Storage case with locking mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides a locking mechanism for particular use in securing doors of a storage safe. The locking mechanism, generally, includes an elongated band, at least one plate rotatably connected to the elongated band, and at least one rod rotatably connected to the at least one plate. The locking mechanism further includes means for actuating for actuating the locking mechanism, the means for actuating being operable between a locking and an unlocking position for translating the elongated band. A stabilizing member ensures that the at least one rod maintains a substantially horizontal position and engages a receptor on an opposed door of the storage safe, thereby locking the doors when in a closed position.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism comprising: (a) an elongated band; (b) a plurality of spaced apart plates rotatably connected to the elongated band; (c) a plurality of spaced apart rods rotatably connected to an associated plate; each rod being simultaneously horizontally rotatable and retractable in the same direction; (d) means for actuating for actuating the locking mechanism, the means for actuating operable between a locking position and an unlocking position for translating the elongated band, the means for actuating including a lock and a lever, the lever having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lever being operably connected to the lock, the second end of the lever being rotatably connected to the elongated band and causing translation thereof; (e) at least one stabilizing member, the at least one stabilizing member maintaining the plurality of spaced apart rods in a substantially horizontal position; and (f) a receptor, the receptor including a plurality of receptor openings formed therein for receiving the rods.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1 further comprising: (a) a housing, the housing including: (i) a plurality of walls defining a substantially enclosed interior; (ii) a frame having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposed side edges, the frame defining a cutout formed within one of the plurality of walls; (iii) a first door and a second door form fitted over the cutout and hingedly secured to respective side edges of the frame, the first and second doors each comprising at least one panel having a front surface and a back surface; wherein the at least one plates, the means for actuating, and the stabilizing member are disposed on the back surface of the at least one panel of the first door, the at least one plate rotatably connected to the at least one panel of the first door, the means for actuating being accessible from the front surface of the at least one panel of the first door; and further wherein the receptor is disposed on the back surface of the at least one panel of the second door.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 2 wherein the plurality of plates are axially and equidistantly spaced apart from one another along the elongated band.

4. The locking mechanism of claim 3 wherein each one of the plurality of rods is associated with and in registry with an associated one of a plurality of stabilizing member openings formed within the stabilizing member.

5. The locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the lock is a key actuated lock, the lock comprising: (a) a cylinder including a key receiving end and an opposed locking end; (b) a latch having a first end and a second end, the first end of the latch being secured to the locking end of the cylinder and projecting radially and outwardly therefrom, and wherein the lever has a first end and a second end, the first end of the lever being rotatably connected to the second end of the latch and extending upwardly therefrom, the second end of the lever being rotatably connected to the elongated band; and further wherein operating the means for actuating between an unlocking position and a locking position translates the elongated band in respective directions.

6. The locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein each plate forms a substantially right angle bracket rotatably connected to the elongated band.

7. The locking mechanism of claim 2 wherein the first and second doors of the housing are secured to the housing by a plurality of fasteners insertable into a plurality of respective frame apertures formed within the top edge and the bottom edge of the frame and a plurality of respective panel apertures formed in each of the at least one panels of the first and second doors, each one of the plurality of frame apertures being in registry with an associated one of the plurality of panel apertures.

8. A storage case comprising: (a) a housing including: (i) a plurality of walls defining a substantially enclosed interior; (ii) a frame having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposed side edges, the frame defining a cutout formed within one of the plurality of walls; (iii) a first door and a second door form fitted over the cutout and hingedly secured to respective side edges of the frame, the first and second doors each comprising at least one panel having a front surface and a back surface; (b) a locking mechanism including: (i) an elongated band; (ii) a plurality of spaced apart plates rotatably connected to the elongated band; (iii) a plurality of spaced apart rods rotatably connected to an associated plate; each rod being simultaneously horizontally rotatable and retractable in the same direction; (iv) means for actuating for actuating the locking mechanism, the means for actuating operable between a locking position and an unlocking position for translating the elongated band, the means for actuating including a lock and a lever, the lever having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lever being operably connected to the lock, the second end of the lever being rotatably connected to the elongated band and causing translation thereof; (v) at least one stabilizing member, the at least one stabilizing member maintaining the plurality of spaced apart rods in a substantially horizontal position; (vi) a receptor, the receptor including a plurality of receptor openings formed therein for receiving the rods; wherein the plates, the means for actuating, and the stabilizing member are disposed on the back surface of the at least one panel of the first door, the plates rotatably connected to the at least one panel of the first door, the means for actuating being accessible from the front surface of the at least one panel of the first door; and further wherein the receptor is disposed on the back surface of the at least one panel of the second door.

