Patent ID: 6749274
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: E05B

Abstract:
A housing assembly for use in a multi-compartment storage unit comprising a plurality of stacked sliding drawers comprising an associated sliding drawer having an activator associated with the housing assembly, the housing assembly comprising:a housing defining: (i) a linear channel extending along a first axis and opening at opposite ends of the housing, and (ii) a first surface for alignment of the activator, the first surface being sloped toward a guide extending perpendicular to the channel, the guide engaging the activator when the associated drawer is in a closed position; a pair of opposing sliding bar assemblies comprising sliding bar ends located within opposite ends of the channel; an actuator rotating between first and second positions upon engagement by the activator, wherein in the first position, the actuator permits displacement of the sliding bar ends within the linear channel upon withdrawal of the associated drawer from the storage unit, and in the second position the actuator inhibits displacement of the sliding bar ends within the linear channel; and a mounting member securing the actuator to the housing in a predetermined operative location relative to the sliding bar ends.