05/316730

09/10/1974

12/20/1972

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292/290

292/295, 292/296, 70/14, 292/DIG.060, 292/294, 70/85

E05C19/18; E05C19/00; E05C19/18

70/14,85 292/63,67,246,288,289,290,291,292,293,294,295,296,297,298

3563593

INSIDE DOOR LOCK

February 1971

Leier et al.

Craig Jr., Albert G.

I claim

1. A lock device comprising in combination: a first adjustable wedge-clamping-element and fastening-element means lockably matable with a second fastening means, the first means being an axially elongated portion in shape having a detachable wedge-clamping-element at one end shaped for detachable-clamping attachment to a fixed flange of predetermined thickness, and having an opposite-end shaped as a lockable portion; and a second fastening means for detachably matably-locking with the locking portion of said first means and shaped to overlap a separate movable member and in the overlapped state to pin the movable member against movement from the flange when the first and second means are in a matably-locked state; said detachable wedge-clamping element including a flange-shoulder means extending from the elongated portion, for exerting an axial pressure against a first side of the fixed flange when said second means is in a locked state with said fastening-element means such that the movable member is pinned in juxtaposition to a second face of the fixed flange; the elongated portion including an intermediate angular shape extending transversely in the same direction as said flange-shoulder means such that said first means is vise-clampable self-supportingly onto opposite first and second faces of the fixed flange; the locking portion of the fastening-element means including at least one through-space shaped to receive a locking key, and in which said second means comprises a locking key lockably insertable into said through space; said flange-shoulder means including a distinct wedge element movably-adjustable axially along said elongated portion thereby being variable of wedge pressure against the fixed flange of a range of possible thicknesses, and in which said second means includes a lever-arm means positioned for controlling and effecting insertion-withdrawal locking-action of said locking key, and a key-biasing spring mounted to bias said key toward an inserted-locking position.

2. A lock device of claim 1, in which said first means is a single elongated strip, in which the flange-shoulder means is angularly extending and is of resilient material such that it is slightly yieldable under pressure.

3. A lock device of claim 1, in which the separate wedge element includes an axially mounted screw pressure-clamp.

4. A lock device of claim 1, in which the elongated member includes transverse ridges on any one of which said separate wedge element is slidably positionable in a wedge-braceable position against one of the ridges.

5. A lock device of claim 1, in which the flange shoulder means includes a sharp-pointed bite-element facing the locking-portion end and graspable of a fixed flange.

6. A lock device comprising in combination: a first adjustable wedge-clamping-element and fastening-element means lockably matable with a second fastening means, the first means being an axially elongated portion in shape having a detachable wedge-clamping-element at one end shaped for detachable-clamping attachment to a fixed flange of predetermined thickness, and having an opposite-end shaped as a lockable portion; and a second fastening means for detachably matably-locking with the locking portion of said first means and shaped to overlap a separate movable member and in the overlapped state to pin the movable member against movement from the flange when the first and second means are in a matably-locked state; the locking portion of the fastening-element means including at least one through-space shaped to receive a locking key, and said second means comprising a locking key lockably insertable into said through-space; the locking key being extended in a bent shape such that upon withdrawal from an inserted locking-state the key is invertable by swinging the key in an attached state around the fastening-element means and in the inverted state does not secure the movable member.

7. A lock device comprising in combination: a first adjustable wedge-clamping-element and fastening-element means lockably matable with a second fastening means, the first means being an axially elongated portion in shape having a detachable wedge-clamping-element at one end shaped for detachable-clamping attachment to a fixed flange of predetermined thickness, and having an opposite-end shaped as a lockable portion; and a second fastening means for detachably matably locking with the locking portion of said first means and shaped to overlap a separate movable member and in the overlapped state to pin the movable member against movement from the flange when the first and second means are in a matably locked state; and including a screw member screwable into the second fastening means serving to securably engage said locking portion when said movable member is pressed downwardly during a movement thereof.

This invention relates to a locking device for securing a slidable drawer in a closed state.

BACKGROUND

Prior to the present invention there has been a history of child trajedies such a self-inflicted mutulations or deaths by knives, scissors, needles, forks, ice picks, drugs, bathroom cleaning liquids or powders, and the like resulting from the children each often gaining access thereto from a storage slidable drawer which the child easily opened. Few dresser and other storage drawers provide against a child opening the drawer and thereby gaining access to the contents thereof. As is well-known to any parent and to any child teacher, nurse, or the like, the opening of drawers is a natural and dangerous attraction to small children, and is a natural extension of their natural and healthy curiosity and desire to learn and to experiment with new experiences and gadgets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide means to avoid problem(s) and/or difficulty(ies) of the type discussed above.

