Lock assembly for a storage cabinet

A lock assembly is provided which includes a lock mechanism with cover, and a pair of vertically movable locking rods. The lock mechanism is readily mountable to a liner of a cabinet door by a clamp member which permits initial clamping of the mechanism on an inner liner of the door, after which the inner liner is mounted to an outer finish panel. After assembly of the inner liner to the outer panel, the lock assembly is clamped in an aligned position in alignment with a corresponding lock aperture in the outer panel. The lock assembly further includes a fastener-free connector arrangement between a lock rack of the lock mechanism and the locking rods which is slidably driven thereby. A cover is snap fittingly mounted on the inner liner to guide the locking rod and prevent disengagement from the lock rack.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cabinet construction having a door assembly that includes an improved lock assembly mounted thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cabinets as used in offices comprise a conventional cabinet housing and one or more hinged doors mounted thereto. Many such cabinets are formed of sheet steel or other similar metal and include lock mechanisms mounted to such doors for selectively latching or locking the door in a closed position.

The invention relates to an improved door assembly and associated lock mechanism which lock mechanism is readily mountable to the door and positionable in proper alignment with a lock aperture formed in the front face of the door.

Generally, the door construction comprises an outer panel which defines the finished aesthetic appearance of the door, and an inner liner which mounts in facing relation to the outer panel. The outer panel includes the lock aperture through which a key is insertable to actuate the lock mechanism for locking and unlocking thereof.

The inner liner includes a lock mounting window in which the lock mechanism is mounted. The lock mechanism initially is mounted in the mounting window by a clamp ring on the lock mechanism. Thus, the lock mechanism is preliminarily mounted on the inner liner, after which the inner liner is then mounted to the outer panel with the lock mechanism preliminarily positioned adjacent to the lock aperture.

The inventive lock mechanism includes an alignment tool which is insertable through the lock aperture from the front thereof and into a corresponding cylinder bore in which a lock cylinder or plug will subsequently be seated. Before the lock plug is inserted, however, the alignment tool is inserted in the bore so that the lock bore may be aligned with the corresponding lock aperture. Once the bore and aperture are aligned, the clamp ring is then tightened in a fixed, final position so that the lock assembly is properly and stationarily aligned with the lock aperture. Thereafter, the lock plug is inserted into the bore to permit key-operation of the lock mechanism.

The lock mechanism of the invention further includes a cam driven arrangement of lock racks which are moveable upwardly and downwardly in opposite directions. The mechanism further includes elongate locking rods or latches which extend from the lock mechanism upwardly to the upper and lower perimeter edges of the door so as to be selectively extended and retracted for respective locking and unlocking of the door. The inventive lock mechanism includes an improved connector arrangement between the locking rod and the corresponding lock rack.

More particularly, the lock rack includes a sideward opening engagement slot which opens sidewardly, transversely to the direction of movement of the lock rack. The locking rod includes a drive end which is slidably received within this slot in the sideward, transverse direction so that vertical displacement of the lock rack causes a corresponding longitudinal displacement of the locking rod. To prevent disengagement of the drive end of the locking rod from the lock rack, a snap fit cover is snap lockingly connected to the lock window. This cover includes guide sections or flanges which define vertically spaced guide slots that each slidably fits over a respective one of the locking rods and permits longitudinal movement of the respective locking rod while preventing sideward, transverse movement of the drive end which thereby prevents disengagement of the locking rod from the corresponding lock rack. This cover also closes off the lock mechanism from the interior of the cabinet to provide a finished appearance.

Generally therefor, the invention relates to a door assembly for a storage cabinet which comprises a door having a lock window therein within an interior portion thereof, and at least one locking rod which is slidably supported by the door so as to be movable along a slide path. The locking rod has a lock end disposed adjacent an edge of the door so as to be movable to an extended position to lock the door and a retracted position to permit opening of said door. The locking rod further includes a drive end disposed within the area of the lock window. The door assembly also includes a lock mechanism having a lock housing mounted to the door such that the lock mechanism is disposed within the lock window. The lock mechanism further includes at least one lock rack which is slidable along a drive path and further includes an actuator accessible from an exterior of the door to effect selected displacement of the lock rack. The lock rack and the drive end of the locking rod are engagable with each other such that displacement of the locking rod effects displacement of the locking rod along the respective slide path to effect locking and unlocking of said door. The drive end of the locking rod and the respective lock rack include cooperating engagement portions which are inter-fitted with each other by displacement of the drive end transverse to said drive path. Still further, the door assembly has a lock mechanism cover which is releasably fixed to the door so as to overlie the lock mechanism. The cover includes a rod guide for the locking rod which fits over the locking rod and prevents transverse displacement of the locking rod and prevents disengagement of the locking rod from the respective lock rack. The rod guide permits longitudinal sliding of the locking rod when driven by the lock rack.

