Dual hinged door mechanism

An interlocking assembly for a dual hinged door, includes a first latch and second latch each rotatably secured to opposing sides of the door. Each Latch is linked to a first and second interference member respectively, such that positioning the first latch in an open position rotates first interference member in a path of rotation of the second interference member. In that configuration, second interference member is not permitted to rotate and prevents the second latch from opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hinged door and more particularly to a door lifting and support, latch locking and handle assemblies.

SUMMARY

An example of an interlocking assembly for a dual hinged door includes a first latch rotatably secured to the door at a first side of the door. The first latch is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. A second latch is rotatably secured to the door at a second side of the door, opposite the first side. The second latch is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. A first interference member is rotatably secured to the door and a second interference member is rotatably secured to the door, wherein the first interference and the second interference members are positioned adjacent one another. It further includes, a first latch linkage arm rotatably connected to the first latch at a first portion of the first latch linkage arm and rotatably connected to the first interference member at a second portion of the first latch linkage arm spaced apart from the first portion, such that rotation of the first latch from the closed position to the open position moves the first latch linkage arm and causes the first interference member to rotate. Additionally, a second latch linkage arm is rotatably connected to the second latch at a first portion of the second latch linkage arm and rotatably connected to the second interference member at a second portion of the second latch linkage arm spaced apart from the first portion, such that rotation of the second latch from the closed position to the open position moves the second latch linkage arm and causes the second interference member to rotate. The first interference member is positioned in a path of rotation of the second interference member, blocking rotation of the second interference member, with the first latch in the open position and the second latch in the closed position.

An example of an assembly for lifting and supporting a door relative to a frame includes a first upper hinge pin connected to a top portion of the frame and a first lower hinge pin connected to a bottom portion of the frame. A lift pin is connected to the door and positioned to extend in a direction forming an angular relationship with a plane formed by the door with the door hinged about the first upper and first lower hinge pins and the door in an opened position. A lift pin support member is secured to the frame and positioned to engage the lift pin such that the support member provides vertical support of the door and positions the door into a predetermined elevation relative to the frame, with the door in a closed position. Additionally, a door support structure is associated with the first lower hinge pin, wherein the door support structure extends away from and in angular relationship to a longitudinal axis of the first lower hinge pin and wherein the support structure provides support to the door with the door hinged about the first upper and first lower hinge pins and with the door in an open position.

An example of handle assembly for a door includes a handle rotatable about an axis of rotation of the handle assembly, a drive member connected to the handle and rotatable about the axis of rotation and a drive pin member connected to the drive member and extending radially from the drive member. Also provided is a drive receiving member rotatably engaged with the drive member and rotatable about the axis of rotation and the drive receiving member defines an opening including a first and second spaced apart opposing sidewalls, wherein the drive pin member is positioned within the opening and is movable within the opening. A cam is connected to the drive receiving member and rotatable with the drive receiving member about the axis of rotation. A torsion spring is positioned about the axis of rotation with the torsion spring having a first arm connected with the handle such that the first arm moves with the handle and a second arm positioned in proximity to the cam such that the second arm moves with the cam. This handle assembly is positionable in a first closed position, with the handle in a first position, the cam in a first position, the torsion spring in a first unloaded position and the drive pin member positioned adjacent the first sidewall of the opening. The handle assembly is also positionable in an open position, with the handle in a second position, the cam in a second position, the torsion spring in a second unloaded position and the drive pin member adjacent the first sidewall of the opening. The handle assembly is further positionable in a second closed position, with the handle in the first position, the cam in the second position, the torsion spring in a loaded position and the drive pin member positioned spaced apart from the first sidewall of the opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of network cabinet10of present invention is shown. Network cabinet10is contemplated to carry a variety of network related equipment, such as network switches, patch panels and/or servers and will be appropriately configured to handle the particular equipment that is needed. To optimize the use of network cabinet10, dual hinged doors are used to provide ease in access to interior portions of network cabinet10in order to install, maintenance, wire and remove equipment as needed, in a safe and effortless manner.

For ease in understanding orientations with respect to describing network cabinet10, if not otherwise stated, the right and left side of network cabinet10will be identified as such from a view point taken from facing the front side “F” of network cabinet10. For example, viewing from the front side “F” of cabinet10, inFIG. 3, front door12is hinged on the left side of frame16of cabinet10. Also, inFIG. 4, viewing from the front side “F”, rear door17is hinged on the left side of frame16of cabinet10. When referring to the “rear side” or a “back side” of a door such as front door12, this will be the side of the door that faces the interior of the cabinet with the door in a closed position. Correspondingly, for example, the side of front door12that is seen from outside of network cabinet10with front door12in a closed position, will be referred to as the “front side” or “outside side” of front door12.

As seen inFIG. 1, front door12is positioned on the front side “F” of network cabinet10. In certain embodiments of the present invention, network cabinet10provides casters14mounted to a bottom portion “B” of frame16, as can be seen inFIGS. 1-4. Casters14provide ease in rolling network cabinet10to a desired position and/or location. In this embodiment, network cabinet10has a dual hinged door arrangement for opening both front and rear doors12,17wherein each door can be hinged or unhinged selectively from either the left or right side of frame16of cabinet10. Each door is provided two handles, one for opening the door with the hinge positioned on the right side of cabinet10and a second handle for opening the door with the hinge positioned on the left side of the cabinet10. Since both front and back doors12and17are generally structured the same but face opposing directions, front door12will be described herein. Left handle18which is part of handle assembly18′ is positioned on the left portion of front door12, as you face front door12, and right handle20which is part of handle assembly20′ is positioned on a right portion of front door12. For rear door17, with the user facing door17, handle18would be positioned on the left side portion of door17and handle20would be positioned on the right hand portion of door17.

Frame16, as seen inFIGS. 2-4, in this embodiment, is constructed of a conductive material such as steel which includes a pair of front vertical spaced apart frame rails22and a pair of rear vertical spaced apart frame rails24. These pairs of vertical frame rails22and24are connected together at a bottom portion “B” of cabinet10by securing a pair of front to back base beams26and a pair of side to side base beams28to the vertical frame rails22and24by way of welding, bolting or other securing method for providing sufficient structural integrity to cabinet10. Similarly, top portion “T” of cabinet10is constructed with securing together a pair of front to back top beams30and a pair of side to side top beams32to the front pair of vertical rails22and to the back pair of vertical frame rails24by way of bolting, welding or other securing method to provide sufficient structural integrity to cabinet10thereby completing formation of a generally rectangular box structure. In this particular embodiment, the cabinet is approximately 800 mm wide (31.5 inches), 1070 mm deep (42.2 inches) inches and approximately 84 inches tall and will carry a 2,000 pound load rating.

As can be seen inFIG. 3, front to back beams26positioned in the bottom portion “B” of cabinet10and front to back beams30positioned in top portion “T” of cabinet10each extend beyond pairs of vertical frame rails22and24. In this embodiment, cross beam34is connected to and spans ends of the front to back beams26that extend outwardly toward front portion “F” at bottom portion “B” of cabinet10. Similarly another cross beam34is connected to and spans the ends of the front to back beams30that extend outwardly toward front portion “F” at top portion “T” of cabinet10. These two cross beams34which are positioned in front portion “F” of cabinet10are utilized to carry and from which to hinge front door12to cabinet10. As seen inFIG. 4, a pair of cross beams36are one each positioned at the bottom portion “B” and top portion “T” of cabinet10. Cross beam36positioned at bottom portion “B” of cabinet10is connected to and span ends of front to back beams26and the other cross beam36of this pair is connected to and span the ends of front to back beams30, at rear portion “R” of cabinet10. Pair of cross beams36are utilized to carry and from which to hinge rear door17to rear portion “R” of cabinet10.

