Patent ID: 6637843
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: E05B

Abstract:
A housing assembly for use in a multi-compartment storage unit, the storage unit comprising a plurality of stacked sliding drawers, wherein each of the sliding drawers is slidably mounted for withdrawal from the storage unit, and the storage unit comprises a plurality of like housing assemblies in an abutting linear array, the plurality of like housing assemblies comprising a plurality of sliding bar assemblies within the linear array, and a stop limiting displacement of the sliding bar assemblies in the linear array to a predetermined distance, each like housing assembly being operatively associated with one of the sliding drawers, the housing assembly comprising:a housing defining a linear channel extending along a first axis and opening at opposite ends of the housing; the housing comprising a first wall of the channel opposite a second wall of the housing positioned away from the channel; a pair of the sliding bar assemblies in opposing relation, comprising sliding bar ends located within opposite ends of the channel; an actuator operatively associated with one of the sliding drawers, the actuator being located intermediate the opposing sliding bar ends, the actuator operating between first and second positions, 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 engages at least one of the opposing sliding bar ends to inhibit 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, the mounting member being coaxially positioned along a second axis extending between the first and second walls.