Patent Publication Number: US-6698258-B2

Title: Swivel crank arm

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a locking device for use in association with a cabinet locking system, a multi compartment storage unit and other locking devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many multi compartment storage units and other locking devices, including office furniture and storage fixtures, require locking mechanisms to secure the devices against unauthorized access to their contents. Often, the locking systems include locking bars that secure drawers and flapper covers against unauthorized opening. By way of background, US Pat. No. 4,246,769 issued to McLaughlin is an example of an earlier system used in association with cabinet locking systems. The McLaughlin patent teaches the use of a Z-shaped crank mounted on a locking core. The Z-shaped crank is positioned within a linear track provided within a multi-component arm. The crank is held in place within the linear track by a clip secured near the tip of the Z-shaped crank. It is important that the crank be secured for travel within the linear track. Accidental disconnection of the crank from the multi component arm could result in failure of the locking system. 
     The system disclosed in the McLaughlin patent and other earlier systems are also prone to other manufacturing or installation problems. For example, the locking systems are often designed for installation within confined spaces along the inner walls of a cabinet structure. Typically, very limited space is provided for installation and operation of the locking system and its components. Workmen who install the locking systems often find it difficult to work within those confined spaces. It is particularly difficult to insert the multi component arm into the proper location of the cabinet or other structure, mate the Z-shaped crank within the linear track, assemble the arm with the locking bars and affix the clip to secure the crank to the arm. The earlier multi component arms often became disassembled while the workmen attempted to install the locking system within the storage structure. 
     Some of the earlier systems were manufactured with various parts requiring numerous steps to properly assemble those components. 
     It is desirable that a new locking system be provided to reduce or replace the number of component parts required to assemble the multi component arm. It is also desirable to provide a replacement arm that may be more easily installed without the risk of accidental disassembly of the components of the arm. Similarly, it is preferred that the new locking system provide for improved ease of installation within the locking structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a modular arm for use in a storage unit locking system. The modular arm contains an elongated asymmetrical slot for detachably securing a lock drive shaft with an integral retainer. The elongated asymmetrical slot contains first and second slot portions defining different widths across the longitudinal axis. The first slot portion spans a width less than that of the lock-drive shaft retainer. The second slot portion spans a width greater than that of the lock-drive shaft retainer. 
     Installation of the improved modular arm and lock housing unit does not require the use of a mounting clip. In addition, installation does not require the use of an internally mounted spring and ball bearing. Special tools are not required in typical installations. If required, the lock housing unit may be promptly detached from the modular arm in those instances where the lock housing unit is in need of repair or other service. For example, the externally mounted spring may be easily compressed to provide for rapid and easy removal of the lock housing unit of the entire cabinet locking system. 
     By comparison, conventional systems in the prior art often require special tools to permit removal of conventional retainers or springs, or in some cases, considerable physical effort and time are required to remove the retainers or springs from conventional housings. 
     In one aspect, the invention is a modular arm that defines a longitudinal axis. The modular arm may be used in a cabinet locking system. The modular arm includes first and second arm segments. The arm segments include actuators for operating lock bars positioned adjacent opposing inner walls of the cabinet. The first and second arm segments are operationally connected. One of the two arm segments defines an elongated asymmetrical slot. The slot extends along the longitudinal axis of the modular arm. The elongated slot includes first and second slot portions. The first slot portion defines a width that is less than the diameter defined by the second slot portion. The modular arm also includes a biasing element to urge the first and second arm segments between first and second positions defined along the longitudinal axis of the modular arm. When assembled, the modular arm may be detachably secured to a lock drive shaft of a lock housing assembly. The drive shaft of the lock housing assembly includes a retainer with a defined diameter. The diameter of the retainer is less than the diameter of the second slot portion. However, the diameter of the retainer is greater than the width of the narrower first slot portion. 
