초록 ▼

A locking system for toolboxes, industrial cabinets and the like includes a push button operator assembly connected by at least one movable link to at least one latch mechanism configured to latchingly engage an associated striker to releasably retain a first structure (such as a closure) on which t

A locking system for toolboxes, industrial cabinets and the like includes a push button operator assembly connected by at least one movable link to at least one latch mechanism configured to latchingly engage an associated striker to releasably retain a first structure (such as a closure) on which the striker is mounted in a closed position relative to a second structure (such as a cabinet) on which the locking system is mounted. The push button operator assembly has a button that, when unlocked, can be depressed to move the associated link to unlatch the latch mechanism from the striker, and that, when locked, is inoperable when depressed to move the link. Push button operator assemblies are disclosed that can move their associated links in one of two opposite directions (to accommodate the directions of link movement needed to operate the associated latch mechanisms), and these oppositely acting push button operator assemblies may be combined in a locking system where either can operate all of the latch mechanisms of the system.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for releasably retaining a closure in a closed position adjacent a structure that defines an opening that is closed by the closure when the closure is in the closed position, comprising:a) a first push button operator assembly having a first housing adapted to be connected to a selected

1. A system for releasably retaining a closure in a closed position adjacent a structure that defines an opening that is closed by the closure when the closure is in the closed position, comprising:a) a first push button operator assembly having a first housing adapted to be connected to a selected one of the closure and the structure, having a first push button that is movable relative to the first housing between a normal position and a depressed position, and having means for biasing the first push button away from the depressed position toward the normal position;b) a first latch mechanism adapted to be connected to the selected one of the closure and the structure at a location spaced from where the first push button operator assembly is connected to the selected one of the first closure and the structure, wherein the first latch mechanism is adapted to receive and latchingly retain a first striker that is connected to a remaining one of the closure and the structure when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the first latch mechanism has a first latch operating member that is movable between a non-operated position and an operated position, and wherein the first latch mechanism is operable to release the first striker in response to movement of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position;c) wherein the first push button operator assembly includes means for defining a first bracket for being clamped into engagement with an exterior surface of the first housing for establishing a rigid connection between the first bracket and the first housing, and means for defining a first arm that is pivotally connected to the first bracket for being engaged by the first push button so as to be pivoted from one position to another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position;d) linking means for extending from the push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for transmitting an operating force from the first push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for moving the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position in response to movement of the first arm from the one position to the another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position for operating the first latch mechanism to release the first striker; ande) wherein the first bracket includes a first member of generally L-shape having first and second legs, with the first leg being configured to engage a first part of the external surface of the first housing located on one side of the first housing, wherein the second leg is pivotally connected to the first arm to mount the first arm for pivotal movement, and wherein the first bracket also includes 1) a second member configured to engage a second part of the external surface of the first housing located on an opposite side of the first housing from the first part of the external surface engaged by the first leg, and 2) means for clamping the first and second members toward each other. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the linking means includes an elongate link that extends from the first arm to the first latch operating member, and the first arm is operable to push the elongate link to effect movement of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position. 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the elongate link is pivotally connected to the first arm. 4. The system of claim 3 wherein the pivotal connection between the elongate link and the first arm is defined by a generally cylindrical member that extends through a hole formed through the first arm and that rigidly connects with an end region of the elongate link. 5. The system of claim 2 wherein the elongate link has an end region that is engaged by the first arm in order for the first arm to effect moveme nt of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the linking means includes an elongate link that extends from the first arm to the first latch operating member, and the first arm is operable to pull the elongate link to effect movement of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position. 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the elongate link is pivotally connected to the first arm. 