Abstract:
A cabinet comprises a cabinet frame having a first side and a second side, a pair of doors coupled to the frame on the first side, wherein one of the pair of doors includes a locking rod positioned along a portion of the length of the door, a latch coupled to the frame on the first side and positioned to receive the locking rod, an actuator positioned on the second side of the cabinet frame and coupled to the latch, and an access door, positioned on the second side of the cabinet frame, the access door restricting access to the actuator. Opening the access door allows activation of the actuator to release the locking rod.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/991,764, filed Nov. 18, 2004, and entitled DOUBLE DOOR RELEASE, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a door security mechanism, and more particularly to a lock and release mechanism for use on cabinets with double doors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic equipment cabinets are generally designed to receive a number of electronic components arranged vertically in the cabinet, mounted on shelves, and/or to front and rear mounting rails. The electronic equipment may include, for example, printed circuit boards, communications equipment, computers, including computer servers, or other electronic components. 
     Generally, the electronic equipment cabinets have a front door that allows access to the front side of the equipment. Such access allows the addition or removal of equipment from the cabinet, or adjustment to the electronic equipment, for example. Access to the equipment is also provided through the back of the cabinet, typically by way of a pair of doors. Often, it is desirable to secure the equipment cabinets and to restrict access to the cabinets to protect the equipment housed inside from accidental or purposeful damage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a cabinet comprising a cabinet frame having a first side and a second side, a pair of doors coupled to the frame on the first side, wherein one of the pair of doors includes a locking rod positioned along a portion of the length of the door, and a latch coupled to the frame on the first side and positioned to receive the locking rod, an access door, positioned on the second side of the cabinet frame, the access door restricting access to an actuator positioned on the second side of the cabinet frame and coupled to the latch, wherein opening the access door allows activation of the actuator to release the locking rod. 
     Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The release of the locking rod can release the pair of doors on the first side of the cabinet frame. The cabinet can include a security mechanism to secure the access door and limit access to the actuator. The security mechanism can include an electronic lock. The actuator can include an activating lever and a cable, and wherein the cable is coupled to the activating lever and to the latch. The actuator can include a button and a rod, and wherein the rod is coupled to the button and to the latch. The latch can include a lever and a catch, and wherein when the actuator is in the first position the lever can be in a locking position and the catch restricts the locking rod, and wherein when the actuator is in the second position the lever can be in a release position and the catch releases the locking rod. The cabinet can include a second locking rod and a second latch positioned on the one of the pair of doors, the second latch coupled to the frame on the first side distally from the first latch and positioned to receive the second locking rod. The one of the pair of doors can comprise a handle. The first locking rod and the second locking rod can be coupled to the handle, such that movement of the handle causes corresponding movement of the first locking rod and the second locking rod. The cabinet can comprise an electronic equipment cabinet or rack. 
     In general, in another aspect, the invention includes a cabinet comprising a cabinet frame having a first side and a second side, at least one door, coupled to the frame on the first side, the door including a locking rod positioned along a portion of the length of the door, a latch, coupled to the frame on the first side and positioned to receive the locking rod, and an actuator, coupled to the frame on the second side and coupled to the latch, wherein the latch secures the locking rod when the actuator is in a first position, and wherein the latch releases the locking rod when the actuator is in a second position. 
     Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The cabinet can include an access door coupled to the frame on the second side, the access door covering the position of the actuator. The access door can include a lock, and wherein unlocking the access door allows access to the actuator. The actuator can include an activating lever and a cable. The cable can be coupled to the activating lever and to the latch. The actuator can include a button and a rod. The rod can be coupled to the button and to the latch. 
     Implementations of the invention can include one or more of the following features. The latch can include a lever and a catch. When the actuator is in the first position the lever can be in a locking position and the catch restricts the locking rod. When the actuator is in the second position the lever can be in a release position and the catch releases the locking rod. The cabinet can include a second locking rod and a second latch, the second latch coupled to the frame on the first side distally from the first latch and positioned to receive the second locking rod. The door can comprise a handle, and wherein the first locking rod and the second locking rod are coupled to the handle, such that movement of the handle causes corresponding movement of the first locking rod and the second locking rod. 