As is shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, front door12inFIG. 3is being opened from the right side of frame16of cabinet10and is hinged to frame16on the left side of frame16of cabinet10. As will be later described, front door12may be closed and secured to frame16and thereafter front door12may then be opened with door12hinged on the right side of frame16of cabinet10and the door opening from the left side of frame16of cabinet10, as seen inFIG. 14. Similarly, in the rear of cabinet10it is shown that rear door17is hinged on the left side of frame16and cabinet10and opens from the right side of frame16and cabinet10. Rear door17can be closed and reopened wherein rear door17is hinged on the right side of frame16of cabinet10and rear door17opens from the left side of frame16of cabinet10.

In this embodiment, frame16carries dual hinged front door12and dual hinged rear door17. Side panels (not shown) are also provided to enclose cabinet10. In this embodiment both front door12and rear door17are vented with a plurality of perforations or openings19positioned throughout (not shown) the central portion of outer surface or skin portion21. These perforations19allow the doors to dissipate heat generated by the electrical equipment positioned within cabinet10. Samples of such openings can be seen in later figures, for example, such asFIGS. 22-23. Similarly, side panels (not shown) can also be constructed with similar openings19to provide additional ventilation to cabinet10. Likewise, ventilation can be provided in a top (not shown) to cabinet10and through the bottom of cabinet10.

In referring toFIG. 5, the back or rear side of front door12is shown without being attached to frame16. The central portion of outer surface or skin portion21of front door12, as discussed above, can be perforated with openings19throughout the skin portion21. Front door12, in this embodiment, is reinforced with door cross beam members38positioned across a top and bottom portions of front door12to provide structural integrity to front door12. A portion of left handle assembly18′ and a portion of right handle assembly20′ are seen from the rear side or back side of front door12. Handle assemblies18′ and20′ will be discussed later in more detail.

A pair of locking rods40are connected to each handle assembly18′ and20′. From each assembly18′ and20′ a locking rod40extends toward the top of front door12and from each assembly18′ and20′ a locking rod40extends toward the bottom portion of front door12. As will be discussed in more detail later, a pair of locking rods40associated with each handle assembly will selectively move together between an extended position relative to the handle assembly to which it is associated and a retracted position. Since each locking rod40spans from a mid portion of front door12to either the top or to bottom portion of front door12, each locking rod40can be subjected to unwanted deflection with movement of the door which could result in locking rod shortening its span. A shortening of the span of locking rod40could remove locking rod40from a locked extended position to an unlocked position which could result in unintended disengagement or unlocking of locking rod40. Bracket42has been connected to the rear side of front door12for each of the four locking rods40, such that each bracket42, engages a locking rod40at a central portion of its span and thereby minimizes undesired flexing of locking rod40in operation of the door. In this example, bracket42defines an opening44in which locking rod40can be restrained from flexing.

Referring toFIGS. 6-11, an interlocking assembly46will be described herein, will prevent users of network cabinet10which have dual hinged doors, from accidentally unhinging both sides of a door which could cause either damage, injury or both. The interlocking assembly to be described herein is located on a bottom portion of front door12. The same interlocking assembly46is also positioned on the top portion of front door12. Since this embodiment includes both front door12and rear door17as dual hinged doors, the same interlocking assembly46structure described herein will also be found also in both the top and bottom portions of rear door17.

In referring toFIG. 6, interlocking assembly46includes first rotatable lower latch or first latch48positioned at a right side of front door12and second rotatable lower latch or second latch50positioned on the opposing left side of front door12. As will be described in more detail later on, these rotatable latches rotate between open and closed positions relative to door12. In looking atFIG. 3, the positions of latches48and50coincide with the position of front door12inFIG. 3. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the left side of front door12is hinged to frame16. Second lower latch or second latch50is in a closed position engaging second lower hinge pin or hinge pin52as seen inFIGS. 6,7, and20. Second lower hinge pin52, as seen inFIG. 15, is connected to and extends in an upward direction from a bottom portion “B” of frame16, forming a hinge with second lower latch50, as seen inFIGS. 6,7and20. On the right side of front door12, with that side of door12in an open position, first lower latch or first latch48has been rotated into an open or unhinged position, as seen inFIGS. 6 and 9. Without a hinge pin engaged within first lower latch48, the right side of the door12is permitted to be in an opened position relative to frame16of cabinet10. As will be described in more detail below, interlocking assembly46positioned at the top portion of front door12is constructed and operates in the same way as the interlocking assembly46positioned in a lower portion of door12. As a result, one side of door12will be either hinged or unhinged.

Further referring toFIG. 3, with the right side of front door12in an opened position, first lower latch48is in an open position relative to door12, as seen inFIG. 9, as well as, first upper latch65is positioned in the same open position in interlocking assembly46positioned in the top portion of door12. First upper latch65is positioned generally vertically and spaced apart above latch48. First upper latch65can be generally seen inFIG. 17, however, in this figure first upper latch65is in a closed position. First upper latch65will be in the same open configuration as first lower latch48as seen inFIGS. 6 and 9with door12opened on the fright side of frame16. On the other or left side of door12, second upper latch67, as seen inFIG. 19, which is part of interlocking assembly46positioned on the top portion of door and is positioned on the left side of door12. Second upper latch67, shown inFIG. 20, is positioned on the same side of front door12as second lower latch50. Both latches50and67have been rotated to a closed position relative to door12and form hinges with second lower hinge pin52and second upper hinge pin53respectively, as seen with door12in the hinged position shown inFIG. 3.

Since both front door12and rear door17, in this embodiment, are both dual hinged doors that will have interlocking assemblies46positioned on both the top and bottom portions of each door, each door will have four latches, two on each the left and right sides of each door. As a result, both front portion “F” and rear portion “R” of frame16, will need four hinge pins connected to each of front portion “F” and rear portion “R” of frame16to correspond to the four latches on each door, thereby being able to secure with hinges the right and left side of each door to frame16.

For purposes of this description, the four hinge pins51,52,53and57, each is connected to front portion “F” of frame16. The same arrangement is provided for rear portion “R” of frame16. Second lower and second upper hinge pins52and53, as seen inFIGS. 15 and 16are connected to frame16on the left side portion of frame16and are in vertical alignment with one another. Second upper hinge pin53is positioned on top portion “T” of frame16and second lower hinge pin52is positioned on bottom portion “B” of frame16. The other two hinge pins, first lower hinge pin57, as seen inFIG. 13, and first upper hinge pin51, as seen inFIG. 12, are positioned on the right side portion of frame16and are vertically aligned with one another with first upper hinge pin51secured to top portion “T” and another hinge pin or first lower hinge pin57is secured on bottom portion “B” of frame16.

The hinge pins on the left side of frame16align and interact with the latches positioned on the left side of the door that are in interlocking assembly46positioned on the top and the bottom of door12. Hinge pins on the right side of frame16align and interact with the latches positioned on the right side of the door that are in interlocking assembly46positioned on the top and the bottom of door12. The hinge pins assist in moving the latches they engage from an open position to a closed position and from a closed position to an open position. This will be described in more detail below with respect to first lower latch48and second lower latch50and the same will apply to the other latch on the same side of the door, first upper latch65and second upper latch67respectively. It will be appreciated that the latches on one side of door12will be rotated between open and closed positions relative to the door by the hinge pins they align with and engage on that side of the door. With the latch rotated to a closed position, it forms a hinge with the pin it has engaged. Then with moving that side of the door away from frame16, as the door opens on that side hinge pins on that side of frame16urge latches on door12on that corresponding side to an open position. With returning that side of the door to a closed position, the latches engage the hinge pins and the hinge pins causes the latches to rotate to a closed position, again forming the hinges. This sequence of the operation of the hinges and pins work in the same way on both sides of the door.

