Patent Publication Number: US-7721660-B1

Title: Deal drawer

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 60/722,374 filed Sep. 30, 2005 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention relates to a deal drawer apparatus. Specifically this invention relates to a deal drawer apparatus that extends through a wall and which enables transaction related items to be transferred between a customer and a service provider. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   Deal drawers can be used in customer service environments to carry out transactions between a transaction service provider and a customer. Deal drawers can be used in drive-through banking applications, gas station applications, payroll window applications, pharmacy applications, and other transaction environments. 
   Deal drawers may be used in transaction environments where it is desirable to separate the transaction service provider from the customer. The separation may be desirable for example in situations where the customer is located in an outdoor environment and the service provider is located indoors. The use of the deal drawer enables a customer and the service provider to exchange items such as cash or paperwork while maintaining the separation of the interior area where the service provider is located, and the exterior area of the customer. In other transaction environments, deal drawers may be used primarily to separate the service provider and the customer for security reasons. In some cases the customer and the service provider may view each other through a window or other opening that is configured to reduce the risk that the service provider may be threatened by a weapon. The use of the deal drawer enables the service provider and the customer to exchange items while reducing the risk that a person with access to the customer station may threaten the service provider with a weapon. 
   While deal drawers are useful in a variety of transaction environments, there is still room for improvement. 
   Thus there exists a need for a deal drawer which has one or more improved properties of operation, security, and economy. 
   DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
   It is an object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a deal drawer operable to extend between a wall separating a service provider side and a customer side. 
   It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment to provide a deal drawer with a drawer and a panel that selectively allows access to a holding area of the drawer from the service provider side. The drawer and the panel are operably connected by a mechanism operative to enable panel movement coordinated with drawer movement. The mechanism includes a clutch that enables panel movement that is not coordinated with drawer movement. 
   The exemplary clutch is operative to transition between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. When a clutch is in an engaged configuration, movement of the drawer is coordinated with movement of the panel member. When the clutch is in a disengaged configuration, movement of the drawer is not coordinated with movement of the panel member. A force resistive to panel movement may be sufficient to disengage the clutch, whereby the drawer remains movable independently of the panel. The clutch may be returned to the engaged configuration by movement of either the drawer or the panel. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the clutch includes a cylindrical housing having a first surface, a detent plate having a detent surface mounted in an independently rotational relationship adjacent the first surface, and a detent mechanism operative to selectively place the clutch assembly into an engaged configuration when the detent plate is in a predetermined rotational position relative the clutch housing. 
   The exemplary detent mechanism includes a plurality of spaced longitudinally extending chambers extending through openings in the first surface. A reciprocating detent member disposed in each chamber. A plurality of detent sites formed in the detent surface. When the detent plate and the clutch housing are in the aligned rotational position, each chamber is axially longitudinally aligned with a detent site and a portion of each detent member selectively extends into the respective detent site. In this configuration the clutch assembly is engaged. If the detent plate is rotationally offset from the aligned position, the detent members are disposed from the detent sites, and the clutch assembly is disengaged. In exemplary embodiments, each detent member comprises a ball member biased toward the detent surface by a spring member disposed in the chamber. 
   It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a deal drawer having a cam member mounted in supporting connection with the drawer and movable therewith. The exemplary cam member includes a channel having an inclined portion at a first end and a straight portion at a second end. The deal drawer includes a pivot arm and a cam follower at a distal end of the pivot arm. The cam follower rides in the channel responsive to movement of the drawer member. Movement of the cam follower in the inclined portion causes pivotal movement of the pivot arm and coordinated rotation of the clutch housing. 
   It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide a pivot rod to cause movement of the panel. The pivot rod includes first and second spaced end portions disposed along a common axis and a central section that extends radially offset from the common axis. The first end of the pivot rod is operatively connected to the detent plate of the clutch. The central section of the pivot rod is engageable with the underside of the panel member. Movement of the panel into the lowered closed position is associated with rotation of the detent plate in a first angular direction. Movement of the panel into the raised position which provides access through the opening, is associated with rotation of the detent plate in an opposite angular direction. A bracket bounds a slot through which the central portion in the pivot rod extends. The pivot rod extends in the slot on the underside of the panel member and causes movement of the panel member. 
   It is another object of exemplary embodiments to provide a movement mechanism to selectively move the drawer between the extended and retracted positions. The movement mechanism may include a manual movement device mounted in supporting connection with the drawer. The manual movement device includes a handle and a member that extends through an elongated slot in the housing and is movable therein. In this exemplary embodiment, the drawer moves between the extended position and the retracted position responsive to force applied to the handle. 