     In another aspect, the invention comprises a modular locking assembly which includes an arm assembly operatively connected to a lock housing assembly. The arm assembly includes first and second arm segments. The second arm segment is operatively connected to the first arm segment. The second arm segment or the first arm segment define an elongated asymmetrical slot that extends along the longitudinal axis defined by the arm assembly. The elongated slot comprises first and second slot portions. A biasing element is provided to urge the first and second arm segments between first and second positions along the longitudinal axis. The lock housing assembly includes a locking core that is operatively associated with an offset crank. The crank includes a lock drive shaft that is operatively engaged with the arm assembly, through the first slot portion, when the arm segments are in the second position. When the arm segments are in the first position, the crank is operatively disengaged, within the second slot portion, when the arm segments are in the first position. The lock housing assembly also includes a retainer having a defined diameter. The diameter of the retainer is greater than the width of the first slot portion. The diameter of the retainer is less than the diameter of the second slot portion. 
     In another aspect, the invention includes a storage unit. The storage unit comprises first and second lock bars that are slideably mounted adjacent to the inner walls of the storage unit. The storage unit also includes a modular arm and a lock housing assembly. 
     The modular arm includes first and second arm segments for operatively engaging the corresponding one lock bar of the two lock bars. The first and second arm segments are operatively connected. Either the first or second arm segment defines an elongated asymmetrical slot. The asymmetrical slot defines first and second slot portions. A biasing element is provided to urge the first and second arm segments between first and second positions along the longitudinal axis of the modular arm. The lock housing assembly includes a lock drive shaft that extends through the asymmetrical slot when assembled. The shaft comprises a retainer having a defined diameter. The diameter of the retainer is greater than the width of the first slot portion. The diameter of the retainer is less than the diameter of the second slot portion. The retainer may be withdrawn through the second slot portion when the first and second arm segments are in the appropriate position along the longitudinal axis. 
     In other aspects, additional features may be provided. The biasing element may take the form of a spring mounted on an exterior portion of one of the arm segments. A detent may also be provided for releaseably securing the first arm segment to the second arm segment. The detent may take the form of a projection on one of the first and second arm segments, and a stop on the other one of the first and second arm segments. When a portion of one of the arm segments is inserted into a receiving channel defined by the other of the arm segments, the projection engages a stop to releasebly secure the arm segments together. Additional embodiments of the invention are also possible. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following drawings are included to illustrate several examples of embodiments of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1A shows an exploded perspective view of an earlier multi component modular arm. 
     FIG. 2A is an enlarged partial sectional view of a portion of the arm shown in FIG.  1 A. 
     FIG. 3A is an enlarged partial sectional view of a portion of the arm segment shown in FIG.  2 A. 
     FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the earlier modular arm shown in FIG. 1A, together with an earlier locking core assembly. 
     FIG. 2B is an enlarged partial sectional view of a portion of the earlier modular arm and locking bar assembly of FIG.  1 B. 
     FIG. 3B is a partial sectional view of the locking bar and arm assembly of FIG. 2B, in assembled configuration. 
     FIG. 1C is partial sectional view, in perspective, of an earlier cabinet structure with an installed drawer locking system. 
     FIG. 1D is an enlarged partial sectional view, in perspective, of an assembled locking core and modular arm assembly. 
     FIG. 1E is an enlarged partial sectional view of a portion of the earlier cabinet structure shown in FIG.  1 C. 
     FIG. 1F is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of another portion of the earlier cabinet structure shown in FIG.  1 C. 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a modular arm for use in cabinet locking system. 
     FIG. 2 is a plan of the modular arm and the lock housing unit. 
     FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the post of the first arm segment. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the modular arm and the lock housing unit in the uninstalled position. 
     FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the lock housing unit illustrating installed and uninstalled positions. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the modular arm and the lock housing unit in the installed position. 
     FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the lock housing unit illustrating installed and uninstalled positions. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention for use in a two-drawer cabinet illustrating the modular arm and the lock bars. 
     FIG. 9 is a plan view of a lock bar stud and drawer hook. 
     FIGS. 10 a  and  10   c  are side perspective views of the cabinet locking system illustrating the locked position. 
     FIG. 10 b  is a perspective view of the modular arm and lock housing unit in the locked position. 