In referring to interlocking assembly46seen inFIGS. 6-11, first latch or first lower latch48is secured to and rotatable relative to front door12between an open position shown inFIG. 9, and closed position, as seen inFIG. 9C. First lower latch48, as seen inFIGS. 9-9Ccomprises base54with two spaced apart arms55,56which extend from base54and define a space58positioned between arms55,56for receiving a hinge pin or first lower hinge pin57, as seen inFIG. 9Bwhich is aligned to engage first lower latch48with door12moved toward a closed position. In this embodiment, first latch48is secured to front door12with pin connector49that is affixed to front door12, such that first latch48is only movable relative to door12by rotation about pin connector49. As a result, pin connector49forms an axis of rotation for first latch48in a fixed location relative to door12, about which first latch48rotates between open and closed positions relative to door12as seen inFIGS. 9 and 9C.

Cam arm60is affixed to first latch48and, in this example, is integrally formed with first latch48and extends from first latch48. A first portion63of first latch linkage arm62is rotatably connected to cam arm60with second pin connector61. First latch linkage arm62and cam arm60can rotate about an axis of rotation formed by second pin connector61. Since second pin connector61is not affixed to door12, the axis of rotation formed by second pin connector61is movable relative to front door12. The fixed axis of rotation of the first latch48and the movable axis of rotation between the cam arm60and first latch linkage arm62are spaced apart from one another.

Spaced apart from first portion63of first latch linkage arm62is second portion64of first latch linkage arm62is rotatably connected to first interference member66with third pin connector68, as seen inFIGS. 6,10and11. Third pin connector68permits rotational movement between first latch linkage arm62and first interference member66and without third pin connector68being affixed to front door12, an axis of rotation formed by third pin connector68is movable relative to door12. First interference member66is rotatably secured to door12with a fourth pin connector70wherein the fourth pin connector70is affixed to door12permitting first interference member66to rotate about a fixed axis of rotation formed by the fourth pin connector70. The axis of rotation formed by the third pin connector68is positioned spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the fourth pin connector70. Thus, with first lower latch48positioned in an open position as seen inFIG. 9, cam arm60positions first latch linkage arm62in a retracted position such that first portion63positioned proximate to end portion “E” of door12. With first latch linkage arm62in the retracted position first interference member66is positioned in blocking relationship to a path of rotation of second interference member72, as seen inFIG. 10and which will be discussed in more detail herein.

With first lower latch48in an open position as seen inFIG. 9and first upper latch65is also in an open position, door12on the right side of frame16is in an open position. As door12is moved toward a closed position, as seen inFIG. 9B, first lower latch48is moved toward first lower hinge pin57and lower hinge pin57is received in space58between arms55and56of first latch member48. As door12is further moved from the position shown inFIG. 9Bto a closed position as seen inFIG. 9C, arm55is pushed up against stationary first lower hinge pin57causing first latch48to rotate about pin connector49to a closed position inFIG. 9C. With the rotation of first latch48, cam arm60rotates about pin connector49and pushes against first latch linkage arm62and moves first latch linkage arm62from the retracted position as seen inFIG. 9Bto an extended position as seen inFIG. 9C. The extended position of first latch linking arm62is a position relative to a retracted position, which is seen inFIG. 9. In the extended position first portion63is positioned further away from end portion “E” of door12than is the retracted position where first portion63is positioned closer to end portion “E”. Movement of first latch linkage arm62from the retracted position to the extended position rotates first interference member66from a blocking position with respect to second interference member72, as seen inFIG. 10, to a non-blocking relationship with the second interference member72as seen inFIG. 11. Thus, with first latch member48reaching a closed position and door12is closed, first and second interference members66and72which are positioned adjacent to one another and are positioned in non-blocking relationship with one another, as seen inFIG. 11with second lower latch50also in a closed position. This will be more fully discussed below.

With respect to opening door12from a closed position with first lower latch48in a closed position, as seen inFIG. 9C, door12is urged away from frame16on the side of the door first lower latch48is located. With hinge pin57positioned in the path of movement of arm56of first latch48and as door12is urged to an open position, arm56and first latch48begin to rotate about pin connector49to an open position inFIG. 9. Cam arm60rotates about pin connector49moving first latch linkage arm62from an extended position inFIG. 9Cto a retracted position as seen inFIG. 9. This movement of first latch linkage arm62results in rotation of first interference member66from a non-blocking relationship with respect to second interference member72as seen inFIG. 11to a blocking relationship with second interference member72as seen inFIG. 10. With door12moved to an open position, first latch48is in an open position as seen inFIG. 9. Thus, as door12moves back from this open position, seen inFIG. 9, to a closed position as seen inFIG. 9C, first lower latch48is pushed by hinge pin57and moves latch48from an open to a closed position resulting in first interference member66rotating from a blocking relationship, as seen inFIG. 10, to a non-blocking relationship with respect to second interference member72as seen inFIG. 11.

Because the interlocking assembly46positioned at the top portion of door12is the same as that described above for the interlocking assembly positioned on the lower portion of door12, corresponding first upper latch65interacts with first upper pin61in the interlocking assembly46positioned at the top portion of door12in the same way as the above described first lower latch48interacts with first lower hinge pin57. The result in the upper interlocking assembly46is also the same as the lower interlocking assembly46with the positioning a first interference member in blocking and non-blocking relationship with respect to the second interference member.

On the second or opposite side of door12from first lower latch48, in this instance, the left side of front door12, interlocking assembly46is structured the same as the right side of interlocking assembly that has been described above. In referring to interlocking assembly46shown inFIGS. 6,7and8, second lower latch50is secured to and rotatable relative to front door12between a closed position as shown inFIG. 7and an open position as does first lower latch48, seen inFIG. 9, relative to door12. Second lower latch50comprises base154with two spaced apart arms155,156which extend from base154and define a space158positioned between arms155,156for receiving other hinge pin52connected to frame16. In this embodiment, second latch50is secured to front door12with pin connector149that is affixed to front door12, such that second latch50is only movable by rotation about pin connector149. As a result, pin connector149forms an axis of rotation for second latch50in a fixed location relative to door12.

Second cam arm160is affixed to second latch50and, in this example, is integrally formed with second latch50and extends from second latch50. A first portion163of second latch linkage arm162is rotatably connected to second cam arm160with second pin connector161. Second latch linkage arm162and second cam arm60can rotate about an axis of rotation formed by second pin connector161. Since second pin connector161is not affixed to door12, the axis of rotation formed by second pin connector161is movable relative to front door12. The fixed axis of rotation of the second latch50and the movable axis of rotation between the second cam arm60and second latch linkage arm62are spaced apart from one another.

Spaced apart from first portion163of second latch linkage arm162is second portion164is rotatably connected to second interference member166with third pin connector168, as seen inFIGS. 6,7and8. Third pin connector168permits rotational movement between second latch linkage arm162and second interference member72and without third pin connector168being affixed to front door12, an axis of rotation formed by third pin connector168is movable relative to door12. Second interference member72is rotatably secured to door12with a fourth pin connector170wherein the fourth pin connector170is affixed to door12permitting second interference member72to rotate about a fixed axis of rotation formed by the fourth pin connector170. The axis of rotation formed by the third pin connector168is positioned spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the fourth pin connector170. Thus, with second lower latch50positioned in a closed position as seen inFIGS. 7 and 8, second cam arm158positions second linkage arm162in an extended position as seen inFIGS. 6-8, such that second linkage arm162positions second interference member72in a non-blocking relationship with respect to first interference member66, as seen inFIG. 11. It should be understood that the structure of interlocking assembly46positioned on the top portion of door12in the same left side of door12as second lower latch50, includes second upper latch67and second upper hinge pin53and is structured and operates the same as the interlocking assembly46as described for second lower latch50and second lower hinge pin52.