   In the exemplary embodiment the force applied to the handle is transmitted to the drawer and causes movement thereof. The pivot arm rotates as the cam follower moves in the cam channel. The pivot arm transmits the force to the clutch which operatively connects the drawer and the panel for coordinated movement. The force is transmitted through the engaged clutch to move the panel in coordination with drawer movement. A resistive force on the panel above a threshold level is sufficient to disengage the clutch. With the clutch disengaged the panel and drawer move independently. The handle is operative to move the drawer, even if the clutch is disengaged. In the exemplary embodiment with the clutch disengaged, subsequent movement of the drawer or the panel is operative to re-engage the clutch. 
   It is a further object of exemplary embodiments to provide methods for operation and use of a deal drawer. In one exemplary mode of operation of the deal drawer, as the drawer moves between the extended position and the retracted position, the cam follower rides in the channel of the cam member. Movement of the cam follower causes coordinated rotational movement of a pivot arm operatively connected to the clutch housing. When the clutch is in the engaged configuration, movement of the clutch housing causes coordinated rotation of the detent plate member. The rotation of the detent plate rotates the pivot rod. The panel moves responsive to movement of the central section of the pivot rod. 
   In a second exemplary mode of operation, the panel may be prevented from coordinated movement with the drawer. Application of a resistive force above a threshold level causes the clutch to disengage, allowing independent movement of the panel and the drawer. Subsequent movement of the drawer or the panel can re-engage the clutch, and the drawer and panel will thereafter move in coordinated relation. 
   In another exemplary mode of operation, the panel may be moved independently of the drawer. A force applied to move the panel above a threshold level, is sufficient to cause the clutch to disengage. Subsequent movement of the panel or the drawer can re-engage the clutch for coordinated movement thereafter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a partial front view from a customer side of a wall showing an exemplary deal drawer apparatus. 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an exemplary deal drawer apparatus showing a drawer in an extended position and a panel in a lowered position. 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the exemplary deal drawer apparatus of  FIG. 2  showing the drawer in a retracted position and the panel in a raised position. 
       FIG. 4  is a right side isometric view of the exemplary deal drawer apparatus of  FIG. 3 , the view not showing some housing elements. 
       FIG. 5  is a right side view of the exemplary deal drawer apparatus of  FIG. 2 , the view not showing some housing elements. 
       FIG. 6  is a left side isometric view of the exemplary deal drawer apparatus of  FIG. 3 , the view not showing some housing elements. 
       FIG. 7  is a left side view of the exemplary deal drawer apparatus of  FIG. 2 , the view not showing some housing elements. 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an exemplary clutch assembly. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of a clutch housing. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the clutch housing taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a bottom view of a detent plate showing an exemplary detent surface. 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the housing of an exemplary deal drawer apparatus. 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a rear panel assembly. 
       FIG. 14  is an exploded view of an alternate panel assembly. 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded view of a drawer assembly of an exemplary deal drawer apparatus. 
   

   BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings and particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is shown therein a plan view of an exemplary customer service station generally indicated  10 . The customer service station is shown from a customer side  12  of a wall  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, wall  14  is an exterior wall of a building structure. The wall separates an area on a first side of the wall and an area on a second side of the wall. Of course in other embodiments other kinds of walls or dividing structures may be used. 
   Service station  10  further includes a deal drawer  16  of an exemplary embodiment. Deal drawer  16  includes fascia  18 . Fascia  18  includes an opening  20  therethrough. A door  22  which is shown in the closed position, is movable to open and close the fascia opening  20  in a manner that is later discussed. 
   The exemplary embodiment of the fascia  18  includes input and output devices. The exemplary output devices in the embodiment shown include a speaker/microphone combination  24  which includes a speaker for providing audio outputs. Speaker/microphone combination  24  also includes a microphone which enables the customer to provide audible inputs. A further exemplary input device shown in this embodiment is a call button  28 . Call button  28  is the exemplary embodiment may be used by a customer to provide a signal to a service provider located on the service provider side of wall  14  to indicate that the customer is at the service station and/or requires attention. 
