Patent Abstract:
A drawer latch assembly. The assembly provides a catch member which is mechanically connected but a separate component from the drawer handle. The drawer handle and catch operate in a concerted pivoting motion and pivot about a common fastener. The drawer handle provides a pair of arms which extend through the front wall of the drawer and have terminal end portions which include the cut out segment which locates and receives a portion of the latch member. In this manner the latch and terminal end portions of the arms are keyed together which alleviates stress on the pivot point and allows for easy repair of the arrangement in the event that either the handle or the catch become damaged.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a drawer latch and more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved drawer latch having a key like receiving member for receiving a catch. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is well established that there are a number of drawer latches which have been established in the art previously. In the instant situation, the latch is particularly directed towards tool cabinets Such tool cabinets are known as mechanics&#39; tool cabinets and typically have telescopic slides for the drawers with a cabinet formulated out of, for example, sheet metal. These cabinets often include a lock mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to the cabinet. In recent years the cabinets have become even more elaborate with the addition of lighting, power bars and other accessories. 
         [0003]    In terms of the latch systems that have been set forth for such cabinets, in United States re issued Pat. No. US RE 40,267, reissued Apr. 29, 2008, Mehmen discloses a drawer latch. The disclosure indicates that the drawer latch includes a lock mechanism where the arrangement includes a pivotal handle bar at the top edge of a cabinet drawer front wall. The handle provides catches biased engaging with a strike extending from the slides of the drawers mounted on the inside of the cabinet. Rotation of the handle moves the handle and therefore the catches out of engagement with the strike enabling the cabinet drawer to be opened. Although this is a useful arrangement, the drawer catches are positioned within the interior volume of the drawer which, can lead to breakage of the catch or bending of the catch which would therefore render the drawer inoperative. 
         [0004]    Further, in United States patent application publication number US 2009/0250944, published Oct. 8, 2009, Scheffy et al teach a full width overlaid drawer latch. In the embodiment as shown, the drawer latch provides an overlay where the catch is positioned on opposed sides of the drawer handle. The catch engages a latch receiver in the frame of the cabinet. The latch receivers are vertically oriented. 
         [0005]    The system is effective, however, it is somewhat limited in that in the event that the drawer handle becomes damaged or, for that matter , the catch itself becomes damaged, the entire drawer handle would have to be replaced, thus presenting an expensive proposition. 
         [0006]    In U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,638, issued to Eggert et al, Oct. 17, 2006, there is disclosed a drawer latch suitable for use in the cabinets discussed hereinabove. The arrangement provides a drawer pull having a latch that is slideably positioned under the drawer for longitudinal sliding between the latching and unlatching positions. The document indicates that a latch is integrally positioned on one end of the latch and has a latch surface. A protrusion surface is coupled to the cabinet and exposed such that it is in an abutting relation with the latch when the drawer is in the closed position and the latch is in latching position. The non-abutting relationship occurs when the latch is in the unlatching position. The spring is also provided on the latch for biasing purposes. 
         [0007]    In the analysis of the structure, it is evident that it is fairly involved from a mechanical point of view which results in a greater number of parts and thus enhanced manufacturing costs. 
         [0008]    Dubé at al in, U.S. Pat. No. 6, 851,286, issued Feb. 8, 2005 teaches a frontal latch handle assembly. The arrangement includes a block mounted on the front panel of the drawer and a latch movable with respect to block between the locking position and a unlocking position. A mechanism is provided which is responsive to the movement of the handle and particularly for moving the latch member between the lock and unlocked positions. 
         [0009]    There are variations on the lockable drawer system included that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,381, issued to Sevey, Jul. 21, 1987, U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,640, issued Jul. 25, 1995, to Holcomb, U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,630, issued to Price et al, May 20, 1997, U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,140, issued to Hallsten, Jul.  7 ,  1998  and U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,398, issued Jul. 28, 1998, to Park. 
         [0010]    Despite the fact that there is a plethora of drawer latch systems and their related components, it would appear that the art has not recognized a straight forward mechanical system which provides a separate latch component which is mechanically connected, but separate to the drawer pull and positioned such that the movable components are behind a front wall of the drawer thus affording protection against inadvertent damage. The present invention has addressed this need with the mechanical arrangement set forth herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    One object of the present invention is to provide an improved drawer latch mechanism. Further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sliding drawer assembly, comprising: 
         [0012]    a cabinet frame; 
         [0013]    a drawer slidably coupled to said cabinet frame, the drawer having a front wall, back wall and spaced apart side walls; 
         [0014]    a drawer handle pivotally connected to each sidewall of the sidewalls; 
         [0015]    receiving means on the drawer handle for receiving at least a portion of a catch member; and 
         [0016]    a catch member pivotally connected to a sidewall of said sidewalls independently of the drawer handle and releasably engageable with the cabinet frame, at least a portion of the catch member received within the receiving means such that movement of the drawer handle effects movement of the catch member for releasable engagement with the cabinet frame. 