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the pivotal connection between the elongate link and the first arm is defined by a generally cylindrical member that extends through a hole formed through the first arm and that rigidly connects with an end region of the elongate link. 9. The system of claim 1 additionally including a second latch mechanism adapted to be connected to the selected one of the closure and the structure at a location 1) that is spaced from where the first push button operator assembly is connected to the selected one of the first closure and the structure, and 2) that is spaced from where the first latch mechanism is connected to the selected one of the first closure and the structure, wherein the second latch mechanism is adapted to receive and latchingly retain a second striker that is connected to a remaining one of the closure and the structure when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the second latch mechanism has a second latch operating member that is movable between a non-operated position and an operated position, and wherein the second latch mechanism is opera- able to release the second striker in response to movement of the second latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position; and wherein the linking means also extends to the second latch mechanism for transmitting an operating force from the first push button operating assembly to the second latch mechanism for moving the second latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position in response to movement of the first arm from the one position to the another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position for operating the first and second latch mechanisms substantially in unison to release the first and second strikers. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the first push button operator assembly includes a key operated lock for selectively preventing movement of the first push button from causing movement of the first arm. 11. The system of claim 10 wherein the key operated lock is operable to move a cam connected to the first push button into and out of alignment with the first arm to selectively permit and prevent depression of the first push button from causing movement of the first arm. 12. The system of claim 1 additionally including a second push button operator assembly having a second housing adapted to be connected to the selected one of the closure and the structure, and having means for connecting with the linking means for transmitting an operating force thereto for moving the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position including a second push button that is movable relative to the second housing between a normal position and a depressed position. 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the second push button operator assembly includes a key operated lock for selectively preventing the movement of the second push button from causing the linking means to operate the first latch mechanism. 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the key operated lock is operable to move a cam connected to the second push button into and out of alignment with an end region of the elongate link to selectively permit and prevent depression of the second push button from causing movement of the elongate link. 15. The system of claim 12 wherein the linking means includes a common elongate link that extends among the first and second push button operator assemblies and the first latch mechanism that needs to be moved in one direction along its length in order to operate the first latch mechanism, and wherein the first and second push button operator assemblies are operable, when the push buttons thereof are moved from the normal positions to the depressed positions thereof, to move the elongate link in said one direction. 16. The system of claim 15 additionally including a second latch mechanism for engaging a second striker and having a second latch operating member that is connected to the elongate link that is operable, when the elongate link moves in said one direction, to operate the second latch mechanism to release the second striker. 17. A system for releasably retaining a closure in a closed position adjacent a structure that defines an opening that is closed by the closure when the closure is in the closed position, comprising:a) a first push button operator assembly having a first housing adapted to be connected to a selected one of the closure and the structure, having a first push button that is movable relative to the first housing between a normal position and a depressed position, and having means for biasing the first push button away from the depressed position toward the normal position;b) a first latch mechanism adapted to be connected to the selected one of the closure and the structure at a location spaced from where the first push button operator assembly is connected to the selected one of the first closure and the structure, wherein the first latch mechanism is adapted to receive and latchingly retain a first striker that is connected to a remaining one of the closure and the structure when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the first latch mechanism has a first latch operating member that is movable between a non-operated position and an operated position, and wherein the first latch mechanism is operable to release the first striker in response to movement of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position;c) wherein the first push button operator assembly includes means for defining a first bracket for being clamped into engagement with an exterior surface of the first housing for establishing a rigid connection between the first bracket and the first housing, and means for defining a first arm that is pivotally connected to the first bracket for being engaged by the first push button so as to be pivoted from one position to another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position;d) linking means for extending from the push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for transmitting an operating force from the first push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for moving the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position in response to movement of the first arm from the one position to the another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position for operating the first latch mechanism to release the first striker; and,e) wherein the exterior surface of the first housing that is clampingly engaged by the first bracket is defined by a base portion of a groove that extends about at least a perimeter portion of the first housing. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the first bracket includes first and second relatively movable members and means for clamping the first and second relatively movable members into engagement with the base portion of said groove. 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the means for clamping the first and second relatively movable members into engagement with the base portion of said groove includes at least one threaded fastener that extends through a hole formed through the first of the relatively movable members and threads into a threaded hole formed thro ugh the second of the relatively movable members. 20. A system for releasably retaining a closure in a closed position adjacent a structure that defines an opening that is closed by the closure when the closure is in the closed position, comprising:a) a first push button operator assembly having a first housing adapted to be connected to a selected one of the closure and the structure, having a first push button that is movable relative to the first housing between a normal position and a depressed position, and having means for biasing the first push button away from the depressed position toward the normal position;b) a first latch mechanism adapted to be connected to the selected one of the closure and the structure at a location spaced from where the first push button operator assembly is connected to the selected one of the first closure and the structure, wherein the first latch mechanism is adapted to receive and latchingly retain a first striker that is connected to a remaining one of the closure and the structure when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the first latch mechanism has a first latch operating member that is movable between a non-operated position and an operated position, and wherein the first latch mechanism is operable to release the first striker in response to movement of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position;c) wherein the first push button operator assembly includes means for defining a first bracket for being clamped into engagement with an exterior surface of the first housing for establishing a rigid connection between the first bracket and the first housing, and means for defining a first arm that is pivotally connected to the first bracket for being engaged by the first push button so as to be pivoted from one position to another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position;d) linking means for extending from the push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for transmitting an operating force from the first push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for moving the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position in response to movement of the first arm from the one position to the another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position for operating the first latch mechanism to release the first striker; and,e) wherein the first bracket includes a first member configured to engage one side of the external surface of the first housing, a second member configured to engage an opposite side of the external surface of the first housing, and means for clamping the first and second members toward each other and into secure engagement with the one and opposite sides of the external surface of the first housing. 21. The system of claim 20 wherein the means for clamping includes at least one threaded fastener that extends through a hole formed through the first member and threads into a threaded hole formed through the second member. 22. The system of claim 21 wherein the first and second members are pivotally connected. 23. A system for releasably retaining a closure in a closed position adjacent a structure that defines an opening that is closed by the closure when the closure is in the closed position, comprising:a) a first push button operator assembly having a first housing adapted to be connected to a selected one of the closure and the structure, having a first push button that is movable relative to the first housing between a normal position and a depressed position, and having means for biasing the first push button away from the depressed position toward the normal position;b) a first latch mechanism adapted to be connected to the selected one of the closure and the structure at a location spaced from where the first push button operator ass embly is connected to the selected one of the first closure and the structure, wherein the first latch mechanism is adapted to receive and latchingly retain a first striker that is connected to a remaining one of the closure and the structure when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the first latch mechanism has a first latch operating member that is movable between a non-operated position and an operated position, and wherein the first latch mechanism is operable to release the first striker in response to movement of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position;c) wherein the first push button operator assembly includes means for defining a first bracket for being clamped into engagement with an exterior surface of the first housing for establishing a rigid connection between the first bracket and the first housing, and means for defining a first arm that is pivotally connected to the first bracket for being engaged by the first push button so as to be pivoted from one position to another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position;d) linking means for extending from the push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for transmitting an operating force from the first push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for moving the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position in response to movement of the first arm from the one position to the another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position for operating the first latch mechanism to release the first striker; and,e) wherein the first bracket includes structure defining an L-shaped configuration having first and second leg portions that extend substantially at right angles relative to each other, wherein the first leg portion is adapted to clampingly engage the exterior surface of the first housing, and the second leg is pivotally connected to the first arm and mounts the first arm for pivotal movement about an axis that substantially parallels a plane of the first leg portion. 