When a user chooses to open door12from the side of door12wherein second lower latch50is positioned, second lower latch50starts in a closed position as seen inFIG. 7. With the door moved to an open position, as seen inFIG. 14. So long as first lower latch48is in a closed position as shown inFIG. 9C, door12from the side in which second lower latch50is positioned, can be pulled away from frame16. With first lower latch48in a closed position, first interference member66is in a non-blocking position, out of path of rotation of second interference member72, as seen inFIG. 11. Thus, the left side of door12can be urged away from frame16causing arm156to be pushed by hinge pin52rotating second lower latch50about pin connector149. Rotation of second latch50causes second cam arm160to rotate about pin connector149thereby moving into an open position and moving second latch linkage arm162from its extended position as seen inFIG. 7to a retracted position similar to a retracted position of first latch linkage arm62as seen inFIG. 9. With first interference member66positioned outside the path of rotation and in a non-blocking relationship with second interference member72as seen inFIG. 11, movement of second latch arm162to a retracted position with second lower latch50moving to an open position, second interference member72is rotated to into a blocking relationship with first interference member66(not shown). Thus, with second interference member72rotated toward first interference member66, first interference member66is blocked from being able to rotate toward second interference member72. Without interference member66being able to rotate toward second interference member72, first lower latch48will not be able to be moved to an open position. Such arrangement prevents accidental opening of first latch48with second latch50now in an open position.

As discussed earlier, with first lower latch48in an open position as seen inFIG. 9and second lower latch50positioned in a closed position as seen inFIG. 7, first interference member66is positioned in the path of rotation or blocking relationship with second interference member72, as seen inFIG. 10. With first interference member66in blocking relationship to rotation of second interference member72, and in this embodiment abutting second interference member72, second interference member72is not permitted to rotate as would otherwise be required with opening of second latch50. Thus, second lower latch50, as seen inFIG. 7, cannot be opened with first lower latch48already in an open position, as seen inFIG. 9. Thus, the opposite orientation of latches48and50wherein second latch50is in an open position, second interference member72is then positioned in the path of rotation of first interference member66. Thus with second lower latch50in an open position, first lower latch48cannot be moved from a closed position, as seen inFIG. 9C, to an open position as seen in FIG.9which would otherwise require first interference member66to rotate toward second interference member72. As can be appreciated, interlocking assembly46permits only latches positioned on one side of door12to be opened at a time and will not permit latches to be opened on opposing left and right sides of door12at the same time. An override is provided should a door need to be completely removed. Handle74and174which are connected to first and second latch linkage arms62and162respectively, as seen inFIGS. 9A and 8respectively. The user can be grasp handle74and urge first lower latch to an open position and could grasp handle174and urge second lower latch50to an open position.

In referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, in this embodiment, first interference member66comprises convex surface76and second interference member72comprises concave surface78. With first interference member66positioned in a path of rotation of second interference member72, as seen inFIG. 10, convex surface76is positioned within concave surface78. This configuration in this embodiment places first interference member66in abutting relationship with second interference member72. This arrangement permits first interference member66to move smoothly in relationship to second interference member72and provide a secure blocking position with respect to second interference member72without permitting undesired movement of second interference member72with first interference member66in blocking position. Similarly, second interference member72comprises convex surface80and first interference member66comprises concave surface82such that convex surface80is positioned within concave surface82with second interference member positioned within the path of rotation of the first interference member66. This arrangement of this embodiment also places second interference member in abutting relationship with respect to first interference member66with second interference member72in blocking relationship to first interference member66. Second interference member72positioned in blocking relationship with first interference member66is not shown, however, that configuration is well understood in referring toFIG. 10wherein the opposite orientation is shown with first interference member66is in blocking relationship to second interference member72. This arrangement permits second interference member72to move smoothly in relationship to first interference member66and provide a secure blocking position with respect to first interference member66without permitting undesired movement of first interference member66with second interference member72in blocking position.

In referring toFIGS. 6-9C, push rod84urges latches in interlocking assembly46. Push rod84will urge a latch in a direction to maintain the latch in an open position, with the latch being in an open position and in another direction to maintain the latch in a closed position with the latch positioned in a closed position. Push rod84is constructed in the same way with each latch and for purposes of describing push rod84herein, push rod associated with first lower latch48will be described.

Push rod84comprises rod member86that is rotatably mounted to door12. In this embodiment, rod member86is rotatably connected to second pin connector61wherein push rod84and cam arm60are in rotational relationship about second pin connector61. Spaced apart from this rotation connection61push rod84is mounted to door12for rotational and translational movement relative to door12. Pin88is affixed to door12and is positioned within slot90defined in rod member86such that push rod84is rotatable around pin88and push rod is movable in a linear direction relative to pin88with pin88moveable within slot90.

Push rod84further comprises spring92positioned along rod member86such that one end94abuts pin88and opposing end96abuts collar member98positioned on rod member86. Spring92is positioned between one end94and opposing end96such that spring92maintains a compression position as the cam arm60rotates with first lower latch48between open and closed positions, as seen inFIGS. 9-9C. With the first lower latch member48in an opened position, a seen inFIG. 9, push rod84exerts a force in a first direction “D1” on cam arm60maintaining first latch48in an open position, as seen inFIG. 9. In this configuration, pin88is positioned in a back portion100of slot90, spring92is still in compression and first latch linkage arm62positions first interference member66in the path of rotation of second interference member72. With arm55of first lower latch member48engaging hinge pin57, as seen inFIG. 9B, first latch48rotates to a closed position as door12is urged to a closed position, as seen inFIG. 9C. With first lower latch48positioned in a closed position as seen inFIG. 9C, push rod84exerts a force on the cam arm60in a second direction “D2” maintaining the first lower latch48in the closed position and maintains first interference member66in a position out of the path of rotation of second interference member72, as seen inFIG. 11. In this configuration, pin88is positioned in a forward position102in slot90as seen inFIG. 9Cand spring92is still in a compression configuration.

Now in referring toFIGS. 12-30, an assembly for lifting and supporting a network cabinet door is shown. This assembly may be used with a single hinged door and as described in the embodiment herein, it will be applied to a double hinged door as well. Network cabinet10as seen inFIGS. 1-4, include dual hinged doors12and17as described earlier. Front door12will be referred to for purposes of this description, however, the same will apply to dual hinged rear door17as well. Door12because of its weight, size and at times fabrication tolerances in hinges that support door12, door12can sag with door12in an open position. In this instance door12can be opened from a right side and hinged on the left side as seen inFIG. 3and can be opened from the left side and hinged on the right side as seen inFIG. 14.

With door12in an open position, door12will be supported on only one side of door12and will be subjected to sagging. With door12in a sagging position, the user at times will be required to lift door12relative to frame16in order to properly align latches and corresponding hinge pins on the open side of the door so as to close the door properly.

Door lifting assembly200, is shown inFIGS. 21-25, which provides the user assistance to automatically realign the door from a sagging position, as door12is moved from an open position to a closed position. Door lifting assembly200provides an effortless unobstructed closing of door12. Door lifting assembly200will operate regardless which side of the door is hinged when the door is being closed.