     In general, in another aspect, the invention can include a securing mechanism for use on a cabinet. The mechanism comprises a first door attached to a cabinet frame, a second door attached to the cabinet frame opposite the first door, the second door including a locking member, an actuator mounted to the cabinet frame and positioned in proximity to the first door, the actuator capable of moving from a first position to a second position, means for restricting the locking member and locking the second door when the actuator is in the first position, and means for releasing the locking member and opening the second door when the actuator is in the second position. 
     Implementations of the invention can include one or more of the following features. The locking member can include a first rod having a hook positioned on a distal end of the rod, and wherein the means for restricting the locking member can accept the hook when the actuator is in the first position. The second door can include a second locking member, and wherein the means for receiving the locking member can include means for receiving the second locking member. The second locking member can include a second rod axially aligned with the first locking member, the second rod having a hook on a distal end of the second rod. The means for restricting the locking member can include a first latch positioned to receive the hook and a second latch positioned to receive the second hook when the actuator is in the first position. The means for releasing the locking member can include a cable coupling the actuator and the first latch. 
     In general, in another aspect, the invention includes a method of controlling access to an equipment cabinet, the equipment cabinet having a first side with double doors positioned on the first side, and a second side with an access door positioned on the second side. The method comprises opening the access door positioned on the second side of the equipment cabinet, and actuating a mechanism positioned on the second side of the cabinet in a position internal to the cabinet with respect to the access door, the mechanism being accessible when the access door is open, wherein actuating the mechanism on the second side of the cabinet releases the double doors positioned on the first side of the cabinet. 
     Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The method can include locking the access door and allowing the opening of the access door by unlocking the access door. Releasing the double doors positioned on the first side of the cabinet can comprise unlatching the double doors by actuating the mechanism. Unlatching the double doors can include unlatching the double doors substantially simultaneously by actuating the mechanism. The method can further include securing the double doors positioned on the first side of the cabinet by restricting access to the mechanism. 
     Capabilities of the invention may include one or more of the following. A cabinet owner can limit access to a cabinet to a single point of entry. A single lock can secure a number of entry points. Access to dangerous equipment can be limited. Rear or side doors of a cabinet can be released via the front door or a front portion of the cabinet. Double doors can be released by a single mechanism accessed remotely from the double doors. Other capabilities are within the scope of the invention. 
     The invention will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective structural view of a front portion of an equipment cabinet; 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C are perspective structural views of a rear portion of an equipment cabinet; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the interior side of a double door of the cabinet; 
         FIG. 4  is an upper latch bracket as used in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5A  represents a latch and bracket as used in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5B  represents a portion of the latch of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  represents a latch bracket of the latch in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate a lower latch bracket in a first position and a second position; and 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate an upper latch bracket in a first position and a second position with the shell of the door removed to show the upper locking rod inside the door. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention provide a door lock and release mechanism for use in a cabinet. Embodiments of the invention allow access through a set of doors of the cabinet when a locking mechanism located at or near another access point is released. Embodiments of the invention can include a solid rod or cable that activates the release of the double doors of the cabinet. Further, embodiments of the invention can be used for cabinets other than electronic equipment racks. Still further embodiments of the invention are possible and envisioned. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , portions of a structural frame of an equipment cabinet  10  are shown with some features removed for ease of demonstration. The equipment cabinet  10  is shown from a front perspective view and includes a front door  14 , a doorframe  16 , a base beam  18 , plinths  19 , and a skirt member  20 . The front door  14  generally includes a mechanical or electronic lock that limits access to the cabinet (not shown). The doorframe  16  is attached to and supported by the base beam  18 , which extends across the width of the cabinet  10  between the plinths  19 . The skirt  20  is an L-shaped member having a first flat length  21  and a second flat length  22  that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the first flat length. The skirt member  20  is attached to the base beam  18  by the first flat length  21  and the second flat length  22  extends over the edge of the base beam  18  below the lower edge of the door  14 . The skirt  20  includes an aperture  38  positioned at or near the center of the skirt  20 . 
     The equipment cabinet  10  as shown in  FIG. 1  further includes an actuator  30 , an actuator rod  32  and an actuator bracket  34 . The actuator is coupled to the rod  32 . The actuator bracket  34  is attached to the base beam  18  at the bottom lip of the doorframe  16  and supports the actuator  30  and the actuator rod  32 . The actuator  30  can be a washer bolted to the end of the rod  32 . The bracket  34  can be bolted to the frame of the cabinet  10  or attached using other known means. 