24. The system of claim 23 wherein the first arm defines a stop formation that is engageable with a the second leg portion when the first arm is at at least one end of a range of permitted pivotal movement of the first arm. 25. The system of claim 24 wherein the first arm is formed as a stamping from sheet metal, and the stop formation is defined by a dimple stamped into one side of the arm so as to cause a metal projection to extend from an opposite side of the arm. 26. The system of claim 23 wherein the first arm is an elongate lever that has first and second spaced regions located along a length thereof, wherein the first push button engages the lever in the first region, and the linking means engages the lever in the second region. 27. The system of claim 26 wherein the first and second regions are located on opposite sides of said axis of pivotal movement of the first arm, and depression of the first push button while in engagement with the first region causes the second region to move the linking means in an opposite direction as the first push button moves from the normal position to the depressed position. 28. The system of claim 26 wherein the first and second regions are located on a same side of said axis of pivotal movement of the first arm, and depression of the first push button while in engagement with the first region causes the second region to move the linking means in substantially the same direction as the first push button moves in being moved from the normal position to the depressed position. 29. A system for releasably retaining a closure in a closed position adjacent a structure that defines an opening that is closed by the closure when the closure is in the closed position, comprising:a) a first push button operator assembly havi ng a first housing adapted to be connected to a selected one of the closure and the structure, having a first push button that is movable relative to the first housing between a normal position and a depressed position, and having means for biasing the first push button away from the depressed position toward the normal position;b) a first latch mechanism adapted to be connected to the selected one of the closure and the structure at a location spaced from where the first push button operator assembly is connected to the selected one of the first closure and the structure, wherein the first latch mechanism is adapted to receive and latchingly retain a first striker that is connected to a remaining one of the closure and the structure when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the first latch mechanism has a first latch operating member that is movable between a non-operated position and an operated position, and wherein the first latch mechanism is operable to release the first striker in response to movement of the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position;c) wherein the first push button operator assembly includes means for defining a first bracket for being clamped into engagement with an exterior surface of the first housing for establishing a rigid connection between the first bracket and the first housing, and means for defining a first arm that is pivotally connected to the first bracket for being engaged by the first push button so as to be pivoted from one position to another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position;d) linking means for extending from the push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for transmitting an operating force from the first push button operating assembly to the first latch mechanism for moving the first latch operating member from the non-operated position to the operated position in response to movement of the first arm from the one position to the another position in response to movement of the first push button from the normal position to the depressed position for operating the first latch mechanism to release the first striker; and,e) wherein the first bracket includes first and second members formed as stampings from sheet metal that are configured to engage opposite sides of the external surface of the first housing and to be clamped toward each other to clampingly engage the first housing, and the first arm is formed as a stamping from sheet metal and is pivotally connected to a selected one of the first and second members. 30. A system for releasably retaining a closure in a closed position adjacent a structure that defines an opening that is closed by the closure when the closure is in the closed position, comprising:a) a first push button operator assembly connected to the structure at a first position;b) a second push button operator assembly connected to the structure at a second position spaced from the first position;c) at least one latch assembly connected to the structure at a third position spaced from the first and second positions, and arranged to receive and latchingly retain a striker connected to the closure when the closure is in the closed position;d) linking means for defining at least one link that extends among the first, second and third positions for transmitting an operating force from either of the first and second push button operator assemblies to the at least one latch mechanism to unlatch the at least one latch mechanism from the striker to permit the closure to be moved away from the closed position to an open position;e) wherein each of the first and second push button operator assemblies has a housing, a push button slidably supported by the housing for movement between a normal position and a depressed position, and biasing means for biasing the push button away from the depressed position toward the normal position;f) w herein a selected one of the first and second push button operator assemblies also includes means for clamping, and an L-shaped bracket having first and second legs, with the first leg being clamped, by the means for clamping, into engagement with at least one side surface portion of the housing of the selected one of the first and second push button operator assemblies, and means pivotally mounted on the second leg of the bracket for applying an operating force to the linking means for operating the at least one latch mechanism in response to movement of the push button of the selected push button operator assembly from the normal position thereof to the depressed position thereof; and,g) means for interconnecting the push button of the other of the first and second push button operator assemblies with the linking means for applying an operating force to the linking means for operating the at least one latch mechanism in response to movement of the push button of said other of the first and second push button operator assemblies from the normal position thereof to the depressed position thereof. 