Door support structure202, as seen inFIGS. 26-30, is provided to operate with each of first lower hinge pin57and second lower hinge pin52, which are both positioned on the bottom portion “B” of frame16. Door support structure202with the door in an open position supports door12proximate to a lower hinge with door12. Door support structure202will support door12at or near the elevation attained of door12by door lifting assembly200when the door was in a closed position. Thus, with use of support structure202, a reduction of up and down movement of door12can be provided as door12moves between open and closed positions.

In referring toFIG. 12an example of first upper hinge pin51is shown connected to top portion “T” of frame16of network cabinet10and on the right side portion of frame16. Hinge pin51is connected to bracket204by using a bolt, rivet or other common securing means and bracket204is in turn bolted to cross beam34of frame16. Spaced apart from and positioned directly below first upper hinge pin51is first lower hinge pin57, shown inFIG. 13. First lower hinge pin57is connected to bottom portion “B” and right side portion of frame16on cross beam34. First lower hinge pin is bolted to mounting bracket206and in turn mounting bracket206is bolted to cross beam34.

In referring toFIG. 14, door12is hinged on the right side of frame16to hinge pins51and57with door12in an open position on the left side of frame16. First upper hinge pin51and first lower hinge pin57are engaged with first upper latch65and first lower latch48, respectively, forming a first upper hinge208, inFIG. 17, and a first lower hinge210, inFIG. 18.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, second lower hinge pin52and second upper hinge pin53are both not hinged to door12, with door12open on the left side of frame16and door12hinged on the right side of frame16, as shown inFIG. 14. Second lower hinge pin52, inFIG. 15, is connected to a bottom portion “B” of frame16of network cabinet10with second lower hinge pin52bolted to mounting bracket206and mounting bracket206in turn bolted to cross beam34of frame16. In this example, second lower hinge52is positioned on the left portion of frame16. Second upper hinge pin53is shown inFIG. 16connected to top bottom portion “T” and on a left side portion of frame16. Second upper hinge pin53is positioned spaced apart and directly above second lower hinge pin52. Second upper hinge pin53is connected to cross beam34with hinge pin53bolted, riveted or otherwise secured to mounting bracket204and mounting bracket201in turn is bolted to cross beam34.

In referring toFIGS. 19 and 20, door12is hinged on the left side of frame16as shown inFIG. 3and opened on the right side of frame16. Second upper hinge pin53as shown inFIG. 19is engaged with closed first upper latch67forming second upper hinge212. Second lower hinge pin52is engaged with closed second lower latch50forming second lower hinge214.

The assembly for lifting and supporting a door relative to the cabinet, as mentioned earlier, can be applied to operate with a door that opens and closes on one side, however, for the present embodiment the assembly will be applied to dual hinged door12. With respect to dual hinged doors12, the dual hinged operation performs with latches on the right side of door12operating between open and closed positions with respect to the hinge pins on the right side of frame16and likewise the latches on the left side of door12operate between open and closed positions with respect to the hinge pins on the left side of frame16.

In addressing the operation of the latches and hinge pins that operate on the right side of cabinet10, first upper latch65, as describe earlier, is rotatably connected to door12in interlocking assembly46so as to rotate between an open and closed position relative to door12, as seen for example inFIGS. 9-9C, and is positioned in the upper right portion of door12. With first upper latch65in a closed position, as seen for example inFIG. 9C, latch65forms first upper hinge208, as seen inFIG. 17. In an open position first upper hinge65, as seen, for example, inFIG. 9, is positioned out of blocking relationship with first upper hinge pin51as seen inFIG. 12such that hinge pin51and latch65are permitted to separate from one another and move the door to an open position as seen inFIG. 3. Similarly the other latch on the right side of door12, first lower latch48, operates in the same way. First lower latch48is rotatably connected to door12in interlocking assembly46so as to rotate between an open and closed position as seen inFIGS. 9-9C. and is positioned in the lower right portion of door12. With first lower latch48in a closed position, as seen inFIG. 9C, latch48forms first lower hinge210, as seen inFIG. 18. In an open position first lower hinge48, as seen inFIG. 9, is positioned out of blocking relationship with first lower hinge pin57as seen inFIG. 13such that hinge pin57and latch48are permitted to separate from one another and move the door to an open position as seen inFIG. 3. This configuration permits, the right side of door12to move between open and closed positions.

Now with respect to the left side of frame16and the left side of door12, second upper hinge pin53as described earlier is connected to a top portion “T” and left side of frame16spaced apart from and across frame16from first upper hinge pin51. Second lower hinge pin52is connected to the bottom portion “B” of frame16and is spaced apart from and across frame16from first lower hinge pin57. Second upper latch67, as describe earlier, is rotatably connected to door12in interlocking assembly46so as to rotate between an open and closed position relative to door12, as seen for example inFIGS. 9-9C, and is positioned in the upper left portion of door12. With second upper latch67in a closed position, as seen for example inFIG. 7, latch67forms second upper hinge212, as seen inFIG. 19. In an open position, first upper hinge67, as seen, for example, inFIG. 9, is positioned out of blocking relationship with first upper hinge pin53as seen inFIG. 16such that hinge pin53and latch67are permitted to separate from one another and move the door to an open position, as seen inFIG. 14. Similarly the other latch on the left side of door12is second lower latch50. Second lower latch50is rotatably connected to door12in interlocking assembly46so as to rotate between an open and closed position as seen inFIG. 7, and by way of example inFIGS. 9-9C. and is positioned in the lower left portion of door12. With first lower latch50in a closed position, as seen inFIG. 7, latch50forms second lower hinge214, as seen inFIG. 20. In an open position second lower hinge50, as seen for example inFIG. 9, is positioned out of blocking relationship with second lower hinge pin52as seen inFIG. 15such that hinge pin52and latch50are permitted to separate from one another and the door can be moved to an open position as seen inFIG. 14.

With respect to lift pin assembly200, shown inFIGS. 24 and 25, this is a portion of the assembly for lifting and supporting a door relative to cabinet10. In referring toFIGS. 14 and 21, lift pin216is connected to front door12. Lift pin216extends in a direction forming an angular relationship with a plane formed by door12. This angular relationship with door12is the same regardless of which side of door12is hinged and with the door is in an open position.

InFIG. 14, front door12is hinged on the right side of frame16and door12is open on the left side of frame16. In this instance, door12is hinged about first lower hinge pin57, as shown inFIG. 18, and about first upper hinge pin51, as shown inFIG. 17. InFIG. 21, front door12is hinged on the left side of frame16, as shown inFIG. 3, and is opened on the right side of frame16. In this instance, door12is hinged about second upper hinge pin53, as shown inFIG. 19, and about second lower hinge pin52, as shown inFIG. 20. In either orientation of door12opened and hinged from either the right or left side of frame16, lift pin216is positioned in the angular position relative to the plane of door12and operates in the same way. Thus, the operation of lift pin216will apply to door12regardless from which side of frame16it is hinged.

Lift pin216is rotatably mounted to axle218as seen inFIGS. 23-25. Axle218is secured to door12by being rotatably mounted to bracket220and bracket220being connected to door12with bolts or any other conventional method. With lift pin218positioned, in this embodiment, in a central portion of axle218, bushing222is positioned on axle218and is positioned between lift pin216and bracket220, as seen inFIG. 23. On the other side of lift pin216, torsion spring224is positioned between lift pin216and bracket220. One end of torsion spring224is connected to lift pin216and the other end of torsion spring224is connected to bracket220. Bracket220in turn is connected to door12.

Torsion spring224is positioned to exert an upward force on lift pin216. Restraint member226which is connected to bracket220and is in turn connected to door12, is positioned in a path of upward rotation of lift pin216, as seen inFIG. 22. Restraint member226is positioned such that torsion spring224retains stored energy and continues to urge lift pin216against restraint member226.

