Lever-actuated combination locking apparatus

Abstract

A locking apparatus that includes first and second structural elements that are adapted to be juxtaposed and positioned next to one another in a 'locked' mode, and physically separated from one another when 'unlocked.' When in its locked mode, the locking apparatus is restrained against separation until a manual force is simultaneously applied to appropriate levers, ends of which are accessible on the exterior of the apparatus. A plurality of levers are mounted on the first of the two structural elements for rocking movement about a pivotal axis carried by the first element. Each lever has a first end that protrudes externally of the apparatus, and a second end that is sized and shaped so that it may be engaged with a lip surrounding an associated aperture in the second structural element. A biasing device is provided for continuously biasing each of the levers to a centered rest position, where at least one of the levers will be in an overlapping or interfering position with respect to the adjacent lip of its associated aperture. In a preferred embodiment, there are two configurations for the locking levers; one is normally engaged and the other disengaged when they are in their centered rest positions. Knowing the correct combination to open the locking apparatus involves knowing which levers must be moved and which direction they must be moved. Removing finger pressure from the exposed ends of the levers allows the levers to automatically return to their centered positions.