         [0017]    Advantageously, the arrangement set forth herein may be mechanically biased or naturally biased by weight such that the catch member is always directed in a pivoted disposition upwardly. This may be achieved by weighting the drawer handle such that the weight is favoured so that the drawer handle is directed downwardly or, alternatively, a separate biasing device may be incorporated into the structure. 
         [0018]    Of particular convenience with the instant structure is the fact that the drawer handle provides two arms which extend through slots in the front wall of the drawer. The terminal ends of the arms include a cut out segment which receives at least a portion of the catch member. In this manner, the catch member and the arms of the drawer handle are effectively “around keyed” and move in concert above a common fastener. The “keying” aspect is particularly effective to prevent significant mechanical stresses at the pivot point and further, allows for easy repair to the catch without extensive disassembly or, more importantly, without having to replace the entire drawer pull as was characteristic with the arrangements in the prior art. 
         [0019]    A further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a sliding drawer assembly having a cabinet frame, a drawer slideably coupled to the cabinet frame, the drawer having a front wall, back wall and spaced apart side walls, a drawer handle pivotally connected to each sidewall of the sidewalls, the improvement comprising: 
         [0020]    receiving means on the drawer handle for receiving at least a portion of a catch member; and 
         [0021]    a catch member pivotally connected to a sidewall of the sidewalls independently of the drawer handle and releasably engageable with the cabinet frame, at least a portion of the catch member received within the receiving means such that movement of the drawer handle effects movement of the catch member for releasable engagement with the cabinet frame. 
         [0022]    Considering the fact that the drawer has a large front wall, the same advantageously acts to protect the latch mechanism against inadvertent damage. This also contributes to the use of the biasing means which extends between the latch member and the back portion of the wall which faces the interior of the drawer. By this arrangement, any suitable biasing means can be used such as a spring, of the helical or leaf variety inter alia. 
         [0023]    A still further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a drawer latch, comprising: 
         [0024]    a drawer having a front wall, spaced apart sidewalls and a rear wall; 
         [0025]    a catch member pivotally connected to at least one of the sidewalls and the front wall and adapted to catch a frame component of a frame receiving the drawer; 
         [0026]    a handle member pivotally connected to the catch member, the handle member and the catch member comprising independent members connected by a common fastener; and 
         [0027]    receiving means on the drawer handle for receiving at least a portion of the catch member, the receiving means for locating and receiving the portion , whereby pivotal movement of the handle member effects concerted pivotal movement of the catch member from a latched position with the frame component to a released position where the catch member is disengaged from the frame component. 
         [0028]    Although it has been discussed herein that the arrangement is directed to a mechanic&#39;s tool cabinet, the arrangement can easily be incorporated on any drawer system to prevent unauthorized access. 
         [0029]    Yet another object of one embodiment is to provide kit for latching a drawer in a cabinet, comprising: 
         [0030]    a handle for extension through a front wall of a drawer 
         [0031]    receiving means on the drawer handle for receiving at least a portion of a catch member; 
         [0032]    a catch member adapted for pivotal connection to a sidewall of the drawer, at least a portion of the catch member received within the receiving means such that movement of the drawer handle effects movement of the catch member; and 
         [0033]    a tab adapted for fastening to an inside wall of the cabinet releasably engageable with the catch member. 
         [0034]    Having thus generally described the invention, reference may now be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tool cabinet; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged partially cut away view of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a cut away side view to  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a partially cut away similar to  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  of an alternate embodiment; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  for the alternate embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  for the alternate embodiment; 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a drawer for use with an alternate embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is a partially cut away view of a side view of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is a partially cut away side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  and the engagement disposition with a frame member; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 12  is a partially cut away view of an alternate embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0047]    Similar numerals used in the drawings denote similar elements 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , numeral  10  denotes a typical chest of drawers, typically used for the storage of tools. The chest includes a cabinet frame having a top  12 , bottom  14 , opposed side walls  16  and  18 , respectively, and a back wall, generally denoted by numeral  20 . As is well known, the individual drawers, generally denoted by numeral  22  have telescopic slides  24  attached to sides  26  and  28 , respectively. Only one telescopic slide  24  is shown in  FIG. 1 . It will be understood that side  28  of drawer  22  includes a similar slide  24 . The drawers each include a front wall  30 , base wall  32  and back wall  34  as is typical most of these arrangements. Turning to  FIG. 2 , shown is more details concerning the nature of the present invention. The telescopic slides  24  have been removed from the illustration of the drawer  22  for purposes of the clarity. 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 2 , front wall  30  of drawer  22  includes spaced apart apertures  36 , an aperture of which is associated with opposite side of front wall  30 . A drawer handle  38  opposite sides of which includes arms  40  which extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the handle  38 . Arms  40  are configured to extend through apertures  36 . This relationship is shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 . The arms  40  each include an aperture  42  for pivotal connection with a respective side wall  26  and  28 , with the pivoting being provided for by fastener  44 , shown in the example as a rivet. The rivet engages the apertures  42  of arms  40  once through apertures  36  of wall  30  and subsequently engages the catch member  46 , described in greater detail herein after. 