As door12is moved from an open position toward a closed position relative to frame16, lift pin216, as seen inFIG. 24, engages lift pin support member228. Lift pin support member228is connected to cross beam34. In this example, frame16is constructed to angle in an upward direction as it approaches cross beam34. Member228is bolted or otherwise secured to frame16and is positioned at a predetermined elevation to elevate door12to a desired elevation with lift pin216fully engaged, as seen inFIG. 25. Thus, as lift pin engages support member228and door12continues to move toward a closed position, lift pin216rotates in a downward direction relative to door12, to a more vertical position as door12attains a closed position, as seen inFIG. 25. With door12in the closed position, lift pin216extends in a direction, in this embodiment, generally aligned with the plane formed by door12. Also, with door12in a closed position, as shown inFIG. 25, door12has been lifted to a predetermined desired elevation relative to frame16to permit smooth closure of door12with door latches and corresponding hinge pins aligned.

In referring toFIG. 25, door12is in a closed position and lift pin216has rotated and is supported by support member228. Distance “d” shown inFIG. 25is the distance door12has elevated from an open position to a closed position. Line230represents a position of a distal end of phantom lift pin216′ with door12in an open and sagging position and other line232represents an elevation of the distal end of lift pin216with door12in an elevated position with door12in a closed position. The distance “d” between line230and other line232demarks the distance door12was raised in an upward direction or elevated relative to frame16to a desired predetermined elevation in the process of closing door12.

With door12in a completely closed position, with both right and left sides of door12hinged to frame16, lift pin216has elevated door12to the desired elevation for provide smooth operation of the door by the user. Thus, with door12in the closed position lift pin support member228can maintain door12at or near the desired elevation. When door12is then thereafter placed in an open position, wherein only one side of door12is hinged to frame16, door support structure202is utilized to support door12at or near the desired predetermine elevation door12was positioned by lift pin216with door in a closed position.

In referring to door support structure202, two embodiments will be discussed herein and are shown inFIGS. 26-30. Door support structure202will provide support to door12at a location proximate to the lower hinge pin about which door12is hinged, with the door in an open position. Door support structure202will support door12at or near the elevation door12attained by the operation of lift pin216with door12placed into a closed position.

For example, with respect to door12being hinged about first lower hinge pin57and first upper hinge pin51, as seen inFIG. 14, first embodiment234of door support structure202is shown inFIGS. 26 and 27. First embodiment234of door support structure234comprises nut member236that is threaded (not shown) and engages compatible threads238defined by first lower hinge pin57. Nut member236is adjustable in elevation relative to hinge pin57. Nut member236extends away from a longitudinal axis240and in angular relationship with longitudinal axis240. In this embodiment, the angular relationship is generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis240.

First lower hinge pin57is secured to mounting bracket242with bolt244and in turn bracket242is bolted to cross beam34of frame16. Thus, as door12is placed into a closed position, as seen inFIG. 27, nut member236is adjusted by the user. The user turns nut member236and adjusts the elevation of nut member236along hinge pin57to abut a lower portion of door12. With door12in a closed position, door12has been positioned into its desired predetermined elevation with lift pin216. With positioning or adjusting nut member236to abut the lower portion of door12and then with door12then opened from an opposing side of frame12from hinge pin57with door12hinged about hinge pin57, nut member236will support door12at or near the desired elevation attained when door12had been placed in a closed position.

This same construction for the above first embodiment234of door support structure202can be applied in association with second lower hinge pin52on the other side of frame16. This will be understood to be the second door support structure. With door12placed in a closed position, nut member236can also be adjusted to abut the lower portion of door12. The result would also be that with door12hinged about second lower hinge pin52and door12opened from the opposite side of frame16, door12will be supported at or near the desired elevation attained by lifting pin216when door12was in the closed position.

A second embodiment235of door support structure202is shown inFIGS. 28-30. In referring toFIG. 28, first lower hinge pin57is shown engaged with closed first lower latch48with second embodiment235supporting door12with door12in a closed position. In this configuration, door12is hinged to first lower hinge pin57and door12is opened on the opposing side of door12from latch48. In this instance, second lower latch50and corresponding second upper latch65are open.

For purposes of this description of second embodiment235of door support structure202, the same structure is positioned and associated with second lower hinge pin52and is known as second door support structure. Thus, the description of door support structure202associated with first lower hinge pin57will provide the description of the same second door support structure associated with second lower hinge pin52.

InFIGS. 28-30, first lower hinge pin57connected to cross beam34of frame16. Hinge pin57is bolted to bracket246and bracket246, in turn, is bolted to cross beam34with bolt248. Hinge pin lower segment250defines opening252through which bolt248passes. On an upper portion of segment250are defined threads253which engage and are compatible to threads255defined within hinge pin52such that lower segment250and hinge pin57are threadingly secured together.

At least two annular door support members254, wherein each define an opening246, are stacked onto hinge pin52with hinge pin52passing through openings246. As seen inFIG. 30, annular members254are stacked on top of one another. Each annular member254extends away from longitudinal axis240of hinge pin57in an angular relationship. The angular relationship is generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis240. With annular members254configured to have a narrower construction in their thickness on the peripheral outside portion256of each annular member254, two adjacent annular members254define a first space258positioned between each adjacent annular members254. With three annular members254stacked, two successive spaces258and259are defined, wherein each space is positioned at different elevations relative to frame16.

As seen inFIG. 30, with door12moved to a closed position, an edge260of door12enters a space positioned between two adjacent annular members254. Thus, with door12positioned in a desired predetermined elevation attained with lift pin216with door12in a closed position, door12is supported by an annular disk member254at or near the desired predetermined elevation attained by lift pin216. Thus when door12is reopened, in this example, with hinge formed around hinge pin52positioned on the other side of frame12, door12is supported by annular member254which is positioned immediately below door12, as seen inFIG. 30.

As mentioned earlier, this same door support structure is positioned at both lower hinge pins52and will operate in the same way as door support structure associated with first lower hinge pin57described above. Thus, moving door12open from either the right or left side of door12will result, in door12supported at or near the desired predetermined elevation attained by lift pin216when door12was closed.

In referring toFIGS. 31-40, handle assembly300is shown. Handle assembly300in this embodiment is used to operate handles18and20that are positioned on each dual hinged door12and17. Handle assembly18′, for handle18positioned on the left side of door12, as seen inFIGS. 1-3, Likewise handle18will be positioned on the left hand portion of rear door17, from a frame of reference of facing door17, as seen inFIG. 4. Handle assembly20′ which includes handle20positioned on the right side of door12, as seen inFIGS. 1-3, is also positioned on the right hand portion of rear door17, frame a frame of reference of facing door17, as seen inFIG. 4.

In this embodiment, handle18will rotate in a clockwise direction to open doors12and17and handle20will rotate in a counterclockwise direction to open doors12and17. Right handle assembly20′ will be described herein below with reference to front door12and such will apply to right handle assembly20′ positioned on rear door17. It should be noted left hand handle assembly18′ is shown inFIGS. 39 and 40and will operate in generally the same way as right handle assembly20′, except that the arrangement of parts within handle assembly18′ will be adjusted to accommodate rotating handle18in a clockwise direction to open the left hand side of door12and left hand side of door17, from a frame of reference of facing door17. The variation in arrangement or positioning of parts within left handle assembly18′ will be set forth in the description ofFIGS. 39 and 40.

Right handle assembly20′ is the same for both front and rear doors12and17. As earlier mentioned, pair of locking rods40, as seen in phantom inFIGS. 31,35and37, are associated with (right) handle assembly20′ as they are with (left) handle assembly18′, as seen inFIGS. 39 and 40. Locking rods40, are used to lock and unlock latches positioned on the same side of the door as the handle is positioned. Locking rods40will be in an extended position with latches closed and in a retracted position with latches open.

