Samuel D Ellison

US Patent:

57094420, Jan 20, 1998

Filed:

Apr 10, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/628551

Inventors:

Thomas G. Feldpausch - Hastings MI
Phillip D. Carino - Grand Rapids MI
Frederick S. Faiks - Greenville MI
David M. DeBoer - Grand Rapids MI
Samuel J. Ellison - Grand Rapids MI
Daniel N. Siegrist - Kentwood MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E05B 6546

US Classification:

312221

Abstract:

A lock system for casegoods, such as desks, cabinets, storage units, wardrobes and the like, includes an elongated, flexible tape or lock member having a plurality of spaced lock studs positioned thereon. A lock actuator moves the tape between unlocked and locked positions. Catches are mounted on the drawers, doors and the like of the article. When the flexible tape is moved to the locked position, the lock studs block or prevent opening movement of the drawers or doors due to contact with the catches. The flexible tape is routed through channels or other mounting structure formed in panels and tops of the article of furniture. An interlock mechanism, which may be integrated with the lock member, includes a lock lever, a cable attached to the lock lever and a plurality of interlock cams. Control members on the drawers rotate the cams to take up the cable causing the interlock lever to pivot and engage the lock member, thereby moving the lock member to a locked position. The interlock mechanism may include a plurality of force generating members which act upon the lock member upon the opening of a drawer.

US Patent:

55337988, Jul 9, 1996

Filed:

Oct 15, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/138638

Inventors:

Thomas G. Feldpausch - Hastings MI
Phillip D. Carino - Grand Rapids MI
Frederick S. Faiks - Greenville MI
David M. DeBoer - Grand Rapids MI
Samuel J. Ellison - Grand Rapids MI
Daniel N. Siegrist - Kentwood MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E05B 6546

US Classification:

312219

Abstract:

A lock system for casegoods, such as desks, cabinets, storage units, wardrobes and the like, includes an elongated, flexible tape or lock member having a plurality of spaced lock studs positioned thereon. A lock actuator moves the tape between unlocked and locked positions. Catches are mounted on the drawers, doors and the like of the article. When the flexible tape is moved to the locked position, the lock studs block or prevent opening movement of the drawers or doors due to contact with the catches. The flexible tape is routed through channels or other mounting structure formed in panels and tops of the article of furniture. An interlock mechanism, which may be integrated with the lock member, includes a lock lever, a cable attached to the lock lever and a plurality of interlock cams. Control members on the drawers rotate the cams to take up the cable causing the interlock lever to pivot and engage the lock member, thereby moving the lock member to a locked position. The interlock mechanism may include a plurality of force generating members which act upon the lock member upon the opening of a drawer.