With this arrangement, an improved lock mechanism and door configuration is provided which allows for ready assembly and alignment of the lock mechanism and the connection of the slide rods to the remaining components of the lock mechanism.

Other objects and purposes of the invention, and variations thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the invention relates to an improved storage cabinet10(FIG. 1) and in particular, to an improved door assembly12which includes a unique lock arrangement14mounted thereon.

Generally with respect to the cabinet unit10, this cabinet unit10includes a conventional base15on which is supported opposite side walls16which in turn support a top cabinet wall17.

The side walls16rigidly support a pair of door assemblies12at hinged edges19which door assemblies have free edges20that are disposed adjacent to each other when the door assemblies12are in the closed position ofFIG. 1. The door assemblies12further include hand pulls21which are disposed adjacent to a lock aperture22. The height of the cabinet10is illustrated in solid outline, with it being understood that the inventive lock configuration14is readily adapted to alternative cabinet heights such as that indicated by the dotted line inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the lock configuration14generally comprises a lock assembly25, which is clamped in part to the door assembly12and cooperates with upper and lower locking rods or latch members26and27respectively of the configuration14. The locking rods26and27are slidably supported on the door assembly12so as to be vertically movable from the retracted, unlocked position illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 17to the extended, locking position generally illustrated inFIG. 18. The lock assembly25further includes a lock mechanism28which itself is clamped to the door assembly12, wherein the locking rods26and27are driven by the lock mechanism28in opposite vertical directions so as to define a two-point locking cooperation or engagement with the respective top and bottom cabinet walls17and15.

More particularly as to the door assembly12, the preferred door assembly12includes an outer panel30and an inner panel-like liner31. The outer panel30preferably is formed of sheet metal which is shaped into an appropriate configuration wherein the outer panel30comprises a front wall32which is inturned to define top, bottom and side flanges33-36respectively. The side flange36further turns inwardly to define a back flange37which extends inwardly partially across the width of the entire outer panel30. This back flange37includes upper and lower patterns of holes39and40which respectively support upper and lower hinges41thereon for hingedly connecting the door assembly12to the respective side wall16.

With this arrangement, the front wall32of the outer panel30defines the exposed outer face of the door assembly12.

Referring to the inner liner31, this inner liner31also is formed of a shaped sheet metal having a thin panel portion43which essentially defines the back wall of the door assembly12. The panel portion also includes inturned side flanges44and45which project forwardly and are adapted to terminate closely adjacent the inside face of the outer panel30as can be seen inFIG. 2.

The upper and lower edges of the panel portion43are provided with fastener holes47so that the inner liner31may be fastened by screws to the outer panel30during assembly of the door assembly12. It is noted that the side flange45of the inner liner cooperates with the corresponding side flange36of the outer liner30so as to provide support to each other.

As to the opposite side of the inner liner31, this side flange44is spaced inwardly a short distance away from the corresponding side edge35of the outer panel30.

Proximate to the side flange44, a lock mechanism mounting window50is provided which is configured to receive and mount the lock mechanism25therein. The window50comprises a peripheral window edge51that defines upper and lower rectangular portions52and53and a semi-circular center mounting portion54. This center mounting portion54has an expanded width relative to the upper and lower rectangular portions52and53which center mounting portion54is defined by arcuate window edges. Adjacent to these arcuate window edges, a pair of mounting holes56are provided horizontally aligned with each other.

The inner liner31further includes rectangular window-like passages57and58through which the locking rods26and27exit from the hollow interior59that is defined between the outer panel30and the inner liner31. To support the locking rods26and27, each of the windows57and58has a guide flange61(FIG. 4) which includes a circular hole62extending vertically therethrough. The locking rods26and27are adapted to pass through the hole62of their respective guide flange61so that the locking rods26and27are vertically displaceable by the lock mechanism25.

Referring toFIG. 3, the lock mechanism28is clamped to the mechanism window50and is operatively engaged with the slidable locking rods26and27so as to effect vertical displacement of the rods26and27between the locking and unlocking positions. Once the lock mechanism28is positioned in and affixed to the mechanism window50, the lock assembly25further includes a snap fit cover64(FIG. 3) which snap fittingly engages the window edge51of the inner liner and is supported thereon.