     FIGS. 11 a  and  11   c  are side perspective views of the cabinet locking system illustrating the unlocked position. 
     FIG. 11 b  is a perspective view of the modular arm and lock housing unit in the unlocked position. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR METHOD AND LOCK ASSEMBLY 
     FIG. 1A shows an earlier multi component arm used in a locking system for a storage cabinet. Arm  100  is made up of two arm sections  102  and  120 . Stem  121  of arm segment  120  engages with opening  112  defined by driver end  109  of arm segment  102 . Arm segments  102  and  120  are brought together along the path represented by arrow G. Arm segment  102  is loaded internally with a ball bearing  111  and a compression spring  110  through side opening  107 . After the ball bearing  111  and compression spring  110  are loaded into a receiving chamber within the arm segment, the side opening  107  is sealed with a cover plate  108  as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A. The cover plate  108  is moved toward arm segment  102  along the path of arrow H. The surrounding edge of the opening  107  is pinched to secure the cover plate to the arm segment  102 . The opening  112  is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the ball bearing  111  so that the ball bearing will remain trapped within the corresponding arm segment. Stem portion  121  of arm  120  is allowed to slide within the interior channel of driver end  109 . The two arm segments are urged apart by the interior spring and ball bearing assembly. However, if the two arm segments are not held together or held in place by additional structural elements, or by the installing workmen, there is a tendency for the arm segments to disconnect and become disengaged. 
     Arm segment  102  is also provided with an elongated opening or track  103  defined by a central housing portion  105 . The track  103  opens through both sides of the arm segment  102 . The opposing ends of the arm  100  are provided with lock bar actuators  104  and  124 . The actuators  104  and  124  engage with lock bar assemblies on opposite sides of a cabinet structure so that lock bars will be displaced vertically when the arm is rotated about its longitudinal axis. 
     The assembled arm is installed within the cabinet structure so that the arm may rotate about its longitudinal axis. Typically, the opposing ends of the bar are positioned to engage support brackets or other suitable supports (not shown) mounted on the interior wall of the cabinet. 
     With reference to FIGS. 1B,  2 B, and  3 B, an assembled multi component arm  100  is typically brought toward a lock housing assembly  134  that was previously secured to a structural portion of the storage cabinet (not shown). Typically, the lock housing assembly  134  is first secured to the storage cabinet. Thereafter, the assembled arm  100  is installed within the cabinet by engaging Z-shaped crank  133  with linear track  103 . The assembled arm is brought toward the preinstalled lock housing assembly along a path shown by arrow J. End  135  of crank  133  is inserted through track  103  so that end  135  extends beyond the opposite side of central housing  105 . An E-clip  130  is affixed to end  135  of the crank, between clip retainer  132  of the crank and central housing  105 . Typically, the clip is brought toward the crank end  135  along the path shown by arrow K. The clip  130  secures the crank  133  within the track  103  to prevent accidental separation of the crank  133  from the arm  100 . Often, workmen encounter difficulties in properly securing the clips to the lock housing during installation. 
     FIGS. 1C,  1 D,  1 E and  1 F show another embodiment of an earlier assembled arm and locking assembly installed within a locking cabinet. Cabinet  145  is provided with two locking drawers  147  and  149  that slide outwardly along mounting slides (not shown). Upper drawer  147  is shown in a partially open position. Lower drawer  149  is closed. Arm assembly  200  is mounted within the cabinet, adjacent the top wall of the cabinet. The arm is allowed to rotate about its longitudinal axis, when activated by the crank  233  and lock housing assembly  134 . Clip  230  secures the lock housing assembly to the arm  200 . Arm segment  220  is slidably engaged with driver end  209  of the other arm segment. The cabinet locking system includes lock bars  126  and  116  mounted adjacent opposite walls of the cabinet. The lock bars  126 ,  116 , travel within channels (not shown) that are provided along the interior walls of the cabinet  145 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1E, the lock bar  116  (and similarly lock bar  126 ) travels vertically along the channel as exemplified by arrow L. The lock bar is allowed to travel within a limited distance along that path. When the lock bar and the lock housing assembly are in the unlocked position, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1E, the retainer hook  150  is disengaged from lock pin  152  extending from the lock bar  116 . However, when the lock bar assembly is in the locked position, as shown in FIG. 1F, retainer hook  150  engages with lock pin  160  and the drawer is secured against opening. The drawer will be allowed to open once the corresponding retainer is disengaged from lock pin  160 . The lock pin  160  will be disengaged from lock bar  116  when the lock core within the lock housing assembly  134  is activated, the lock core within the lock housing assembly  134  is rotated the appropriate amount to rotate the modular arm assembly and in turn, vertically displace the lock bars  116  and  126  along their respective channels. 