Another object is to obtain such a device of simple construction, minimal parts, and/or uncomplicated mechanism of utilization.

Another object is to manufacture such a device at minimal costs of raw materials and labor, in order to make the product available to the public at an attractive low price.

Another object is to obtain such a device characterized by non-sensitive, non-fragile, and low cost of repair if and when necessary.

Other objects become apparent from the above and following disclosure.

The preceding one or more objects are obtained by the invention defined herein.

Broadly the invention includes a locking device particularly intended and adapted for use in locking cabinet or bureau or chest drawer(s) into a locked state to thereby avoid or at least deter easy-opening access thereto by children of young ages; however, the device is also intended for and is utilizable in other situations in which a fixed flange is available onto which a clamp may be vise-secured to a self-supporting state. The device broadly includes two substantially separate components, one of which is an elongated member having a self-supporting vise-type flange-clamp at one-end thereof and a lockable portion at an opposite end thereof, and either associated or associatable with the lockable end is a key-type element-means fixedly securable to the elongated members lockable-end portion, the key type means including a key mechanism matable with the lockable end portion. The key type means must be of a shape such that when secured in a locked state onto the lockable end, the key means is pressed against or retainably adjacent to a front face of the drawer such that the drawer cannot be openened until unlocking the key type means from the lockable end portion. The key type means may be of a slip-in key axially slidable into a hole or slot or notch of the lockable end portion, or may be of a pivoted lever type preferably spring biased into the locked state position, such that the drawer always is locked upon the mounting of the supporting structure of the pivoted key. Similarly in the slidable key type, the key is preferably spring-biased into the locking position such that upon snapping-on the key type means, the key thereof snaps automatically into the locked state. In a preferred embodiment, the flange-clamp is adjustable such that the clamp may be readily utilized for different-thickness flanges, and the adjustable mechanism may be of a flexible clamping portion, or may be a screw-clamp, or may be a female-mounted wedge member axially slidable along the extension toward the flange with there being securing means for locking the wedge-member in any of different axial positions securingly against the flange; a typical wedge-member securing means is a key insertable behind the wedge-member through an aperture in the extension, and another is a series of transversely extending ridges against which the wedge-member is braceable. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the substantially vertical portion is adjustable in length, of the elongated member, such that it is variable for different degrees of overlap of the front of a drawer over the receiving drawer structure flange front-face. In another typical embodiment, the elongate member may be adjusted to secure itself onto the flange by the elongated portion being of overlapping matable elongated portion, matable detachably from one-another by virtue of male and female upright members and being matable with the vise-clamping opposing portions at any of several different position -- thereby allowing for flanges of different thicknesses. In a naturally preferred embodiment, the key of a key-type member is turn-key lockable such that without the turn-key the child or adult cannot remove the locked key, and/or has an additional safety catch.

The invention may be better understood by reference to the following illustrative Figures of typical embodiments.

THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective side-frontal exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a part thereof being shown in cut-away cross-section.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a drawer mountable embodiment which is a slight variation of the FIG. 1 embodiment, including a different safety catch. FIG. 3 illustrates a typical frontal view of a variation on the FIG. 1 embodiment, in which the push-release button includes a key hole for a conventional-type turn-key lock mechanism. In contrast to the FIG. 1 embodiment, the FIG. 4 embodiment illustrates an analagous perspective view of an alternative embodiment in which the length is extendable and the vertical or upright extension is likewise extendable. FIG. 4A is a typical longitudinal cross-section through the embodiment of FIG. 4 in an assembled state. FIG. 5A in contrast, illustrates an alternative much simplified embodiment in which the elongated portion is totally linear, i.e., devoid of an upright bend, this embodiment in so far as the totally linear elongated portion, is utilizable solely where the drawer does not overlap the desk or bureau face-flange when the drawer is slid into the closed state; the FIG. 5B illustrates a full perspective view of an alternative stepped elongated element of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C illustrates a typical variation on the shape of the notch in the side of the elongated portion, shown in in-part view. FIG. 6A, in side cross-sectional view, illustrates the mechanism of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a variation of the adjustable vise or wedge clamp, in this embodiment the bracing portion being slidable along and around the elongated portion, and having a rearwardly extending inner-perimeter lip braceable against any of a plurality of ridges extending transversely of the elongated member, these ridges being illustrated in the plan view shown in-part in FIG. 6A'. Utilizing a similar mechanism, FIG. 6B and 6B' illustrates analagous views of a variation utilizing a pin in any of a plurality of holes, in substitution for the ridges. The FIG. 7 embodiment, in contrast, illustrates a still other and simple-structured embodiment in perspective view, having merely the simplest kind of insertable pin and a flexible wedge-vise clamp. FIG. 8A illustrates a still additional variation, basically similar in mechanism to that of FIG. 7, except the pin being lockable in one position, and swingable in an inverted state allowing the opening of the drawer, the FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrating typical step-wise unlocking mechanism, all views being an in-part cross-sectional view longitudinally along the elongated portion and through the slot therein. FIG. 9 illustrates a variation of the clamp screw member of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In greater detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a drawer-locking device in a delux embodiment of the invention, as contrasted to more simplified but nevertheless still effective drawer locking devices of the embodiments of typically FIGS. 5A and 7, for example. The locking device 9 of FIG. 1 includes an elongated clamping member 10 composed of a brace 11 and a screw-adjustable vise-clamp 12, and a locking portion 13, together with a drawer-mountable locking key member 14 and a safety-catch pin 15. The upright brace 11 is a right angle turn in the elongated member 16 serving to provide a shoulder against which a downwardly extending flange of the drawer, flange 17, such that the vise-clamp 12 may be screwed to a clamping position against the opposite face of the flange 17 whereby the clamping member 10 is self-supporting on the flange 17. The locking portion 13 typically as shown extends also in the horizontal position about the same as the elongated member 16, and includes an appropriate locking shape with which a key is lockably securable of the locking key member 14 thereto, the locking shape in this embodiment being cuboid cut-outs or apertures shaped to flushly receive the locking key 18 of the locking key member 14. The key 18 is spring-biased by the spring 19 in the key-locking position, the key end 18' being angular for receiving the locking portion 13 through channel 20 resulting in a depressing of the key; accordingly, depending upon the thickness of the drawer lip, the locking key will hold the drawer in a snug position in one or the other of the alternative cut-outs 21a or 21b, and the key -- because of the angular end portion thereof is slidable from the first cut-out into which it snaps, onwardly to the second cut-out 21b. Once the key is locked in either cut-out 21a or 21b, only by depression of the button 22 is the key 18 withdrawn. Member 14 is withdrawable by forward-tilt, to lower pin 15. The button 22 is spring biased by spring 19 in an extended state by pressure of the key 18, to remain in a locked state, and solely by pressing the key-button 22 does its wedge-angular end 23 slide into the key aperture 24 against pressure of spring 19. The casing 25 may be of any desired and/or convenient shape, this not being material to the operation except to provide support for the above-noted element, the illustrated casing 25 not being intended to represent the actual or limited casing or its manufactured nature. The FIG. 2 thus typically illustrates how a clamp device 9 of FIG. 1 serves in a locked state to hold a drawer 26 in a non-openable state; however, additionally, the locking key member 14' of FIG. 2 includes a safety catch screw 27 screwed to an adjustable predetermined degree into the female threaded aperture 28, the screw point 29 serving to catch in one of the cut-outs 21a or 21b when an effort is made to withdraw the drawer 26 with its locking key member 14' if there is a downward pull on the drawer 26 such as might be the case when a small child attempts to withdraw the drawer, the drawer being withdrawable solely if the drawer is withdrawn with a slight lifting pressure to thereby avoid the point 29 from catching in one of the cut-outs 21a or 21b. Other elements of FIG. 2 correspond to those of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 serves solely to illustrate the appearance of the button 22a when there is a key hole 30, the key lock not being illustrated since any conventional or desirable lock may be utilized such as typically that of an automobile compartment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a different means for adjusting the vise-clamping action on a flange to the particular thickness of the flange by having a plurality of male and female alternative projections 31a and shaped female cut-outs for first receiving in large hole 32a the projection 31a and thereafter sliding transversely sidewardly into slot 32b, for any of several possible positions. Similarly the separate members 33a and 33b having each respective male projections 31aa and holes 32aa and slots 32bb, except that the slots 32bb are inclusive of a right-angle bend 34 which avoids the possibility of the slipping of member 33b relative to 33a, for example. As is better seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A, the member 33b also has male projections 31aa' and 31aa".