Generally, the lock mechanism28is first clamped to the inner liner31when the inner liner31is still separate from the outer panel30. This therefore provides for ready access to the inner liner31and the lock mechanism28after which, the lock mechanism28is clamped in place by fasteners65(FIG. 2) which are adapted to be threaded forwardly from the rear of the inner liner31as generally seen inFIG. 2. Initially, the lock mechanism28temporarily attached to the inner liner31so that there is some limited displacement permitted for subsequent alignment with the lock aperture22. After the inner liner31is fixedly mounted to the outer panel30by the appropriate fasteners47, the lock mechanism28is then aligned with the corresponding aperture22formed in the outer door panel30(FIG. 1) after which the clamping fasteners65are fully seated in position to affix the lock mechanism28at a stationery position. This assembly process is discussed in further detail hereinafter.

Referring toFIG. 6, the lock mechanism28is illustrated therein along with the snap fit cover64. Turning first to the lock mechanism28, this lock mechanism comprises a lock housing70which is formed of a rigid material such as metal. The lock housing70comprises a disc-like main body71which is generally circular but includes a central bridge72. This central bridge72has a thickness which is thinner than the outer edge portions73and74so as to define a center lock chamber75extending vertically through the vertical thickness of the main body71. This main body71further includes rectangular notches76and77and also includes a first pair of apertures78and a second pair of diametrically-opposed apertures79which apertures79are circumferentially offset relative to the apertures78.

Additionally, the lock housing70includes a central hub81which projects forwardly of the main body70and has a generally circular shape. However, the outer circumferential surface82of the hub includes flats83on the opposite sides thereof. Additionally, this outer circumferential surface82includes a plurality of nubs84on the top, bottom and opposite left and right sides thereof. Still further, the central hub81includes a cylindrical socket85projecting forwardly from the central hub81and defining a central bore87extending horizontally through the entire thickness of the lock housing70so as to open from the opposite front and rear sides thereof. The bore87includes side slots88and89as seen in further detail inFIG. 7.

Turning next toFIGS. 6,7and11, the lock mechanism28includes rotatable cam92which is adapted to be rotatably seated within the back of the main housing body71. The cam92includes a keying slot94and a keying rib95which are configured so that the cam92may be rotated by an additional lock component that will be discussed in further detail hereinafter. Referring toFIG. 11, the cam92includes a pair of cam pins96which project rearwardly from the rear surface97of the cam92.

More particularly, referring toFIG. 10, the socket85of the lock housing70is adapted to receive therein a conventional lock cylinder or plug99which is keyed so as to receive a conventional key100. The cylinder plug99and key100are known and further discussion hereof is not required. Generally, the cylinder plug includes a drive pin101and a corresponding slot102wherein the pin101is adapted to be received within the keying slot94on the front side of the cam92while the plug slot102receives the corresponding keying rib95on the cam92. As such, when the cylinder plug99is inserted into the bore87of the plug socket85, rotation of the components of the lock plug99causes a corresponding rotation of the cam92. Typically, this rotation is prevented unless the key100is inserted into the plug99to thereby permit rotation of the lock plug components in a conventional manner.

To effect vertical displacement of the locking rods26and27, the aforementioned cam92is engaged with a pair of lock racks109and110(FIGS. 6,7,12and13).

Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13, each of the lock racks109and110is essentially formed identical to each other and thus, the primary discussion that follows refers to lock rack109. It will be understood that the construction of lock rack110is essentially the same with the difference being in the installed orientation.

The lock rack109(110) as seen inFIGS. 12 and 13comprises the main body112which is vertically elongate and includes a center cam slot113therein. Cam slot113opens sidewardly and is adapted for alignment with a corresponding notched portion of the other of the lock racks109and110. The main rack body112further includes a pair of notched portions114and115which are essentially adapted to define the end of the cam slot113when aligned with the other of the lock racks109or110. This alignment of the cam slots113and notch portions114and115is generally illustrated inFIG. 6. When the two lock racks109and110are positioned sidewardly adjacent to each other in an inverted relationship, the cam slots113are oriented generally parallel to each other, yet vertically offset. These vertically offset cam slots113receive the corresponding pins96of the aforementioned rotatable cam92. As such, rotation of the cam92causes the pins96to essentially displace sidewardly and vertically to cause a corresponding vertical displacement of the lock racks109and110. However, the lock racks109and110essentially move in opposite vertical directions during rotation.FIG. 7illustrates the lock racks109and110in an extended position wherein the corresponding locking rods26and27connected thereto would be in the locking position generally illustrated inFIG. 18. However, rotation of the rotatable cam92would effect vertical displacement of the locking rods26and27to the unlocked position generally illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 17.