   The exemplary form of service station  10  further includes a viewing apparatus  30 . In the exemplary embodiment, the viewing apparatus  30  comprises a window through which a service provider may view a customer. In alternative embodiments the viewing apparatus may include a camera, periscope or other device through which the service provider can view the customer. In the exemplary embodiment the viewing apparatus  30  also enables the customer to view the service provider. In some other embodiments, the viewing apparatus may include a display, projection device, or other apparatus which presents an image of a service provider to a customer. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an exemplary deal drawer  16  with wall  14  shown in phantom in  FIG. 2 . The exemplary deal drawer allows transactions to be conducted between a customer on the customer side  12 , and a service provider on the service provider side  34  of wall  14 . As shown in the  FIGS. 2-3 , the exemplary deal drawer includes a housing  36  that extends into the service provider area from the wall  14 . The housing includes an upper wall component  38 . Upper wall component  38  has an upper opening, or access opening,  40  therethrough. A panel  42  is movably mounted in operatively supported connection with the housing. The panel is movable to control access through the access opening  40 . Upper wall  38  includes a further opening comprising an elongated slot  44 . The exemplary embodiment includes a manual movement device, such as a handle with a knob member  46 , which is movable within the slot  44  as will be discussed in further detail below. 
   As illustrated, an exemplary drawer  50  is selectively movable between an extended position ( FIG. 2 ) and a retracted position ( FIG. 3 ). In the extended position, an inner compartment  54  of the drawer  50 , is accessible from the customer side  12 . In the retracted position, the inner compartment  54  is accessible from the service provider side  34  through access opening  40  when panel  42  is in a raised position, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In the exemplary embodiment, door  22  moves downward from a covering position in front of an opening to the inner compartment  54  as the drawer  50  extends outward, to provide easy access to the inner compartment. In the exemplary embodiment, the drawer  50  has an open top side. With reference to  FIG. 2 , in the exemplary embodiment, door  22  is supported by a pair of disposed members referred to as drop flanges  56 . Drop flanges  56  are movable in gaps  58  as will be explained in greater detail below. 
     FIGS. 4-7  and  15  show greater detail of the deal drawer with certain elements of the housing not shown. The exemplary embodiment includes a drawer assembly generally denoted  60  comprising movable drawer  50 . The drawer is selectively movable between a retracted position ( FIGS. 4 and 6 ) and an extended position ( FIGS. 5 and 7 ). A panel  42  is movable between an open position ( FIGS. 4 and 6 ) and a closed position ( FIGS. 5 and 7 ). Movement of the panel  42  in the exemplary embodiment, may be coordinated with movement of the drawer  50  through a mechanism, generally denoted  64  enabling such coordinated movement. The mechanism includes a clutch  66 . The exemplary clutch includes a detent mechanism as later explained. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, a cam member  68  is carried on a first side component  70  of the drawer assembly  60 . Cam member  68  comprises a channel  72  having an inclined portion  74  disposed toward the front of the drawer  50  and a straight portion  76  disposed toward the rear of the drawer  50 . 
   The exemplary clutch  66  is operatively connected to a pivot arm assembly generally denoted  80 , best seen in  FIG. 4 . The pivot arm assembly  80  includes a pivot arm  82  and a cam follower  84  mounted at a distal end of the pivot arm  82 . The cam follower extends in the channel  72 . In the exemplary embodiment, the pivot arm  82  is mounted for rotational movement relating to the housing. The arm moves rotationally responsive to movement of the cam follower  84 . The illustrated pivot arm assembly is of an exemplary construction whereby force applied to move the drawer is transmitted to the panel through the clutch  66 . Other constructions may be used in other embodiments and may operate to transmit an applied force. For example, in other embodiments other forms of arms, shafts, and cams may be employed. 
   The exemplary mechanism  64  also includes a pivot rod  90  in operative connection at a first end portion with clutch  66 . The pivot rod is in operative connection with a counterweight mechanism  92  at a second end portion. The counterweight mechanism  92  includes a counterweight  94  and a biasing member or spring  96 . ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second end portions of pivot rod  90  extend along a common axis, while a central portion  102  is offset in a radial direction from the common axis. The central portion  102  extends in a slot region at the underside  104  of the panel  42 . The slot region is bounded by bracket  106 . The central portion of the pivot rod mounts within the slot region  108  defined by a spaced portion of bracket  106 . The central portion  102  may include rolling spacers  110  or other devices to facilitate movement of the central portion  102  in the slot region. ( FIGS. 4 and 6 ). Of course in other embodiments other approaches may be used. 