9. A storage case comprising: (a) a housing including: (i) a plurality of walls defining a substantially enclosed interior; (ii) a display case movable between a raised and a lowered position within the interior thereof; (iii) a frame having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposed side edges, the frame defining a cutout formed within one of the plurality of walls; (iv) a first door and a second door form fitted over the cutout and hingedly secured to respective side edges of the frame, the first and second doors each comprising at least one panel having a front surface and a back surface; (b) a locking mechanism including: (i) an elongated band; (ii) a plurality of spaced apart plates rotatably connected to the elongated band; (iii) a plurality of spaced apart rods rotatably connected to an associated plate; each rod being simultaneously horizontally rotatable and retractable in the same direction; (iv) means for actuating for actuating the locking mechanism, the means for actuating operable between a locking position and an unlocking position for translating the elongated band, the means for actuating including a lock and a lever, the lever having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lever being operably connected to the lock, the second end of the lever being rotatably connected to the elongated band and causing translation thereof; (v) at least one stabilizing member, the at least one stabilizing member maintaining the plurality of spaced apart rods in a substantially horizontal position; (vi) a receptor, the receptor including a plurality of receptor openings formed therein for receiving the rods; wherein the plates the means for actuating, and the stabilizing member are disposed on the back surface of the at least one panel of the first door, the plates rotatably connected to the at least one panel of the first door, the means for actuating being accessible from the front surface of the at least one panel of the first door; and further wherein the receptor is disposed on the back surface of the at least one panel of the second door.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 is a rear view of a locking mechanism disposed on a storage safe with one panel in an open position;

(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of the locking mechanism thereof with two panels in an open position;

(3) FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the locking mechanism thereof as shown in circle A in FIG. 2; and

(4) FIG. 4 is a front view of the locking mechanism in an alternative configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) As noted hereinabove and in a first aspect hereof, the locking mechanism of the present invention comprises: (a) an elongated band; (b) at least one plate rotatably connected to the elongated band; (c) at least one rod rotatably connected to the at least one plate; (d) means for actuating for actuating the locking mechanism; (e) a stabilizing member for maintaining the at least one rod in a substantially horizontal position; and (f) a receptor including at least one receptor opening formed therein.

(6) In a second aspect hereof, the above locking mechanism 8 is deployed in conjunction with a storage safe or housing 10 for a display case 10, such as those disclosed in disclosed and claimed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,078,531 and 9,512,663, the display case 10 being movable between a raised and a lowered position within the housing 10.

(7) With more particularity and referring to FIGS. 1-3, the locking mechanism 8 is shown mounted to the housing 10. The housing 10 includes a substantially enclosed interior 11 defined by a plurality of walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e. The housing 10 further includes a frame 12 which defines a cutout 12 formed in any of walls 11a, 11b, 11c. The frame 12 includes a top edge 12a, a bottom edge 12b, and a pair of opposed side edges 12c, 12d. The cutout 12 provides access to the interior 11 of the housing 10 and to the display case 10 when it is lowered into the housing 10.

(8) A first door 14 and a second door 16, which are form fitted to the cutout 12, are hingedly mounted to the side edges 12c, 12d, respectively, of the frame 12. Each door 14, 16, preferably, comprises at least one panel. Preferably, each door 14, 16 comprises a respective first panel 14a, 16a and a respective second panel 14b, 16b. Although, it is to be understood that each door 14, 16 may comprise any number of panels without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(9) Each panel 14a, 14b of the first door 16 includes an interior surface 15 and an exterior surface 17. Similarly, each panel 16a, 16b of the second door 16 includes an interior surface 15 and an exterior surface 17 as well. The first panels 14a, 16a are hingedly attached to an associated, adjacent second panel 14b, 16b of the same door via hinges 18a, 18b, 18c, etc. to provide a multi-paneled door. Alternatively, it is to be understood that each door 14, 16 may comprise a single panel without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(10) The locking mechanism 8 hereof, when employed with the present storage case or housing 10, enables the doors 14, 16 to be securely locked together when closed.