     In FIG. 1F, the lock housing assembly  134  is shown installed within an opening  142  near the top wall of the cabinet  145 . The lock housing assembly  134  and arm assembly are located close to the upper wall, with limited clearance available for a workman to work within that confined space. The crank  233  is shown positioned and engaged within the inner track of arm assembly  200 . Crank end  135  is rotatably mounted within opening  118  of mounting bracket  117 . In this embodiment retainer  232  bears against an optional bracket  117  to inhibit excessive horizontal movement of the crank within the bracket mount. The lock housing assembly  134  is activated by inserting a key (not shown) into the key way of the locking core (not shown). By rotating the key, the lock core within the lock housing assembly  134  is rotated and in turn, the crank  133  is rotated about its axis of rotation. When the crank  133  is rotated, the Z-shaped crank acts on the arm assembly and in turn, rotates the arm about its longitudinal axis. It will be noted that the axis of rotation of the crank is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the arm assembly. When the arm assembly  200  is rotated about its axis, the actuator  204  (which is engaged with lock bar  116 ) rotates in an arcuate path about the axis of rotation of the arm  200 . When the lock housing assembly  134  is moved into a locked position along path M, the lock pin  160  is lockably engaged with retainer  150  of the corresponding upper drawer  147 . When the lock housing is activated to the unlocked position, the lock bar is displaced vertically down along an opposite path so that pin  160  disengages from the retainer  150  and the drawer is allowed to open. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1 to  9  show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A cabinet locking system  2  is shown in exploded views in FIGS. 1 and 2. The locking system  2  includes a modular arm  4  that is generally cylindrical in shape. It will be understood in the art that the overall shape of the modular arm may vary according to the particular applications under consideration. In general, the overall shape of the modular arm will define a longitudinal axis. The modular arm comprises a first arm segment  6  having a first actuator  8  for operatively engaging a first lock bar  10  (shown in FIG.  8 ). The modular arm  4  further comprises a second arm segment  12  having a second actuator  14  for operatively engaging a second lock bar  16 . The first arm segment  6  defines a post  18  extending along the longitudinal axis. The post  18  operatively engages a receiving channel  20  defined by the second arm segment  12 . 
     The second arm segment  12  is equipped with an elongated asymmetrical slot  22 . The elongated asymmetrical slot  22  extends along the longitudinal axis and detachably secures a lock drive shaft  24  extending across the axis. The lock drive shaft  24  is a generally rod shaped member having a double offset  26  and  28  so as to comprise a zigzag shape. A retainer  30  forms the rear portion of the lock drive shaft  24 . The retainer  30  extends radially about an axis that generally coincides with the longitudinal axis of the lock housing unit  34 . 
     The opposite end of the lock drive shaft  24  is connected to a locking core  32 . The retainer  30 , the lock drive shaft  24 , the locking core  32 , and an outer core housing are included in the lock housing unit  34 . The elongated asymmetrical slot  22  comprises a first slot portion  36  and second slot portion  38  defining different widths across the longitudinal axis. The retainer  30  spans a width greater than the width of the first slot portion  36  and less than the width of the second slot portion  38 . 