31. The system of claim 30 wherein the means pivotally mounted on the bracket includes an elongate arm that has first and second spaced regions located along a length of the arm, wherein the push button of the selected assembly engages the arm in the first region, and the linking means engages the arm in the second region. 32. The system of claim 31 wherein the first and second regions are located on opposite sides of an axis about which the arm pivots relative to the bracket. 33. The system of claim 31 wherein the first and second regions are located on a same side of an axis about which the arm pivots relative to the bracket, and depression of the push button while in engagement with the first region causes the second region to move the linking means in substantially the same direction as the push button moves in being moved from the normal position to the depressed position. 34. The system of claim 30 wherein the at least one latch mechanism includes a pair of latch mechanisms connected to the structure at spaced locations thereon and connected to the linking means for being concurrently operated to release separate strikers that are connected to the closure at spaced locations thereon, and wherein each of the push button operator assemblies can have the push button thereof depressed to move the linking means to substantially concurrently operate the pair of latch mechanisms to release the strikers. 35. The system of claim 30 wherein the latch mechanism includes:a) a frame formed as a one-piece stamping from sheet metal and having a relatively flat base portion that extends within a first plane, a pair of formations that extend away from the base portion in a plane that substantially parallels the first plane to define first and second arms that define a striker receiving channel between opposed portions of the first and second arms;b) means for defining a generally cylindrical mounting pin that is connected to and extends away from the flat base portion along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane;c) an operating arm formed as a one-piece stamping from sheet metal and having a relatively flat central region positioned to closely overlie the relatively flat base portion of the frame, with a hole being formed through the relatively flat central region through which the mounting pin extends to connect the operating arm and the frame for relative pivotal movement about said axis;d) means for defining a limited range of permitted relative pivotal movement that can take place between the operating arm and the frame including first and second spaced-apart stop formations defined by a selected one of the frame and the operating arm, and a stop engageable formation defined by the other of the frame and the operating arm that is configured to engage the first stop formation at one end of said range of movement, and t o engage the second stop formation at the other end of said range of movement;e) a latch arm formed as a one-piece stamping from sheet metal and having a relatively flat portion positioned to closely overlie the relatively flat central region of the operating arm, with a hole being formed through the relatively flat portion through which the mounting pin extends to connect the latch arm and the frame for relative pivotal movement about said axis, with the latch arm defining a hook-shaped formation at a location spaced from said axis, with the hook-shaped formation having a first surface configured to be engaged by a striker that is moving along a path of travel into the striker receiving channel to cause pivotal movement of the latch arm in one direction of rotation about said axis to pivot the hook-shaped formation out of said path of travel, and with the hook-shaped formation also having a second surface configured to retain the striker within the striker receiving channel once the hook-shaped formation has pivoted in a direction of rotation opposite to said one direction to position the second surface to block withdrawal of the striker from the channel;f) means for permitting the latch arm to move in said one direction of rotation without causing corresponding pivotal movement of the operating arm in said one direction to thereby enable a striker to be moved rapidly into the striker receiving channel and into latched engagement with the latch assembly without causing pivotal movement of the operating arm if the striker engages the first surface and thereby causes the latch arm to pivot out of the path of travel followed by the striker in moving into the striker receiving channel;g) biasing means for biasing the latch arm to apply torque thereto for pivoting the latch arm in said opposite direction of rotation, and for utilizing the lost motion connection means to transfer from the latch arm to the operating arm said torque applied by the biasing means to pivot the operating arm in said opposite direction and to thereby bias the stop engageable formation toward engagement with the second stop formation; and,h) means for defining on the operating arm at a location spaced from said axis at least one connection formation for receiving an application of torque to the operating arm for rotating the operating arm in said one direction of rotation to drive the latch arm in said one direction of rotation to pivot the hook-shaped formation of the latch arm to position the second surface so that it does not block withdrawal of the striker from the striker receiving channel to thereby unlatch the latch mechanism from retainingly engaging the striker.