(11) The locking mechanism 8 itself includes a vertically extending elongated band 32 coupled to the interior surface 15 of the first panel 14a of the first door 14. The elongated band 32 is a planar member which is translatable between an upper and a lower position, as detailed below. It is to be understood that the elongated band 32 may also be horizontally disposed and horizontally translatable without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

(12) The locking mechanism 8 further comprises at least one plate 34 rotatably connected to the elongated band 32 and the first panel 14a of the first door 14. The at least one plate 34 includes a first pivot 34a, a second pivot 34b, and a third pivot 34c. Each pivot 34a, 34b, 34c comprises a fastener such as a rivet, a nut and bolt assembly, or the like which allows the plate 34 to rotate therearound and pivot accordingly. The first pivot 34a secures the plate 34 to the elongated band 32. The second pivot 34b secures the plate 34 to the interior surface 15 of the first panel 14a, thereby creating a fixed point of rotation for the plate 34 to rotate therearound. The third pivot 34c secures a rod 36 to the plate 34 and is located above the second pivot 34b for purposes described hereinbelow.

(13) The locking mechanism 8 preferably comprises a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart and co-axial plates 34, 34, 34, etc. rotatably connected to the elongated band 32 in the same manner described above.

(14) As noted above, the locking mechanism 8 further comprises at least one rod 36 having a first end 36a and an opposed second end 36b. The rod 36 is rotatably connected to the plate 34 via the third pivot 34c proximate the first end 36a of the rod 36. The rod 36 is maintained in a substantially horizontal position, perpendicular to the elongated band 32, as the second end 36b of the rod 36 is positioned within a stabilization member 38.

(15) Where a plurality of plates 34, 34, 34, etc. is employed, it is understood that each one of the plurality of plates 34, 34, 34, etc. includes an associated rod 36 rotatably connected thereto.

(16) In order to actuate the at least one rod 36 between extended and retracted positions, the locking mechanism 8 comprises means for actuating 19 for actuating the locking mechanism 8. The means for actuating 19 is operable between a locking position and an unlocking position in order to facilitate the vertical movement of the elongated band 32 and, thus, effectuate horizontal translation of the at least one rod 36, as described below.

(17) The means for actuating 19 can be any suitable device such as a key actuated lock, a manual crank, an electric motor, the motor being AC or DC, or the like.

(18) The means for actuating 19, preferably, comprises a key actuated lock 28 including a cylinder 27. The cylinder 27 includes a key receiving end 28a disposed on one end of the cylinder 27 and a locking end 28b disposed on the opposed end of the cylinder 27. The lock 28 further includes a latch 29 fixedly secured to the locking end 28b of the cylinder 27 and projecting radially and outwardly therefrom.

(19) The means for actuating 19 further comprises a lever 30 rotatably interconnecting the lock 28 and the elongated band 32. The lever 30 includes a first end 30a and a second end 30b, the first end 30a of the lever 30 being rotatably connected to the latch 29. The lever 30 is further rotatably connected to the elongated band 32 proximate the second end 30b of the lever 30.

(20) When installed within the housing 10, the lock 28 extends through the first door 14 such that the key receiving end 28a is accessible from the exterior surface 17 of the first door 14 and the locking end 28b is accessible from the interior surface 15 of the first door 14. The lock 28 is operated by a key in the manner described below.

(21) As noted above, the locking mechanism 8 further comprises a stabilizing member 38 in order to maintain the rod 36 in a substantially horizontal position. While it is understood that the stabilizing member 38 can exhibit a variety of configurations, preferably, the stabilizing member 38 is an elongated member vertically disposed and secured to the interior surface 15 of the first panel 14a of the first door 14, or at least on the same panel as the rod 36. At least one stabilizing member opening 40 is formed within the stabilizing member 38 in the same axial plane as the rod 36. The stabilizing member 38 ensures substantially horizontal translation of the rod 36 and that the rod 36 aligns with the receptor opening 26a to prevent the doors 14, 16 from swinging open and, thereby, locking the doors 14, 16, to the housing 10 as described below. The second end 36b of the rod 36 is positioned within the stabilizing member opening 40 and at no point during operation does the rod 36 ever completely retract out of the stabilizing member opening 40.