     FIGS. 2,  4 ,  6 ,  10   b  and  11   b  show one embodiment of the retainer which is generally circular in cross-section. However, it will be appreciated that the retainer  30  may take the form of one of many other possible shapes. By way of example, the retainer  30  may take the form a wafer of elongated shape when viewed in cross-section. The retainer  30  may either be made from a work piece separate from the lock drive shaft  33 , or the crank and retainer may be cast as a single work piece. It is preferable that the retainer be attached to the crank prior to connection of the lock housing assembly to the crank arm assembly. The retainer  30  may be bolted, screwed or otherwise securely fastened to the lock drive shaft  33 . The particular method of securing the retainer to the crank is not an essential feature of the invention. However, skilled persons in the art will appreciate that the configuration and strength of the materials selected to make the retainer  30  and other components of the lock housing assembly may be designed to enhance the overall strength of the mechanical link between the lock housing assembly and the modular arm assembly after the units are assembled and installed within the storage unit. Various means may be used to securely fasten the retainer  30  to the lock drive shaft  33  that would be superior to the retention capabilities of a clip or other snap-like device used in conventional applications. 
     By way of further example, the retainer  30  may have an irregular shape, other than the generally circular shape as shown in FIGS. 2,  4 ,  6 ,  10   b  and  11   b . For example, if the retainer  30  takes the shape of an elongated member, such as an elliptical, oblong, oval or other generally elongated wafer-like shape, that configuration will have a major axis (corresponding to a length) and a minor axis (corresponding to the width) of the retainer configuration. In general terms, the retainer will define an effective diameter. In a circular retainer configuration, the diameter is measured across the centre point of the circular shape. With irregular shapes, the effective diameter of the irregularly shaped retainer will often correspond to the minimum effective width measured across the irregularly shaped retainer. To inhibit accidental withdraw of the retainer  30  through the narrower block portion  36 , the effective diameter of the retainer  30  is greater than the width of narrower slot portion  36 . 
     The first arm segment  6  and second arm segment  12  are moveable between compressed and extended positions by means of spring  40 . The spring  40  is externally mounted on a first intermediate portion  42  of the first arm segment  6 . Raised abutment  43  is provided on post  18  to inhibit the arm segments from complete disengagement. The spring  40  acts on the leading edge of arm segment  12  and spring stop  47  to urge the two arm segments apart. However, the raised abutment  43  engages an inner ridge (not shown) within opening  20  to form a detent. The detent provides sufficient resistance against the force of the spring to inhibit accidental separation of the two arm segments. If a workman wishes to separate the two components, the workman may provide the additional force or appropriate orientation to separate the arm segments. 
     With reference to FIGS. 2,  4  and  5 , during installation, the two arm segments are urged together and the spring  40  is compressed. When the spring  40  is fully compressed there is sufficient clearance for the modular arm  2  to enter into the cabinet  42  (shown in FIG.  8 ). The arm  4  is brought toward the lock housing assembly (which is first mounted within the cabinet structure). The arm  4  is moved along the direction indicated by arrow P (or S 1  and S 2  in FIGS. 5A and 5B) and is also compressed along direction Q so that the retainer  30  on the terminal end of drive shaft  24  is able to pass from one side of the arm housing  17  through the larger slot portion  38  and to the other side of the arm housing  17 . The arm  4  is then released and the spring  40  urges the two arm segments apart along the direction indicated by arrow R in FIG. 6 (or, along arrow T, as illustrated in FIGS.  7 A and  7 B). As the spring  40  urges the arm segments apart, the drive shaft  24  of the crank moves from within wider slot portion  38  and becomes positioned within the narrower slot portion  36  of the housing  17 . When in operation, the lock drive shaft  24  extends through the narrower slot portion  36  of the elongated asymmetrical slot  22 . Thus, when the drive shaft  24  is situated within the narrower slot portion  36 , the retainer  30  abuts against the rearmost outer edges of the housing  17  to prevent accidental withdrawal of the drive shaft  24  from the housing. 
