Shelf box with dual pivoting stop mechanism

Abstract

A shelf box is designed for use with a shelf rack or storage cabinet open on both sides so that the shelf box can be removed from either side of the rack or cabinet. Two stop members are respectively mounted adjacent to opposite ends of the shelf box for pivotal movement between stop and release positions, and are interconnected by a pivoting linkage so that when one stop member is in its stop position the other stop member is in its release position. The stop members are disposed so that in their stop positions they are engageable with retaining portions of the overlying shelf. Thus, when one end of the shelf box is withdrawn from the rack or cabinet it will be stopped by engagement of the adjacent shelf retaining portion with the stop member at the opposite end of the shelf box in its stop position to prevent inadvertent complete removal of the shelf box. If the stop member adjacent to the end being withdrawn is in the stop position it will engage the adjacent shelf retaining portion for cammed movement of the stop member to its release position, thereby simultaneously moving the stop member at the opposite end of the shelf box to its stop position. The linkage interconnecting the stop members provides bearing surfaces for non-snagging sliding of side-by-side shelf boxes with respect to each other.