(22) Where a plurality of plates 34, 34, 34, etc. and a plurality of rods 36, 36, 36, etc. are employed, the stabilizing member 38 includes a plurality of stabilizing member openings 40, each stabilizing member opening 40 being in registry with an associated rod 36.

(23) As shown in FIG. 1, a receptor 24 is fixedly, vertically mounted to the interior surface 15 of the second door 16 opposite the stabilization member 38. The receptor 24 is an elongated element including at least one receptor opening 26a in registry and axially aligned with the at least one rod 36 and the stabilizing member opening 40. Preferably, the receptor 24 is disposed opposite side edge 12d of the frame 12 such that the rod 36 can engage the receptor 24 when actuated. Thus, when the first door 14 and second door 16 are closed, the stabilizing member 38 and receptor 24 are, preferably, in close proximity with one another based on the length of the rod 36 to facilitate this engagement.

(24) Where a plurality of rods 36, 36, 36, etc. is employed, the receptor 24 also includes a plurality of axially spaced apart receptor openings 26a, 26b, 26c, etc. each in registry with an associated rod 36 and an associated stabilizing member opening 40.

(25) As the rods 36, 36, 36, etc. translate horizontally, the second end 36b of each rod 36 is received within an associated receptor opening 26a, 26b, 26c, etc. and retained therewithin until retracted.

(26) In use, a user inserts a key (not shown) into the key receiving end 28a of the lock 28 and turns the key in a first direction into a locking position. As the key is turned, the cylinder 27 rotates the locking end 28b of the lock 28 and the latch 29 in a counterclockwise direction, thereby raising the lever 30 upwardly and, simultaneously, lifting the elongated band 32.

(27) In this locking position, where a plurality of plates 34, 34, 34, etc. are utilized, the elongated band 32 is translated upwardly causing the plates 34, 34, 34, etc., which are rotatably connected thereto, to pivot about a respective second pivot 34b and rotate in a clockwise direction due to the second pivot 34b being lower than the third pivot 34c. As the plates 34, 34, 34, etc. pivot, the associated rods 36, 36, 36, etc. are translated horizontally. The rods 36, 36, 36, etc. each maintain a substantially horizontal orientation as a result of the rods 36, 36, 36, etc. being positioned within an associated stabilizing member opening 40.

(28) As the rods 36, 36, 36, etc. extend toward the receptor 24, the second end 36b of each respective rod, 36, 36, etc. extends through an associated receptor opening 26b, 26c, etc., thereby locking the doors 14, 16 in place.

(29) Conversely, the user unlocks the doors 14, 16 by inserting the key into the key receiving end 28a of the lock 28 and turning the key in a second, opposite direction, thereby into an unlocking position. As the key is turned in this direction, the cylinder 27 rotates the locking end 28b and the latch 29 in a clockwise direction, thereby pulling the lever 30 downwardly and, simultaneously, pulling the elongated band 32 downwardly as well.

(30) In this unlocking position, the elongated band 32 translates downwardly causing each of the plates 34, 34, 34, etc. to pivot at a respective second pivot 34b and rotate in a counterclockwise direction. As the plates 34, 34, 34, etc. pivot, the associated rods 36, 36, 36, etc. maintain their horizontal position within the stabilizing member 38. As the rods 36, 36, 36, etc. retract, the second end 36b of each of the respective rods 36, 36, 36, etc. is drawn laterally out of an associated receptor opening 26a, thereby unlocking the doors 14, 16.

(31) As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top edge 12a and the bottom edge 12b of the frame 12 may further include a plurality of frame apertures 20a, 20b, 20c, etc. for further securing the doors 14, 16 to the housing 10. Here, the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b include a plurality of panel apertures 22a, 22b, 22c, etc. in registry with a plurality of associated frame apertures 20a, 20b, 20c, etc. A plurality of fasteners 23, such as nuts and bolts, screws, or the like, project through the frame apertures 20a, 20b, 20c, etc. and the panel apertures 22a, 22b, 22c, etc. to secure the doors 14, 16 to the housing 10. The fasteners 23 are only accessible to the user once the locking mechanism 8 is unlocked and one of the first panels 14a, 16b swings open to allow access to the interior 11 of the housing 10.

