in automatic locking of thelocking mechanism 120. - The elements shown in the preferred embodiment are designed to be fully reversible to facilitate placement of the
locking barrier 110 on either side of thecabinet 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in a reverse orientation, thedetent element flange 204 could be mounted inchannel 305, thespring element 208 mounted inchannel 309, with thelocking pin 122 extending through lockingmember aperture 312. Theactuator disk 126 could also be flipped over in a reverse orientation, with thespring element 130 attached to aleg 367 of thebracket 166. Likewise, thelever 140, thecam 152, and thespring element 144 are readily repositioned to support this reverse orientation. - The
locking barrier 110 may also include an alarm 280 (FIG. 3) for signaling to the user thelocking barrier 110 has been in an unlocked position for a specified period of time. The details of thealarm 280 are disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 4634/133) entitled “Alarm for Locking Mechanism, And Cabinet Using Same,” filed Dec. 7, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. - It should be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of a broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.
- For example, although the locking barrier has been shown as a lock bar in the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism of the invention could be used in a door or shield. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to a specific embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/733,015 US20020070640A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2000-12-07 | Locking mechanism, and locking barrier and cabinet using same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/733,015 US20020070640A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2000-12-07 | Locking mechanism, and locking barrier and cabinet using same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020070640A1 true US20020070640A1 (en) | 2002-06-13 |
Family
ID=24945859
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/733,015 Abandoned US20020070640A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2000-12-07 | Locking mechanism, and locking barrier and cabinet using same |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20020070640A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110133417A1 (en) * | 2008-08-13 | 2011-06-09 | Diversey, Inc. | Adjustable cleaning cart and method |
US20120200213A1 (en) * | 2010-12-09 | 2012-08-09 | Apex Industrial Technologies Llc | Door assembly for storage and dispensing unit |
US20140070677A1 (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2014-03-13 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Storage Assembly |
US20140184045A1 (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2014-07-03 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Computer case protecting apparatus |
USD738062S1 (en) | 2009-11-24 | 2015-09-01 | Diversey, Inc. | Cleaning system trolley |
CN106309071A (en) * | 2016-11-28 | 2017-01-11 | 义乌市绿美生物科技有限公司 | Medical nursing trolley |
US9901170B2 (en) * | 2015-04-15 | 2018-02-27 | Cze-Chao TAM | Keyless locking tool chest |
US10085554B2 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2018-10-02 | Robert A. Schooley, JR. | Gun cabinet |
JP2018184767A (en) * | 2017-04-26 | 2018-11-22 | 株式会社オプナス | Lock |
CN108868373A (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2018-11-23 | 长沙鲁维湘机电科技有限公司 | A kind of Simple mechanical lock |
US10188477B1 (en) * | 2017-10-10 | 2019-01-29 | Neonatal Product Group, Inc. | Mobile medical cart |
CN114828528A (en) * | 2022-06-14 | 2022-07-29 | 山东凯迪欧电气有限公司 | High-voltage frequency converter convenient to overhaul |
-
2000
- 2000-12-07 US US09/733,015 patent/US20020070640A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110133417A1 (en) * | 2008-08-13 | 2011-06-09 | Diversey, Inc. | Adjustable cleaning cart and method |
USD738062S1 (en) | 2009-11-24 | 2015-09-01 | Diversey, Inc. | Cleaning system trolley |
US10435937B2 (en) | 2010-12-09 | 2019-10-08 | Apex Industrial Technologies Llc | Door assembly for storage and dispensing unit |
US20120200213A1 (en) * | 2010-12-09 | 2012-08-09 | Apex Industrial Technologies Llc | Door assembly for storage and dispensing unit |
US10858878B2 (en) | 2010-12-09 | 2020-12-08 | Apex Industrial Technologies Llc | Door assembly for storage and dispensing unit |
US9322207B2 (en) * | 2010-12-09 | 2016-04-26 | Apex Industrial Technologies Llc | Door assembly for storage and dispensing unit |
US20140070677A1 (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2014-03-13 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Storage Assembly |
CN103670055A (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2014-03-26 | 史丹利工具(以色列)有限公司 | Storage assembly |
US9004620B2 (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2015-04-14 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Storage assembly |
US20140184045A1 (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2014-07-03 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Computer case protecting apparatus |
US8939523B2 (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2015-01-27 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Computer case protecting apparatus |
US9901170B2 (en) * | 2015-04-15 | 2018-02-27 | Cze-Chao TAM | Keyless locking tool chest |
US10085554B2 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2018-10-02 | Robert A. Schooley, JR. | Gun cabinet |
CN106309071A (en) * | 2016-11-28 | 2017-01-11 | 义乌市绿美生物科技有限公司 | Medical nursing trolley |
JP2018184767A (en) * | 2017-04-26 | 2018-11-22 | 株式会社オプナス | Lock |
CN108868373A (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2018-11-23 | 长沙鲁维湘机电科技有限公司 | A kind of Simple mechanical lock |
US10188477B1 (en) * | 2017-10-10 | 2019-01-29 | Neonatal Product Group, Inc. | Mobile medical cart |
CN114828528A (en) * | 2022-06-14 | 2022-07-29 | 山东凯迪欧电气有限公司 | High-voltage frequency converter convenient to overhaul |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2029523C (en) | Pharmaceutical cabinet locking arrangement | |
US10858878B2 (en) | Door assembly for storage and dispensing unit | |
US20020070640A1 (en) | Locking mechanism, and locking barrier and cabinet using same | |
US5339659A (en) | Security lock with two locking mechanisms, of the pump type and of the double-bit type, respectively | |
US5413243A (en) | Sharps disposal container | |
CA2687112C (en) | Drawer lock mechanism | |
CA2257797C (en) | Jerk-resistant drawer operating system | |
AU2010257099B2 (en) | Multi-latch release mechanism | |
US20090308115A1 (en) | Electronic locker lock | |
CA2382638C (en) | Drawer interlock | |
US5314244A (en) | Pharmaceutical cabinet locking arrangement | |
US3497280A (en) | Gang lock cabinet construction | |
US5205628A (en) | Pharmaceutical cabinet locking arrangement | |
US6732664B2 (en) | Key and combination locking mechanism | |
US3150902A (en) | Article storage and dispensing cart | |
US6817481B2 (en) | Access opening closure device | |
US5070714A (en) | Tamper resistant locking device | |
US6302325B1 (en) | Access opening closure device | |
US20200325709A1 (en) | Key capture lock | |
US4921122A (en) | Slide bar locking arrangement | |
US3637245A (en) | Safety medicine cabinet | |
GB2089422A (en) | Door-locking mechanisms for security enclosures | |
JPH0150748B2 (en) | ||
JP2601073Y2 (en) | Automatic delivery box for luggage etc. | |
JPH0636205Y2 (en) | Locker with locking mechanism |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HERMAN MILLER, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HAMILTON, EUGENE R.;MATTHAI, JOHN T.;OTTO, JOHN G.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:011827/0378;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010309 TO 20010322 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HERMAN MILLER, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEES ADDRESS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL 011827 FRAME 0378;ASSIGNORS:HAMILTON, EUGENE R.;MATTHAI, JOHN T.;OTTO, JOHN G.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:012161/0606;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010309 TO 20010322 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |