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). The pinion (44) includes four teeth on less than half of the circumstances for allowing any number of storage units (38) at one time to be initially installed in support by the housing 20 while the pinion (44) remains in its neutral and unlocked position. A reversing tab (45) on one of the lugs (64) prevents the pinion (44) from rotating out of coacting engagement with the rack (46) when opening or closing the storage unit (38).

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First Claim