Positive interlock for file cabinet

Abstract

A lateral type file cabinet is provided with a predetermined number of file drawers suspended therein for movement between drawer open and drawer closed positions. Lock and interlock mechanisms are provided in the cabinet for coaction with the drawers to prevent withdrawal of more than one drawer at a time and to lock all drawers in the cabinet. The interlock mechanism includes a stack of interlock bars; their being one less bar than the number of drawers. Each bar includes an upper an a lower actuator block; with the blocks disposed for coaction with the radiused leading edge of an interlock track carried by each drawer. When a drawer is pulled from the cabinet the interlock track engages the appropriate actuator block to raise its bar and all interlock bars thereabove. The actuator blocks on the raised bars prevent movement of all drawers above the open one. The interlock track of the open drawer coacts with the actuator block on the interlock bar therebelow to prevent movement thereof, of all bars therebelow and of drawers below the open drawer. An extender is slidably disposed on each interlock track to facilitate movement of the drawers to full extension and for coaction with the actuator blocks and interlock bars to maintain the interlocked condition once set. The lock mechanism includes two key actuated lock bars one of which is disposed in close proximity to the interlock bars.