Patent ID: 6994409
Filing Date: 2006-02-07
Classification: A47B

Abstract:
1. A controlled access dispensing unit, comprising: a cabinet including a plurality of storage spaces sized and shaped to store a plurality of supply items, said cabinet having a substantially open side permitting access to said plurality of storage spaces; an enclosure for enclosing said open side of said cabinet and configured to permit selective access to one or more of said storage spaces, said enclosure comprising a first panel having a first portion defining a first end surface generally aligned with a first axis and a second portion defining a second end surface generally aligned with said first axis and facing said first surface, said first and second portions of said first panel having a closed position relative to one another for preventing access to said plurality of storage spaces wherein said first portion of said first panel is coupled to said second portion of said first panel, said first and second portions of said first panel being movable relative to said cabinet in said closed position along a second axis substantially normal to said first axis, said first and second portions of said first panel being movable relative to one another to an open position for permitting access to one or more of said plurality of storage spaces wherein said first portion of said first panel is uncoupled with said second portion of said first panel, said first and second end surfaces of said first panel being separated from one another in said open position to define a first space therebetween; a latch arrangement configured to secure at least one of said first portion and said second portion of said first panel in a desired position relative to said cabinet; wherein said first panel is disposed generally in a first plane, said dispensing unit additionally comprising a second panel disposed generally in a second plane parallel to and aligned with said first plane, the second panel configured to selectively prevent access to said supply items through said first space, said second panel having a first portion defining a first end surface generally aligned with said second axis and a second portion defining a second end surface generally aligned with said second axis and facing said first end surface, said first and second portions of said second panel having a closed position relative to one another for preventing access to said plurality of storage spaces wherein said first portion of said second panel is coupled to said second portion of said second panel, said first and second portions of said second panel being movable relative to said cabinet in said closed position along said first axis, said first and second portions of said second panel being movable relative to one another to an open position wherein said first portion of said second panel is uncoupled with said second portion of said second panel, said first and second end surfaces of said second panel being separated from one another in said open position to define a second space therebetween, said first space and said second space cooperating to define an access opening configured to permit access to at least one of said plurality of storage spaces.