Importance

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Abstract

A file storage assembly having a string or stack of elements vertically disposed along one side to allow only one drawer to be opened at a time. A shaft (48) having inclined cam surfaces (50,52) at opposite ends is associated with each drawer and includes a pinion (44) rotated by engagement with a rack (46) on the drawer during opening of the drawer. Upon rotation of the shaft (48), the cam surfaces (50,52) at the ends thereof vertically move the shafts (48) of the other drawers to vertically move one of a pair of locking lugs (64) on the shafts (48) into horizontal alignment with a lug (78) on the drawer (38) to prevent opening of all other drawers. A key projection (66) extends from the housing between each pair of lugs (64) upon rotation of the shaft (48) during opening movement of the drawer to prevent vertical movement of the operative shaft (48). All of the shafts (48) may be moved vertically upward in unison by a security lock (84) connected through linkage (82,88,96) extending across the bottom and up the other side of the cabinet.

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First Claim