(32) When either first panel 14a or 16a is opened, the user is then able to reach into the interior 11 of the housing 10 and individually remove each of the fasteners 23. Once the fasteners 23 on the remaining, secured panels are removed, each panel may be opened as well to provide the user with full access to the interior of the housing 10 and the display case 10 when lowered and stored therein.

(33) When the user desires to close access to the interior 11 of the housing 10, the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b are closed and the fasteners 23 are reattached to the frame apertures 20a, 20b, 20c, etc. and panel apertures 22a, 22b, 22c, etc. to secure the panels 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b to the housing 10. It should be understood that it is not necessary to provide frame apertures and panel apertures on both first panels 14a, 16a as any associated fasteners 23 would be impossible to access once both first panels 14a, 16a are closed. Therefore, only one of the first panels 14a, 16a need be secured in this manner.

(34) With reference to FIG. 4, in an alternative configuration, a locking mechanism 108 comprises an elongated band 114, at least one rod 118, a stabilizing member 120, and means for actuating 124. Each of these components is identical to like components in the locking mechanism 8 described above.

(35) According to this alternative configuration, the locking mechanism further comprises at least one plate 116 having a first pivot 116a, a second pivot 116b, and a third pivot 116c located in a lower plane than the second pivot 116b. The at least one plate 116 forms a substantial right angle bracket. The plate 116 is rotatably attached to the elongated band 114 at the first pivot 116a, the second pivot 116b of the plate 116 is rotatably attached to an interior surface 112 of a first panel 110a of a first door 110 to create a fixed point of rotation. The rod 118 is rotatably attached at a first end 118a to the third pivot 116c of the plate 116.

(36) Here, the plate 116 operates by pivoting about the second pivot 116b in an opposite direction than the plate 34 described above due to the second and third pivots 116b, 116c being in reversed locations respective one another, i.e. the second pivot 116b being higher than the third pivot 116c.

(37) It is to be understood that there is no requirement that the components of the locking mechanism 8 be disposed on a specified door 14 or 16 as illustrated and described above. If the means for actuating 19, the elongated band 32, the at least one plate 34, the at least one rod 36, and the stabilizing member 38 are located on the second door 16 instead of the first door 14, the components on the second door 16, such as the receptor 24, would instead be located on the opposite first door 14. Here, the plate 34 would pivot in the opposite direction as the elongated band 32 translates vertically.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(38) 8 Locking mechanism 10 Housing 10 Display case 11 Interior of housing 11a Wall of housing 11b Wall of housing 11c Wall of housing 11d Wall of housing 11e Wall of housing 12 Cutout 12 Frame 12a Top edge of frame 12b Bottom edge of frame 12c Right side edge of frame 12d Left side edge of frame 14 First door 14a First panel of first door 14b Second panel of first door 15 Interior surface of first door 15 Interior surface of second door 16 Second door 16a First panel of second door 16b Second panel of second door 17 Exterior surface of first door 17 Exterior surface of second door 18a Hinge 18b Hinge 18c Hinge 19 Means for actuating 20a Frame aperture 20b Frame aperture 20c Frame aperture 22a Panel aperture 22b Panel aperture 22c Panel aperture 23 Fasteners 24 Receptor 26a Receptor opening 26b Receptor opening 26c Receptor opening 27 Cylinder 28 Key actuated lock 28a Key receiving end of lock 28b Locking end of lock 29 Latch 30 Lever 30a First end of lever 30b Second end of lever 32 Elongated band 34 Plate 34 Plate 34 Plate 34a First pivot of plate 34b Second pivot of plate 34c Third pivot of plate 36 Rod 36 Rod 36 Rod 36a First end of rod 36b Second end of rod 38 Stabilizing member 40 Stabilizing member opening 108 Locking mechanism 110 First door 110a First panel of first door 110b Second panel of first door 112 Interior surface of first panel of first door 114 Elongated band 116 Plate 116a First pivot of plate 116b Second pivot of plate 116c Third pivot of plate 118 Rod 118a First end of rod 118b Second end of rod 120 Stabilizing member 122 Stabilizing member opening 124 Means for actuating