   With continued reference to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , exemplary drawer assembly  60  includes a first side wall  112  and a second side wall  114 . First and second side walls  112 ,  114 , respectively, are each separated from first and second side components  70 ,  120 , respectively, by a gap  58 . Drop flanges  56  are movable within gaps  58  and are engaged at the rear of the drawer assembly  60  with spring members  118 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 4-7  and  15 , various slide assemblies  124  direct the movement of drawer  50  between the extended and retracted positions. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the drawer assembly  60  includes a drawer liner element  128  which cooperates with first and second side walls  112 ,  114 , respectively, to define the holding area  54 . 
   The construction of the exemplary clutch  66  is described with particular reference to  FIGS. 8-11 . Clutch  66  includes a clutch housing  130 , a detent plate  132 , and a plurality of detent members  134 . With particular reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the clutch housing  130  includes a plurality of longitudinal chambers  136  formed in the body  138  of housing  130 . In the exemplary embodiment, the clutch housing  130  includes three such chambers  136  equally angularly disposed about a central opening  140  so that the centerline of each chamber is angularly disposed 120° from the centerline of an adjacent chamber. A first recessed surface  142  is disposed at a first end of the housing  130  for reception of the detent plate  132  and surrounded by a raised flange  144 . In the exemplary embodiment, flange  144  includes an internal groove  146  therein for reception of a retaining member or ring  148  ( FIG. 8 ). With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 10 , each longitudinal chamber  136  is adapted for receiving a detent member, which in the exemplary embodiment comprises a ball member  134 . The ball member  134  is operatively engaged with a compression spring member  150 , whereby ball member  134  is adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement within the chamber  136 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the housing  130  also includes a plurality of mounting bores  152  through a second surface  154  for securing the clutch housing  130  to the pivot arm assembly  80 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 11 , exemplary detent plate  132  includes a detent surface  156  adapted for mounting in rotational relationship with the first surface  142  of clutch housing  130 . The detent surface  156  includes a plurality of detent sites  160  dimensioned to receive a portion of the detent member therein, when the detent plate and the clutch housing are in a predetermined “aligned rotational position.” By “aligned rotational position” it is meant that each of the longitudinal chambers is axially aligned with a respective detent site so that a portion of each detent member extends into a respective detent site. If the detent plate and the clutch housing are “offset” from the aligned position, the detent members are disposed from the detent sites, and the detent sites are not axially aligned with the longitudinal chambers. 
   In the exemplary embodiment when the clutch housing  130  and the detent plate  132  are in the aligned rotational position, the clutch assembly is said to be in an “engaged configuration.” When the clutch housing  130  and the detent plate  132  are offset from the aligned position, the clutch assembly is said to be in a “disengaged configuration.” In the exemplary embodiment, the spring members  150 , ball members  134 , longitudinal chambers  136 , and detent sites  160  cooperate to provide an exemplary form of detent mechanism to selectively place the clutch assembly into an engaged configuration. Of course, the illustrated construction of clutch  66  is exemplary, and in other embodiments other constructions may be used. 
   For example, other constructions allowing for a clutch or other device to transition between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration may be used. Additionally, in some embodiments more or fewer detent members may be utilized. Further, the clutch or other device may comprise a shape other than the cylindrical one shown. For example, in some embodiments other types of mechanisms that operate to transmit force between two members may be provided. Such devices or materials may provide for transmission of force up to a certain level. However, upon exceeding a force level relative movement is permitted. In still other embodiments devices may be provided that operatively engage two members then release the members in response to a force and then later can be again engaged. Such devices may include mechanical devices as well as devices that operate using electrical, magnetic or other principles. Numerous different types of engaging devices may be used in connection with different embodiments. 
   The exemplary clutch operates to receive a transmitted force applied thereto due to movement of the drawer and causes coordinated movement between the drawer and the panel. Additionally, the clutch may be disengaged upon application of force resistive to panel movement. When the clutch is disengaged, the drawer remains movable between the extended position and the retracted position, and the panel remains generally freely movable until the clutch is re-engaged. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates exemplary components of housing  36 . The exemplary housing includes a base  164  having first and second upwardly extending wall members  166 ,  168 , respectively. Supported on base  164  are a pair of drop flange rollers  170  for supporting cam surfaces at the bottom of the drop flanges  56  as the drawer  50  extends and retracts. 
   Exemplary panel  42  (shown in phantom) is hingedly connected (via hinge component  171 ) to main hinge  172  to allow selective covering and uncovering of access opening  40  in the upper wall component  38 . The hinge component  171  is also shown in  FIG. 6 . Trim member  174  is adapted to extend through wall  14  so that a front surface  176  is operably associated with fascia  18 . Door  22  is operative to selectively open and close opening  20 . 