     The position of the aperture  38  in the skirt  20  corresponds to the position of the actuator  30  as connected to the beam  18 . The aperture  38  can, for example, be positioned over the position of the actuator  30 . The aperture  38  allows access to the actuator  30  when the front door  14  is open. The skirt  20  with the aperture  38  provides protection to the actuator  30 . The actuator  30  can be positioned in other locations on the frame of the cabinet  10  inside of the door  14 . The actuator  30  can be accessed when the door  14  is opened, for example, when an authorized individual unlocks the door  14 . The actuator  30  is used to release the back doors of the cabinet  10 , as discussed below. 
     In  FIG. 2A , the back of the equipment cabinet  10  is shown having a rear door  50  in a closed position. A second rear door, which is positioned adjacent to the first rear door and pivots toward the rear door  50 , is removed for ease of demonstration. The rear doors lock as a pair, and are referred to as the rear door  50 . The cabinet  10  also includes a base frame member  54  and a doorframe  56 . The door  50  includes a handle  52 . The rod  32  runs from the front of the cabinet  10  to the back of the cabinet  10 . 
     In  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the rear door  50  is shown in the open position. The cabinet  10  includes a rear skirt  58  having an aperture  60 , a lower latch bracket  62 , and an upper rod bracket  64 . The rear door  50  includes a lower locking rod  70 , a spring  72 , and a lower rod guide  74  partially visible and mounted on the interior of the rear door  50 . The rear door  50  also includes an upper locking rod  80  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), a second spring  72 , and an upper rod guide  74 . The springs  72  can be helical springs  72  mounted on the rods  70 ,  80  to bias the rods  70 ,  80  such that the springs  72  are in tension when the door  50  is closed. Each of the upper locking rod  80  and the lower locking rod  70  includes a hook  90  on the distal end of the respective rod. The hook  90  extends substantially perpendicularly to the length of the respective rod  70 ,  80 , and in a parallel plane to the door  50 . The springs  72  push the weight of the rods  70 ,  80  in the door so that when the hooks  90  are released, the rods  70 ,  80  are pushed up to clear the latches installed on the top and bottom of the cabinet. The springs are designed with enough force to push the weight of the rod linkage in the door so that when the trapped rods are released below, the rods will be pushed up to clear the hooks that are installed on the top and bottom of the cabinet. 
     The base crossbar  54  supports the rear doorframe  56 . The skirt  58  is an L-shaped member that attaches to the base crossbar  54  on its top surface and extends below the base crossbar  54  at a substantially 90-degree angle with respect to the base crossbar  54 . The lower latch bracket  62  is attached to the bottom lip of the doorframe  56  at or near the center of the doorframe  56 . The upper locking rod bracket  64  is attached to the top lip of the doorframe  56 . The upper latch bracket can extend below the edge of the doorframe  56 , or below other frame members positioned at the top of the interior of the cabinet, such as a cable channel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the interior plane of the rear door  50  includes the lower locking rod  70  and the upper locking rod  80  mechanically connected via a handle bracket  86 . The upper locking rod  80  and the lower locking rod  70  are positioned on the interior surface of the rear door  50 , along the length of the door  50 . The upper rod  80  extends from the handle bracket  86  to the top of the door  50 . The lower rod  70  extends from the handle bracket  86  to and below the lower edge of the door  50 . Both the upper rod and the lower rod are attached to the handle bracket  86 . The upper rod  80  and the lower rod  70  are bolted to the handle bracket  86 , but can be attached by other known means of attachment. The upper rod  80  and the lower rod  70  are substantially axially aligned, although the respective rods can be offset axially. The handle bracket  86  is coupled to the handle  52  on the front side of the rear door  50 , opposite the locking rods  70 ,  80 . The handle  52  and handle bracket  86  are slidably connected to the door  50  such that the handle and the handle bracket can move in the direction of arrow  87 . Movement of the handle  52  causes corresponding movement of the handle bracket  86 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the upper rod bracket  62  accepts the hook  90  of the upper locking rod  80  when the door  50  is closed. The upper rod bracket  64  includes a planar base plate  102  and a latch hook  104 . The base plate  102  includes apertures  106  for accepting bolts that attach the upper rod bracket to the doorframe  56 . The latch hook  104  extends from the base plate  102  substantially perpendicularly away from the doorframe. The latch hook  104  receives the upper locking rod  80  when the rear door  50  is closed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5C , the lower latch bracket supports a latch  110 . The latch  110  includes a body  112 , a release lever  114 , and a catch  116 . The lower latch bracket  62  has a first plate  118  for attachment to the doorframe  56 , and a second plate  120  for supporting the latch body  112 . The latch body  112  is attached to the second plate  120  of the bracket  62  such that the latch body  112  is positioned below the doorframe and substantially perpendicular to the doorframe. The catch  116  extends outward from the plane of the doorframe  56  to allow receipt of the lower locking rod  70 . The lever  114  is connected to the actuator rod  32 , which runs from the actuator  30  to the lever  114 . The lever  114  is mechanically connected to the catch  116 . The catch  116  receives the lower locking rod  70  when the rear door  50  is closed. The latch  110  can be, for example, an Eberhard 240-R54 latch. 
