Drawer interlock structure

Abstract

An interlock structure of the cable type for stacked plural drawer cabinet structures which limits the opening of drawers to a single drawer and prevents plural drawers being opened at the same time. An elongate base or frame is mounted in the cabinet adjacent to the drawers. The frame supports plural (one for each drawer) eccentric blocker elements and adjacent follower elements and supports at one end a provided slider element having limited movement. A cable is attached at one end to the slider and at the other end to the frame with an intermediate loop which provide two cable courses, one of said courses threaded on the successive blockers and the other course operably threaded over the respective adjacent followers maintaining the respective blockers and followers in operative engagement. The blockers are moved by interference engagement by a selected drawer. The opening of one drawer causes movement of the respective blocker and movement of the respective follower to an over-center prevent position so that, upon attempted opening of plural drawers or of a second drawer, the blockage is made firm and the slider engages its limit in prevention of any such movement until all drawers are closed. Locking is by plunger means in prevention of any slider movement by simultaneously engaging the slider with the frame.