   The exemplary access opening  40  is partially bounded by first and second side trim brackets  178  and a rear trim bracket  179  which cooperate to form a ledge  180  engaged by panel  42  in the lowered position. First and second side trim brackets  178  include cutouts  182  on their forward ends which support the first and second ends of pivot rod  90  (not shown). Alternate embodiments of rear panel assembly  186 ,  186 ′ are described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
   With particular reference to  FIG. 13 , exemplary rear panel assembly  186  includes a rear panel  190  adapted to be supported on base  164 . Rear panel  190  includes an opening  192  through which latch assembly  194  extends. Latch assembly  194  includes a movable latch member  196  having an arm  197  to selectively engage or disengage a flange rod  198  disposed at the rear of the drawer  50  (See  FIGS. 4 and 6 ) to selectively prevent or allow movement of drawer  50  relative to housing  36 . In the exemplary embodiment, latch assembly  194  is disposed so that the flange rod  198  may be engaged from below when arm  197  is in an upwardly extending position. 
   With particular reference to  FIG. 14 , rear panel assembly  186 ′ includes a backup plate  200  and a gasket member  202  disposed in adjoining relationship with rear panel  190 . Openings  204  and  206  in gasket member  202  and backup plate  200 , respectively, are generally aligned with opening  192 . Rear panel assembly  186 ′ further includes a backup plate lock cover  208  adapted to substantially cover latch assembly  194 . Backup plate lock cover  208  is positioned to allow unhindered movement of latch member  196 , and to not interfere with movement of drawer  50 . 
   The alternate embodiment of rear panel assembly  186 ′ provides an enhanced safety feature for the exemplary deal drawer  16 . This construction reduces the risk of injury to an operator if a firearm is fired through opening  20  when the drawer  50  is in the extended position. 
   Operation of the exemplary deal drawer  16  may include initial action by a customer including activating the call button  28  to alert an operator. In a normal inoperative position the drawer is in the retracted position. If the drawer assembly  60  is initially engaged by latch member  196 , the latch assembly is operated to disengage the latch member  196 . 
   The operator causes exemplary drawer  50  to move into the extended position by manually moving the manual movement device, including knob member  46 , within elongated slot  44  toward the front of housing  36 . Movement of the drawer  50  toward the extended position also moves the cam member  68 . Cam follower  84  moves within channel  72  from the inclined portion  74  into the straight portion  76 . In coordinated movement, the pivot arm  82  pivots from an angled position, shown in  FIG. 4 , to a generally vertical position, shown in  FIG. 5 . The clutch housing  130  is attached to the pivot arm  82  and pivots therewith. If the clutch assembly  66  is in the engaged configuration, and the panel  42  is initially in the raised position, movement of the drawer  50  toward the extended position will cause coordinated rotational movement of the panel  42  to the lowered position closing the opening. Detent plate  132  will rotate with the clutch housing  130  due to the portion of each detent member  134  extending into an associated detent site  160 . Rotation of the detent plate rotates the pivot rod  90 , thereby causing central portion  102  to act on the underside  104  of panel  42  to move the panel. 
   With reference to  FIG. 15 , as the exemplary drawer extends, drop flanges  56  that are pivotally mounted to opposite ends of flange rod  300  with drop flange bushings  302 , move within gap  58  ( FIG. 2 ) as surfaces  304  ride on drop flange rollers  170  ( FIG. 12 ). The movement of drop flanges  56  is limited by contact of end surfaces  306  with flange rod  198 . In coordinated movement, door  22  moves downward providing access through opening  20 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, moving the drawer to the retracted position is accomplished by the operator manually moving the knob member  46  toward the rear of the housing. As drawer retracts, the above described process is essentially reversed. The drop flanges  56  are urged upward into the initial condition by spring members  118 . Likewise, biasing member  96  of the counterweight mechanism  92  urges the panel  42  into the open position. 
   In one scenario for operation of the exemplary embodiment, the deal drawer assembly may initially have the drawer  50  in the retracted position, and the panel  42  in a raised position as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this initial configuration, the exemplary clutch assembly will be in the engaged configuration. In the exemplary embodiment in the engaged configuration, the chambers  136  in the clutch housing  130  are each axially aligned with a detent site  160  in the detent plate  132 , and a portion of each of the detent members  134  extends into a respective detent site  160 . The pivot arm  82  will be in an angled position as shown in  FIG. 4 . When an operator moves the drawer  50  into the extended position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the pivot arm  82  pivots in a first angular direction into the generally vertical position, as shown. The clutch housing  130  pivots with the pivot arm  82 , causing rotation of the pivot rod  90  as long as the clutch remains in the engaged configuration, to move the panel  42  into the lowered position, closing the opening. 