     The lower locking rod  70  can achieve two positions. Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the position of the locking rod  70  can be in an engaged or released position with respect to the latch  110 .  FIG. 6A  represents the rear door  50  in a closed position (the door shell is removed for clarity). The hook  90  of the locking rod  70  is received in the aperture of the latch  110  and held below the catch  116 . The catch  116  restricts the locking rod  70  from moving in an upward direction to allow the door to open. To open the latch  110  and release the locking rod  70  and therefore open the door  50 , the actuator  30 , positioned in the front of the cabinet  10 , is activated. For example, the actuator  30  may be pressed such that it moves approximately ¼-inch in the y-axis direction. Alternatively, the actuator  30  can be pulled in the y-axis direction. The actuator moves the rod  32 , causing the lever  114  to move in the direction of the actuator  30 . Movement of the lever  114  releases the catch  116 , as shown in  FIG. 6B . With the catch released, the locking rod  70  is released. The locking rod  70  pops up with respect to the catch due to the bias of the springs  72 , which tend to lift the lower locking rod  70  when the locking rod  70  is unrestricted. 
     The upper locking rod  80  reacts to the motion of the actuator  30  and the lever  114 . In  FIG. 7A , the upper locking rod  80  is shown with the hook  90  resting in the locking rod bracket  64 , representing that the door  50  is closed. The tension of the lower locking rod  70 , when engaged in the latch  110 , provides a tension to the upper locking rod  80  keeping the upper locking rod in position in the latch  64 . The reciprocal tensile force is provided through the handle bracket  86 , to which both locking rods  70 ,  80  are connected. The latch hook  104  restricts the locking rod  80  from motion. When the actuator  30  is activated, the lower locking rod  70  is released and the upper locking rod  80  moves in an upward direction away from the bracket  64 , as shown in  FIG. 7B . With both the lower locking rod  70  and the upper locking rod  80  released, the door  50  is free to open. 
     To re-engage the locking rods  70 ,  80  and secure the rear door  50  in a closed position, the door is closed and the handle  52  is pushed in a direction opposing the force of the springs on the door  50 , e.g., downward on the door  50 . The motion of the handle  52  translates into motion of the handle bracket. The handle bracket moves the locking rods  70 ,  80 . The upper locking rod  80  drops into position in the bracket  64  with the downward motion of the handle  52 . The lower locking rod  70  is received into the latch  110  and secured by the catch  116  with the downward motion of the handle  52 . The rear door  50  is secured. 
     Embodiments of the invention include a washer used as a button actuator to push the rod to open the catch. Alternative embodiments can include a lever actuator that is pushed or pulled to activate the rod to release the back doors. The rod connecting the actuator and the latch can be a cable rather than a solid rod member. A cable or rod can be used to release the double doors from any position accessible from the first, or front, door. The upper locking rod and the lower locking rod can have alternative hooking mechanisms on their respective distal ends. The actuator can be positioned in other locations on the frame of the cabinet. For example, the actuator can be positioned on a top portion of the front door frame, on a side frame member, or at any position along the bottom doorframe. The locking rods can be secured by pulling the door handle up to lock the rods into position, or from an alternative motion of the handle, such as turning the handle to the left or right. Further, in embodiments of the invention, the cabinet includes a pair of rear doors. The cabinet can include a single rear door. The rear door or doors may include a single locking rod. 
     Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of the invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention&#39;s limit is defined only in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.