     During the installation procedure, the arm assembly  4  is mounted within the cabinet so that it may rotate about its longitudinal axis. Often, mounting brackets (not shown) will be provided on opposite walls of the cabinet, so that posts  7  and  9  will mate with corresponding circular openings in the mounting brackets (not shown). The posts  7  and  9  will rotate within those circular openings when the arm assembly is activated by rotation of the locking core assembly. Drive pins  13 ,  15  on actuators  8  and  14  are rotatably engaged with the lock bars  10  and  16  so that, when the actuators are rotated, the connected lock bars are moved vertically within their respective tracks or channels adjacent the inner cabinet walls (not shown). 
     The improved locking assembly  2  of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8 to  11   c  as being installed in a conventional two drawer locking cabinet  42 . Lock housing assembly  34  is installed within a face plate of the cabinet  42 . In FIGS. 8,  9 ,  11   a ,  11   b , and  11   c , the locking assembly including the locking bars are in the unlocked position. That is, the upper and lower drawers  31 ,  33  are unlocked. Drawer retainers  50  and  70  are disengaged from lock bar  16  and similarly lock bar  10  is disengaged from the corresponding retainers (not shown) on the opposite side wall of the upper and lower drawers. 
     In the unlocked position (as shown in FIGS. 11 a ,  11   b  and  11   c ), the lock bars  16  and  10  (the latter lock bar  10  is not shown) are moved to a downward position (indicated by arrow V in FIG. 11 a ) when the lock arm  2  and the locking core  32  are moved to the unlocked position. By way of example, as shown in FIGS. 11 a ,  11   b , and  11   c , the locking core  32  is in the unlocked position. When the locking core  32  is rotated to the unlocked position, lock drive shaft  24  bears on upper and lower slot walls  86  and  88  of the narrower slot portion  36  to rotate the arm  2  to the unlocked position. Actuator  14  in turn rotates to downwardly displace the lock bar  16  to the unlocked position. As a result, stud or pin  60  is disengaged from hook portion  52  on retainer  50  and the corresponding drawer  31  is allowed to open. 
     Locking core  32  is rotatable within the lock housing assembly  34 . One of several types of locking cores may be used. For example, conventional locking cores can provide for a 90 degrees rotation between locked and unlocked positions, and when rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position. Other locking cores provide for 180 degrees rotation between the locked and unlocked positions. Of course, other variations are possible, and are not essential to the scope of the present invention. Often, designers will use one of the conventional locking cores with an appropriate degree of rotation that will be suitable to provide the necessary degree of displacement of the lock bars when the locking core, and ultimately, the modular arm assembly are rotated between locked and unlocked positions. 
     In the locked position (as shown in FIGS. 10 a ,  10   b  and  10   c ), the lock bars  16  and  10  (the latter lock bar  10  is not shown) are moved to a upward position (indicated by arrow U in FIG.10 a ) when the lock arm  2  and the locking core  32  are moved to the locked position. By way of example, as shown in FIG. 10 a ,  10   b , and  10   c , the locking core  32  is in the locked position. When the locking core  32  is rotated to the locked position, lock drive shaft  24  bears on upper and lower slot walls  86  and  88  of the narrower slot portion  36  to rotate the arm  2  to the locked position. Actuator  14  in turn rotates to upwardly displace the lock bar  16  to the locked position. As a result, stud or pin  60  is engaged with hook portion  52  on retainer  50  when the corresponding drawer  31  is in the fully closed position. Accordingly, the drawer  31  is locked to prevent unauthorized access to its contents. 
     It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that several potential advantages are provided by employing one or more of the features of the present invention. For example, the provision of a detent feature in the arm assembly will inhibit the accidental disassembly or separation of the arm segments of the arm assembly during transportation, assembly or otherwise. The spring may be mounted externally on one of the arm segments without the use of added parts such as a cover plate or ball bearing. In addition, the two part slot design provides the workman with a simplified mechanism for installation of the arm assembly into the cabinet or other storage structure. The retainer portion provided adjacent the end of the drive shaft may be made from a single work piece, or the retainer portion may be affixed to the drive shaft at a convenient time prior to assembly of the arm and lock housing assembly within the storage structure. 
     The embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention to the specific features, elements or steps as described herein. Further and other modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, thus making it possible to practice the other embodiments of the invention, all of which are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.