   In this exemplary scenario, if the panel is retained in the lowered position by application of a resistive force, for example by an external object such as an operator&#39;s hand, during movement of the drawer  50  from the extended position toward the retracted position, the clutch assembly  66  will change to a disengaged configuration. This change in condition will occur because, with movement of the drawer member, the pivot arm  82  will pivot in an opposite angular direction from the generally vertical position shown in  FIG. 5  to the angled position shown in  FIG. 4 . However, if the panel  42  is held such that it cannot move, the pivot rod  90  will not rotate, and detent plate  132  cannot rotate with movement of the clutch housing  130 . Thus, the chambers  136  and detent sites  160  will relatively move to be offset from the aligned position, and the clutch assembly will be in the disengaged condition. 
   If the clutch is in the disengaged condition, when the drawer is in the retracted position, the operator moves the panel  42  into the open position, the pivot rod  90  will rotate, causing rotation of the detent plate  132 . Eventually, the detent plate  132  will move to an aligned position relative the clutch housing  130  and the clutch assembly will re-engage. 
   If the operator does not move the panel  42  into the open position, the clutch assembly will remain disengaged. Subsequent movement of the drawer  50  into the extended position will cause the pivot arm  82  to pivot into the generally vertical position again and move the clutch housing back into the aligned position to re-engage the clutch assembly. Of course this approach is exemplary. 
   In another scenario using the exemplary embodiment, an operator can move the panel  42  into the closed position before moving the drawer from the retracted position into the extended position. As the panel  42  is manually closed absent drawer movement, the clutch will become disengaged. In this scenario, the pivot rod  90 , and therefore detent plate  132 , rotates with the movement of the panel member. However, clutch housing  130  remains stationary. The detent sites  160  are no longer axially aligned with the chambers  136 , causing withdrawal of the detent members  134 . Even though the clutch assembly is disengaged, the drawer  50  can still be moved into the extended position. As the drawer moves toward the extended position, the pivot arm  82  moves the clutch housing so that the clutch housing  130  and the detent plate  132  are again axially aligned, and the clutch assembly is re-engaged. 
   Thus, as will be apparent, there are various scenarios wherein movement of the exemplary drawer may be independent of movement of the panel member, movement of the panel may be independent of the drawer movement, or movement of the drawer may be coordinated with movement of the panel member. Also, if the exemplary clutch  66  is in the disengaged configuration, subsequent movement of the panel  42  or the drawer  50  is operative to re-engage the clutch. As can be appreciated, in the exemplary embodiment the clutch firmly operatively connects the panel and pivot arm until it encounters a resistance force above a level that causes the detent members to disengage from the detent sites. After disengagement, the exemplary clutch assembly provides a less firm connection between the pivot arm and the panel until the detent members re-engage the chambers. Of course, this approach to providing relatively greater and lesser force transmission is exemplary. 
   During operation of the exemplary deal drawer apparatus, the overall position of the clutch  66  does not change, but the clutch housing pivots with the pivot arm  82  and the detent plate  132  rotates with pivot rod  90 . If the clutch assembly is in the engaged configuration, the movement of the clutch housing will be coordinated with movement of the detent plate member. If the clutch assembly is in the disengaged configuration, either the clutch housing or the detent plate may move more readily independently of the other component. 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the detent mechanism utilizes three chambers, three detent members, and three detent sites. However, other constructions are possible with other embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment, the detent mechanism operates so that even if the drawer is moved quickly between the extended and retracted positions, the clutch assembly will remain engaged. The detent mechanism also operates in the exemplary embodiment to readily disengage the clutch assembly if for example, an obstruction is encountered in movement of the panel to prevent damage to the deal drawer components. 
   Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the deal drawer achieve one or more of the above stated objectives, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solve problems, and attain the desirable results described herein. 
   In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown and described. 
   In the following claims any feature described as a means for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to those skilled in the art to be capable of performing the recited function, and shall not be limited to the features and structures shown herein or mere equivalents thereof. The description of the exemplary embodiment included in the Abstract included herewith shall not be deemed to limit the invention to features described therein. 
   Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and the advantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.