         [0050]    Each arm  40  includes a cut out section, shown in the example of a U shaped cut out and global denoted by numeral  48 . The U shaped cut out is adapted to locate and retain at least a portion of the catch members  46 . 
         [0051]    With respect to greater detail concerning catch member  46 , the same comprises a separate unit entirely from handle  38  and, the two members  46  and  38  are connected as briefly noted herein previously. The catch member  46  comprises a catch  48  having the shape generally of a half arrowhead. In longitudinal opposition to the catch  48  there is provided a finger  50 , which finger  50  is adapted to receive a biasing member  52 , shown in the example as a typical helical spring. The biasing member is such that it biases the catch in an upward or ready to engage position by biasing the catch member  46  against the inside surface of front wall  30 . This is clearly illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Intermediate of the body of catch  46  there is provided spacing member  54 . The spacing member  54  is in an orthogonal relationship to the longitudinal axis of the catch member  46  and terminates with an eyelet  56 .  56  receives rivet  44 . 
         [0052]    As is illustrated in  FIG. 3 , once connected, arms  40  overlie the eyelet area  56  with the U shaped cut out retaining member  48  engages at least a portion of the spacer  54 . Apertures  42  of the arms  40  receive the rivet. Accordingly, arms  42  overlie the eyelet  56  while the U shaped cut out engages spacer  54 . In this manner, the catch  46  is effectively in keying or keyed relation with the handle  38 . The biasing member  52  urges the catch in an upward inclination or in a engaging position. 
         [0053]    One of the more convenient features of the arrangement is that the catch arrangement is not only spaced with the respective side wall  26 ,  28  of drawer  22 , but further, the entire catch arrangement is behind front wall. This offers some degree of protection against damage. 
         [0054]    As a further particularly convenient advantage associated with this structure, the fact that the drawer handle and catch arrangement are two distinct components allow for easy repair of either one of these elements without extensive expense to replace an entire catch and handle assembly of a typically associated with prior art arrangements. Further, by positioning the pivoting action of the arrangement along a respective side wall, the overall catch arrangement benefits from the structural integrity provided by the connection between a front wall and respective side wall as well as the base wall  32 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the catch  46  is received within a slot  60  of a cabinet frame member  62 . Cabinet frame member  62  comprises a vertical wall is adapted to receive in engaged relation, as shown in  FIG. 3 , catch  48  of catch member  46  such that the drawer will not be inadvertently released from movement via the telescopic slides  24 . Although it is shown in  FIG. 3  that the biasing member  50  biases the catch  48  into connection with member  60 , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the absence of the biasing member  50 , handle  38  could simply be weighted with, for example, additional material on handle  38 , in terms of separate weights or additional thickness during manufacturing of the handle  38  to always bias the catch  46  into an upward disposition so that it is engaged within member  60 . 
         [0056]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the arrangement set forth herein can be easily applied to any type of drawer system, for example filing cabinets, kitchen drawers, safe keeping drawers, etc. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 4 and 5  provide cut away views illustrating the arrangement of the component members and the interaction. 
         [0058]    In the realm of additional embodiments,  FIGS. 6 through 8  show views of a further embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0059]    In this embodiment, cabinet member  62  having slot  60  is replaced with a cut out tab  66 , simply comprising, as an example, a projecting tab  66  cut (stamped) out of a respective sidewall  16  or  18  of the chest  10  ( FIG. 1 ). Engagement of tab  66  is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9 through 11 , shown are views of yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the drawer illustrated is a typical kitchen drawer with the catch  48  engaged with a frame member  68  associated with the kitchen cabinetry In this embodiment, the front of the drawer  22  is modified by providing an aperture  70  in the front panel  30  of drawer  22  for accessing a handle member  72 . The handle member  74  would include all of the features noted herein previously with respect to the overall catch structure as well as the arms  40  and cut out section  48 . This has been extensively discussed herein and shown in detail with respect to the other Figures. In this manner, the pre existing handle  74  on the drawer front wall  30  would serve to prevent, for example, children from opening the drawer owing to the fact that they would not be mindful of the catch Accordingly, the existing drawer arrangements could be easily retrofitted with the handle member and its associated features as well as the catch  46  to allow usage of the components and to prevent unwanted access to the drawer onto which the structure is mounted. 
         [0061]    As a further example, the embodiment, the arrangement as illustrated in  FIG. 10  could be a kit arrangement for use on existing cabinetry. The cut out tab  66  may include a body  80 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12  with fastener openings  82  or simply include adhesive for attachment to the inside surface  84  of cabinet  10 . In this manner, the catch and related elements of  FIG. 6  could be retrofitted to existing structures. 
         [0062]    Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4