Referring again toFIGS. 12 and 13, each lock rack109or110also includes an upstanding or horizontally oriented drive flange117. Each drive flange117includes a horizontally elongate open-ended connector slot118wherein the center119of the connector slot118is generally oriented at the center of the lock rack109or110. As such, the center of each slot117is generally vertically aligned with each other when the lock racks109and110are assembled together as generally illustrated inFIG. 16.

To retain the lock housing70, rotatable cam92and the lock racks109and110together in an assembled condition, a rear plate121is provided (FIG. 6) which rear plate121includes a pair of fastener holes122. These fastener holes122align with the pair of apertures or holes79wherein fasteners123(FIG. 6) are threadedly engaged through the fastener holes122and threadedly engaged with the corresponding bores79in the lock housing70. This rear plate121thereby encloses and retains the various components together while permitting rotation of the lock cam92and vertical sliding of the lock racks109and110together through the chamber75in response to rotation of the cam92.

The rear plate121further includes clearance notches124on the opposite sides thereof which generally align with the fastener bores78so as to permit ready access to these bores78from the rear of the lock mechanism28(as seen inFIG. 8). When assembled together, the lock mechanism28is an assembled sub-assembly as seen inFIG. 8. During the assembly process, this lock mechanism28is positioned in the lock window50of the inner liner31and is configured to be fixedly mounted therein.

More particularly, to affix the lock mechanism28in position, the lock assembly28further includes a clamping plate126. The clamping plate126includes a center aperture127that is adapted to slidably, yet non-rotatably fit over the central hub81of the lock housing70. The aforementioned central housing hub81includes the nubs84so that the locking plate126may be snapped onto the central hub81during the pre-assembly phase.

When the locking plate126is snapped over the nubs84, this clamping plate126has the window edges51of the inner liner31sandwiched between this clamping plate126and the opposing face of the main housing body71as seen inFIG. 15. To affix the lock mechanism28in a fixed position, the clamping plate or ring126includes sidewardly extending wings128which include fastener bores129respectively therein. These fastener bores129are adapted to be in coaxial alignment with the corresponding bores78of the housing70so as to receive the fasteners65horizontally therethrough.

During mounting of the lock mechanism28to the inner liner31, the lock mechanism28is first positioned within the window50, and then the clamping plate126is snapped over the nubs84onto the central hub81. This results in the fastener bores129,78and the additional holes56in the inner liner31to be coaxially aligned with each other and allow for receipt of the fasteners65therethrough. These fasteners65fixedly engage with the bores129so as to then draw the clamping plate126rearwardly and thereby clamp the window edges of the window50between the opposing surfaces of the clamping plate126and the main housing body71.

Preliminarily, these fasteners65do not need to be tightly fastened to allow some repositioning of the lock mechanism28when it is preliminarily mounted to the inner liner31. Once the inner liner31is mounted to the outer panel30as will be described in further detail herein, the lock mechanism28is positioned as needed to be in alignment with a lock aperture22and then fixed in position by final tightening of the fasteners65.

More particularly as to this assembly process,FIG. 9illustrates a mounting tool131which has a cylindrical solid body132that has the same circumference as the lock plug99so as to fit within the bore87of the socket85. This tool body132has an end face133provided with a drive pin134and a keying slot135. The pin134and slot135are essentially equivalent to the pin101and slot102of the lock plug99. Thus, when the tool body132is inserted through the lock aperture22of the outer panel30and then into the socket bore87, rotation of this tool body132causes rotation of the rotatable cam92.

To assist in rotation of the tool body132, this tool body132also includes a transverse rod137that extends through the tool body132and essentially serves as a hand piece for manual rotation of this alignment tool131. This allows for testing of the various components of the lock mechanism28. Further, by inserting the alignment tool or fixture131through the lock aperture22, this ensures alignment of the lock aperture22with the corresponding socket bore87. If the bore87is slightly out of alignment with the lock aperture22, the locking tool132essentially ensures coaxial alignment of these formations which is accomplished by the necessary displacement of the lock mechanism28until such alignment is achieved. With the tool132still inserted in its aligning position, the fasteners65described above are then tightened so as to affix the lock mechanism28in its final fixed position.