Locking rods40, as seen inFIG. 31, with handle assembly300positioned in a first closed position and handle20positioned in a first position, are in an extended position extending toward the top and bottom of door12. In the extended position, as will be discussed below, locking rods40lock latches,65and48, as seen inFIGS. 17 and 18, in a closed position with both latches being positioned on the right side portion of door12.

Pair of locking rods40are secured to cam350, as seen inFIGS. 31 and 34one is positioned on one side of axis of rotation314and another is positioned on an opposing side of axis of rotation314. Each locking rod40, is positioned in an extended position relative to handle20with handle20in the first closed positioned shown inFIG. 31, which will be discussed in further detail below. Locking rods40will be positioned in a retracted position relative to handle20with handle20in a second position, shown inFIGS. 35 and 36.

As seen inFIGS. 35 and 36, handle assembly20′ is positioned in an open position, with handle20in a second position. Locking rods40are in a retracted position in relationship to the top and bottom of door12and with respect to handle20, as mentioned above. In the retracted position, locking rods40unlock latches48and65, as seen inFIGS. 26 and 27. With latches in an open position and being both on the right side portion of door12, door12can now be opened from that right side of the door12.

As seen inFIGS. 37 and 38, handle assembly20′ is positioned in a second closed position, and locking rods40are in a retracted position in relationship to the top and bottom of door12and with respect to handle20. In this retracted position, each of the locking rods40are positioned abutting bearing plate302as seen inFIGS. 26 and 27, with handle20moved back to its first position. As will be described in more detail below, with handle assembly20′ in this second closed position, locking rods40are urged with a spring within assembly20′ to move locking rods40toward an extended and locked position and will do so automatically when the corresponding latches67and48are moved back to a closed position, as seen inFIGS. 17 and 18.

Thus, with door12in a closed position, locking rods40associated with handle assembly20′ are in locking relationship with first upper latch65and first lower latch48, as seen inFIGS. 17 and 18. At the same time locking rods40associated with handle assembly18′ will be in locking relationship with respect to second upper latch67and second lower latch50, as seen inFIGS. 19 and 20.

Referring toFIGS. 26 and 27, locking rod40is not in a locking relationship with latch48, however, this view will provide a further understanding of the working relationship between locking rod40with latch48. Locking rod40extends through door cross beam38and is restricted to typically to movement in an upward and downward directions. A bottom portion of locking rod40includes a beveled lead edge302. Bearing plate306is affixed to first latch linkage arm62by bolting, welding or other conventional means for securement. Bearing plate306, in this embodiment, is rotatably secured to first connector61and will rotate and linearly move with pin connector61.

Bearing plate306defines an opening308which is in registration alignment with an opening310defined in first latch linkage arm62. InFIG. 26, locking rod40is in a retracted position and is positioned directly above bearing plate306with latch48in an opened position. With latch48in an open position, pin connector61has been moved by cam60such that first latch linkage arm62has been positioned in the retracted position, as seen inFIG. 9. With linkage arm62in the retracted position, openings308and310are not positioned in alignment with locking rod40, as seen InFIG. 26. As latch48is rotated to a closed position, as seen inFIG. 9C, first latch linkage arm62is moved to the extended position, as seen inFIG. 9C, and openings308and310are moved to align with locking rod40. With openings308and310in alignment with locking rod40, locking rod40can be extended through openings308and310, as seen inFIG. 18and as seen inFIG. 9C. As will be discussed below, with handle20moved to a second closed position, as seen inFIGS. 37 and 38, with door12still in an open position, openings308and310are still not aligned with locking rod40. Locking rod40will be automatically inserted into an extended position into openings308and310with a spring associated with handle assembly20′. This will occur when door12and latch48reach a closed position thereby bringing openings308and310into alignment with locking rod40. With locking rod40extending through openings308and310, first latch linkage62is blocked from being able to move. Without linkage62being able to move, latch48cannot rotate and therefore latch48is locked in a closed position.

With door12in an open position as inFIG. 26, it can be further appreciated with this arrangement that as latch48moves toward a closed position, as seen inFIGS. 9 through 9C, openings308and310are moved closer to aligning with locking rod40. As openings308,310approach locking rod40, beveled edge302engages an edge of opening308and locking rod40begins to and is able to slide smoothly into both openings308and310until it reaches a fully engaged position as seen inFIG. 17. Bumper304is sized to snuggly fit the internal dimensions of openings308and310and provide a snug fit between the locking rod40and bearing plate306and first latch linkage min62. This snug fit prevents undesired movement of locking rod40within openings308and310. Typically, bumper304is constructed of an elastomeric material.

With the removal of locking rod40from openings308and310, as seen with moving handle20to a second position inFIGS. 35 and 36, latch48can now be rotated by pulling that side of the door away from frame16causing latch48to push against hinge pin57rotating latch48to an open position as seen inFIGS. 9 and 26. With locking rod40retracted out of openings308and310, latch48is free to move linkage arm62to a retracted position as seen inFIG. 9andFIG. 26and thereby move openings308and310away from and out of alignment with locking rod40. Door12is now in condition to be opened on from the right side of door12.

This same operation of locking rod40interacting with first lower latch48is also occurring at the same time with first upper latch65, resulting in the right side of door12to be able to be moved between open and closed positions. Likewise, locking rods40are associated with handle assembly18′ on the left side of door12and locking rods40interact with second lower latch50and second upper latch67on the left side of door12as that which has been described for the right side of door12above. Handle assemblies18′ and20′ as referred to and described herein, are connected to locking rods40and assist to move locking rods40between extended and retracted positions, to lock and unlock the lower and upper latches positioned on that side of the door in which the handle assembly is located.

Now referring toFIGS. 31 and 32, handle assembly300is shown for right hand handle assembly20′ positioned on the right hand portion of door12. Handle20is positioned, in this embodiment, in a first position, which is generally a vertical position and is mounted to door12with bracket23. Handle20is positioned to rotate about an axis of rotation314which extends through a shaft of bolt315wherein a longitudinal axis of bolt315coincides with the axis of rotation314. Bolt315secures together assembly20′ between head313at one end and handle20at the other end, wherein threads defined in bolt315engage threads not shown in receptacle319of handle312.

In referring toFIGS. 31 and 32, in this embodiment, locking washer316engages a receptacle317configured to lock with locking washer316which is formed on handle312. Washer318is interposed between locking washer316and one side330of plate320. Plate320will be described below for receiving an arm of torsion spring356. Plate320can be made in a variety of shapes and in this embodiment it takes on a circular configuration but can also be other shapes such as rectangular. Drive member322is positioned on opposing side327of plate320. Drive member322defines a cylindrical shaped opening323which passes through a length of drive member322and provides a noncircular projection324extending from one end of drive member322. In this embodiment, projection324is generally square in shape. Projection324engages a noncircular opening326, in this embodiment is a square opening, defined in plate320on opposing side327of plate320. Noncircular formation328defined by handle302engages noncircular opening326on one side330of plate320. In this embodiment noncircular foil ration328is a square formation, formation328also engages and passes through noncircular opening332defined in locking washer316and engages and passes through noncircular opening334defined in washer318. In this embodiment both openings332and334are also square in shape. With bolt315passing through openings323,326,334and332and being secured to handle302with threads within receptacle319, defined in handle20, handle20, locking washer316, washer318, plate320and drive member322all rotate connected together about axis of rotation314.