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate alternate variations of a simplified embodiment having in FIG. 5A a linear elongated member 12a continuous with the linear extension-locking portion 13a thereof, as contrasted to the stepped elongated member 12a' of FIG. 5B; accordingly, also the mechanism of utilization is different, the first-time use of the FIG. 5A embodiment resulting in the spear 34 forcefully being dug-into the back-side of a drawer-space-defining flange by virtue of pressure of pulling it forward when the drawer is closed by the locking-pressure of the brace member 14a pressing inwardly on the face of the closed drawer and held snugly by the locking key spring-biased into a locking slot such as 21c by spring 35, the locking portion 13a extending through a hole at 36 in member 14a; after the initial spearing, the member 16a tends to be self-supportingly suspended on the flange by the spear 34. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 5A which is not utilizable with a drawer combination in which the drawer face overlaps the drawer-space-defining flange, the FIG. 5B embodiment is stepped such that it is utilizable with a non-overlaping drawer or with an overlapped drawer, as the case may be, and also by virtue of the step 12a", the step portion serves as a wedge-brace such that, it being of flexible metal typically, a flange can be wedged between the spear 34a of the vise member 12a" and the step portion 11a" either or both of which are flexible to securely accomodate any of flanges of varying thicknesses. It is to be understood that the member 14 and its lever key 18a of FIG. 5A is utilizable as the second element of the FIG. 5B embodiment, the FIG. 5B solely illustrating a different elongated member and the same type locking portion 13a'. With regard to the member 14a, the key 18a is pivoted on pivot axis 37 and the key openable from its locking position by the handle 38 movement in direction 39. It would be difficult for a child to hold open the key 18a and to concurrently remove the member 14 from the locking portion 13a, and only by so doing can the drawer thereafter be withdrawn. FIG. 5C is utilizable with either of the embodiments of FIGS. 5A or 5B or both, merely representing a rounded notch less likely to scratch a child.

The FIG. 6A and 6B embodiments illustrate merely alternative vise-clamp means for the elongated members 16b and 16c respectively, there being an apertured slide brace member 12b in FIG. 6A having a bracing shoulder 40 slidable thereon -- on the member 12b -- and the brace shoulder 40 serving to brace against ridges 41 when vise-like pressed against a flange; in contrast, the stepped member 16c similarly slides the member 40a thereon but is pinned by pin 42 which is slipped into the appropriate aperture such as aperture 43. It is to be noted that the members 12b and 40a each are preferably flexible slightly such that a tight wedge may be achieved by moving the member 12b and 40a as close as possible to the flange to supportingly anchor the elongated member onto the flange. The embodiments of FIGS. 6A and/or 6B may each or both be utilized as an alternative portion of any one or more of the embodiments such as FIGS. 1, 2, 5A, 5B, 5C, 7, 8A-C, and/or 9, for example.

The FIG. 7 embodiment has a flexible vise-clamp portion 12c, as a variation on that of FIG. 5B, and has a locking portion 13c with through key-receivable apertures 21c receivable of a headed key 19c which is securable of a drawer face against the step portion 11c, of elongated member 16c. The flow-diagram FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate typically a variation on the embodiment of FIG. 7, a major change being a special annular key which in one position locks the drawer but when inverted, the annular key 19d in FIG. 8A being in a locked state, and in FIG. 8B being in the drawer-release state (i.e., when lifted), and in FIG. 8C being in the inverted swinging state such that the drawer can be opened or closed without hindrance by the key 19d.

In the FIG. 9 embodiment, there is merely illustrated a variation on the screw member 12 of FIG. 1, the FIG. 9 member 12e being merely a slide member through aperture 44 of support 12f, with a lock threaded-screw member 45 being lockable of the slide shaft 12e in any desired wedge-securing position against a flange.

It is to be understood that the particular illustrated embodiments of the present invention serve solely to illustrate the spirit of the invention, there being possible the making of equivalent models having interchanged parts of those illustrated, as well as there being possible other variations and changes and substitution of equivalents as would be apparent to a skilled engineer or artisan in this field, and accordingly such variations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Any one or more parts or elements or members may be of metal and/or plastic and/or other suitable material. Finally, although the device has a primary preferred utility as a drawer lock, it may be used to lock cabinet doors or the like.