Thus, during the assembly process, the lock mechanism28is preliminarily clamped to the inner liner31and then the inner liner31is mounted to the outer panel30. Thereafter, the alignment tool132is fitted into and through the lock aperture22into the socket bore85after which, the fasteners65are tightened down to secure the lock mechanism28in its fixed position. This step is generally depicted inFIG. 15. Thereafter, the alignment tool132is removed and the lock plug99is affixed inside of the socket bore87in a final position which also is represented by the same structural illustration ofFIG. 15. As a result, the cam92and lock racks109and110are effectively operated solely by the key100. Rotation of the key100thereby effects rotation of the lock cam92so as to displace the lock racks109and110vertically and cause a corresponding controlled movement of the slide rods26and27.

In addition to the foregoing unique features of the lock mechanism28and the mounting process therefore, the invention further embodies a unique connector arrangement for connecting the slide rods26and27to their corresponding lock racks109and110.

More particularly, the connection between the sliding rods26and27is readily accomplished without the use of separate fasteners.

With respect to the sliding rods26and27, these rods are illustrated in further detail inFIGS. 17 and 18. It will be understood that the rods26and27are formed and supported substantially identical to each other except that the vertical length of each rod26or27may vary relative to each other depending upon the vertical distance between the lock mounting window50and the respective upper or lower edges of the door assembly12which may vary as discussed above relative toFIG. 1. The interconnection of each rod26or27is the same as each is mounted on the inner liner31and cooperates with an adjacent top or bottom cabinet wall17or15in substantially the same manner. As such, the following discussion will refer specifically to rod26, it being understood that this discussion also applies equally to rod27.

The rod26is confined within the hollow interior59defined between the outer panel30and the inner liner31wherein the upper end of the rod26is slidably supported in the guide flange61and within an annular plastic guide134. The locking end of the rod26is then stepped inwardly at stepped portion135so as to exit through the respective rod passage or window57(58). The rod26then extends vertically and terminates at an engagement section136which is moveable vertically from the retracted position ofFIG. 17to the extended, locking position ofFIG. 18in response to vertical displacement of the locking rod26(27) by actuation of the lock mechanism28described above.

To readily connect the locking rod26to the lock mechanism28, the second end of the rod26includes slots137which extend sidewardly across opposite sides of the rod26at the innermost drive end thereof. These slots define an engagement section138which is sized to slide sidewardly or transversely into the corresponding slot118on the lock rack109or110as generally illustrated by reference arrow140inFIG. 13. Therefore, during assembly, the lock mechanism28is mounted in position on the inner liner31, after which, the lower or upper innermost free end of the appropriate rod26or27is slid sidewardly into the corresponding slot118in the corresponding lock rack109or110. By this cooperation of the slotted rod portion and the corresponding slot in the rack109or110, vertical movement of the racks109and110causes a corresponding vertical displacement of the locking rod26or27. In particular, when the lock racks109and110are extended as seen inFIG. 7, the lock rods26and27are then driven or displaced upwardly as seen inFIG. 18. These same rods26or27may then be retracted to the position ofFIG. 17when the racks are driven inwardly together to the position ofFIG. 16.

To prevent disengagement of the rod26or27from the appropriate rack109or110, the aforementioned cover64is provided to essentially cover the lock mechanism28while performing the secondary function of guiding the locking rod26and27and preventing transverse or sideward displacement of the rod out of engagement with the corresponding rack109/110.

Referring more particularly toFIGS. 21-23, the cover includes a peripheral side wall145having opposite end portions146and147. These opposite end portions146and147each include an identical arrangement of downwardly depending guide flanges149. These guide flanges149define a guide slot150therebetween. To secure the cover64in position, the edge of the side wall end portions146and147also have a pair of snap fit connector fingers151which are resiliently deflectable.

Referring toFIGS. 24 and 25, these connector fingers151are adapted to be deflected inwardly so as to snap onto and secure against the window edge51of the rectangular portion52of the lock mechanism window50as seen inFIG. 25. Therefore, the cover may be moved into position as indicated by reference arrows153inFIG. 24and then snapped onto the lock mechanism window50as seen inFIG. 25.

During the assembly process,FIG. 24illustrates the locking rod26being displaced sidewardly into the rack slot118as indicated by reference arrow154after which the rod26is in the confined position illustrated inFIG. 25. The guide slot150of the cover64thereby is aligned with the rod26and fits over the rod26as seen inFIG. 25. This guide slot150permits vertical or longitudinal movement of the locking rod26or27while preventing transverse or sideward displacement of the rod26out of the rack slot118. By this arrangement, the components can be readily assembled together without requiring separate fasteners to join the locking rods26and27with the corresponding lock racks109and110. Thus, disengagement of these components is prevented by merely snapping the cover64onto the edges of the mechanism window50.