Drive pin336extends radially from drive member322, as seen inFIGS. 31-33. Drive pin336define a threaded end (not shown) and is received by compatible threads (not shown) defined in drive member322to releasably engage drive pin336with drive member332. Drive pin336, in this embodiment, is not secured to drive member322until after drive member322has been inserted into drive receiving member338. In this embodiment, drive member322defines a generally cylindrical external shape that can be received by a cylindrically shaped opening340defined by drive receiving member338, wherein drive member322can rotate within cylindrical opening340. Drive receiving member338further defines an opening342with first and second spaced apart opposing sidewalls344and346, as seen inFIG. 33. In this embodiment, opening342is in the configuration of a slot. With drive member322positioned within drive receiving member338, and threads defined within drive member322align with slot or opening342, drive pin336can be secured to drive member322with respect to compatible threads through opening342. With pin member336engaged to drive member322, drive pin336is positioned within opening342and is movable within opening342. Pin336within opening342is permitted to travel within opening or slot342between first and second sidewalls344and346, as seen inFIG. 33.

Drive receiving member338defines an opening348which communicates with cylindrical opening340and allows bolt315to pass through drive receiving member338permitting drive receiving member338to rotate about axis of rotation314. Cam350defines a noncircular opening352, again in this embodiment opening352is square, which aligns with opening348of drive receiving member338which permits bolt325to pass through openings348and352such that drive receiving member338and cam350. Cam350also abuts drive receiving member338such that with drive receiving member338defines a noncircular projection354, in this embodiment projection354is square in shape, projection354engages opening352of cam350. With cam350engaged to drive receiving member338, cam350and drive receiving member338are permitted to rotate together about axis of rotation314.

Torsion spring356is positioned about drive receiving member338and thereby bolt315also passes through opening355of spring356, such that spring356is positioned about axis of rotation314. First arm358of torsion spring356is connected to handle20through first arm358engaging arm receiving opening359defined in plate320. Thus, as handle20moves or rotates, first arm358moves or rotates with handle312. Second arm360is positioned in proximity to cam350such that arm360will move or rotate in the same direction as cam350. In this embodiment, second arm360is positioned proximate to and spaced apart from cam350, as seen inFIG. 34, such that second arm360and cam350can engage each other with arm360and cam360in a mutual path of rotation with one another. As will be appreciated inFIG. 38, second arm360of torsion spring356is in contact with cam30wherein second arm360is urging cam350to rotate in a downward direction.

In referring toFIGS. 31-33, handle assembly300for right side handle assembly20′ is shown in a first closed position with handle20in a first position. In this position, locking rods40are in an extended position, as seen inFIG. 34and locking rods40lock latches48and65as seen inFIGS. 17 and 18. In referring toFIGS. 31 and 32, cam350is in a first position, in this embodiment cam350extends in a vertical direction. Torsion spring356is in a relaxed or unloaded position. Drive pin336, as seen inFIG. 33, is positioned adjacent first sidewall344in slot or opening342.

Thus, in moving handle20from its first closed position with a counterclockwise rotation, as seen inFIGS. 35 and 36, drive pin336exerts a force or pushes against first sidewall344as handle20is moved and causes drive receiving member338and cam350to also rotate in a counterclockwise direction as handle20, until handle20reaches its second position as seen inFIG. 35. Handle assembly20′ is now in an open position with handle312in a second position. Cam350has been rotated to a second position by drive receiving member338which has been rotated by drive pin336caused by handle20being moved to the second position. Drive pin336, as seen inFIGS. 34-36remains against first sidewall344of slot or opening342. Torsion spring356has also been moved or rotated with first arm358engaged to plate320to a second position. Second arm was free to rotate at the same time as first arm358, torsion spring356remains unloaded and has stored no energy. As seen inFIG. 36, second arm360is still in a spaced apart relationship to cam350as seen inFIG. 34.

With handle20in the second position, as seen inFIGS. 35 and 36, locking rods40have been retracted and have been removed from openings308and310of bearing plate306and latch linkage arm62. Door12can now be opened from the right side of door12and latches48and65will be permitted to rotate out of blocking relationship with their corresponding hinge pins57and51with pulling door12away from frame16. As latch48rotates to an open position, as seen inFIG. 9, openings308and310, as seen inFIGS. 26 and 27, are moved out of alignment with locking rod40, as seen inFIGS. 26 and 27.

With door12in an open position on the right side of door12, as seen inFIG. 3, handle20may, at the election of the user, be rotated back in a clockwise direction and returned to first position and assembly20′ is in a second closed position as seen inFIGS. 37 and 38with door12not in a closed position. Cam350remains blocked in the second position and cannot move or rotate with rods40abutting bearing plate306, as seen inFIGS. 26 and 27andFIGS. 37 and 38. Drive pin336has moved away from first sidewall344of slot342and traveled within slot342to a position, in this embodiment, adjacent sidewall346, as seen inFIG. 38and thereby not moving drive receiving member338. In the meantime, plate320and drive member322have rotated with handle20in a clockwise direction.

However, with door12not yet in fully closed position as seen inFIGS. 26 and 27, locking rod40is not in alignment with openings308and310. Locking rods40remain abutting bearing plate306and as handle20moves clockwise, as set forth above, from second position to the first position, first arm358of torsion spring356is rotated in a clockwise direction as well. This causes second arm360to close its gap with cam350and it now pushes against cam350trying to urge cam350to rotate in a downward direction. Thus, with assembly20′ now in a second closed position, rods40remain in a retracted position and torsion spring356is now in a loaded position. In a loaded position, torsion spring356is urging locking rods40to be moved to an extended position but rods40as mentioned are blocked by and are abutting bearing plate306. Rods40will be moved automatically by loaded torsion spring356to an extended locking position with respect to openings308and310, when door12and movable latches48and65are closed. Because bearing plate306and latch linkage arm62are connected to movable latches48and65, openings308and310are moved to align with locking rod40with door12moved to a closed position. With alignment of openings308and310with locking rods40, second arm360of torsion spring356rotates cam350thereby automatically moving locking rods40to an extended position and into engagement with openings308and310, as seen inFIGS. 9C,17and18. With door12closed, latches48and65are closed and form hinges with hinge pins57and51respectively and with locking rods40in an extended position latches48and65are locked.

In referring toFIG. 39, handle assembly18′ is shown which is on the left side of doors12and17. Handle18in assembly18′ rotates in a clockwise direction in moving from a first position as seen inFIG. 39to a second position wherein handle18will be extending approximately perpendicular to the position handle18extended in the first position. Handle18is used to lock and unlock latches50and67on the left side of door12and door17. In assembly18′ the components of the structure is similar to assembly20′. However there are differences so as to accommodate the same results for handle assembly20′ but with moving handle18in a clockwise direction357, as seen inFIG. 39, when moving handle18from a first position to a second position and moving handle18in a counterclockwise direction when moving handle18from the second position to the first position. With respect to second arm360of torsion spring356, it is now positioned spaced apart from cam350on an opposite side of cam350as comparingFIG. 40andFIG. 34. Drive pin336begins with assembly18′ in its first closed position inFIG. 39, being adjacent to and positioned on second sidewall346of slot342. Thus, when handle18is first rotated in the clockwise direction357from its first position, as seen inFIG. 39, drive pin336immediately starts to rotate drive receiving member338in a clockwise direction as well. With handle in the second position, locking rods40are in a retracted position.

Thus with returning handle18from the second to the first position and locking rods40are blocked and cam350is therefore blocked, drive pin has traveled within slot342to the first sidewall344. The returning of handle18to its first position from its second, has caused second arm360of torsion spring356to abut and push against cam350. With door12moved to a closed position and latches50and67moved to a closed position locking rods40will be automatically extended by torsion spring356into engaged with openings308and310thereby locking latches50and67.

The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.