Electronic interlock for storage assemblies

What is claimed is:

1. A file cabinet assembly (100) comprising:

housing means (12,112) defining an enclosure;

a plurality of storage units (14, 114) slideably supported by said housing means (12,112) for sliding between a closed position and an open position;

a plurality of electronically controlled independent locking means (16,116) for receiving power and each operatively associated with one of said storage units (14,114) and having a locked condition for contacting and locking said storage units (14,114) in said closed position in response to a lock signal and having an unlocked condition for unlocking and allowing said storage units (14,114) to slide to said open position in response to a unlock signal and for maintaining said storage units (14, 114) in said closed position and locked in response to discontinuation of power,

electrical control means (18,110) connected to said locking means (16,116) for locking and unlocking said locking means (16,116);

said control means (18,110) including input means (20,120) for receiving an input code, data memory means (22,162) for storing an access code, position means operatively connected to said storage units (14,114) to produce an enable signal only when all of said storage units (14,114) are in said closed position and a disable signal when at least one of said storage units (14,114) is in said open position, and processor means connected to said input means (20,120) and said data memory means (22,162) and said position means and connected independently to each of said locking means for receiving and comparing said access code with said input code to produce said unlock signal to only one of said locking means when said access code equals said input code and said enable signal is received and for limiting opening to only one of said storage units (14,114) while the remaining storage units (14,114) are maintained in said closed position with the associated locking means (16,116) locked so that all of said storage units (14,114) must be in the closed position in order to unlock said only one storage unit (14,114) and move said only one storage unit to the open position.

2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by said data memory means (22, 162) including access memory and unit assignment memory for storing at least one access code and unit assignment numbers associated with each of said storage units (14, 114).

3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 further characterized by said processor means (224, 148) including selection means for retrieving said unit assignment numbers associated with said access code equal to said input code and comparing a selection number from said input means to said unit assignment numbers to allow opening of only one of said storage unit (14, 114) associated with said selection number when said selection number equals one of said unit assignment numbers.

4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 further characterized by said control means (110) including timing means (135) for establishing a time delay after comparison of said input code with an access code and after the input of selection numbers within which said unlock signal will be produced to a selected storage unit (114).

5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 further characterized by said timing means (135) including a plurality of manual actuatable switches wherein each switch provides a value indicative of a selected time delay.

6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further characterized by including manual locking means (124) for manually locking said locking means (16) upon manual actuation thereof.

7. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 further characterized by said control means (110) including manually actuatable code switches for establishing a key code.

8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 further characterized by said processor means (148) including key means for receiving said key code when said input code does not equal said access code stored in said data memory means (162) and producing said unlock signal when said input code equals said key code.

9. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 further characterized by said data memory (22, 178) including history memory for storing information regarding the number of times an access code equals an input code and the occurrence of opening of a storage unit (14, 114).

10. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by said input means (20, 120) including a keypad having a plurality of momentary depressible keys for input of said input code and said selection number.

11. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by said position means including a plurality of interlock switches associated with each of said storage units (14, 114) for producing a close signal when said storage unit (14, 114) is in said closed position and an open signal when said storage unit (14, 114) is not in said open position.

12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 further characterized by said position means including means (154) for receiving said close and open signals and for producing said enable signal when only said close signals are received and for producing said disable signal when at least one of said open signals is received.

13. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by including external power means (44, 136) for receiving power external said housing means (12, 112).

14. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by said control means (110) including reset button means (128) for producing a reset signal upon actuation thereof.

15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14 further characterized by said processor means (148) including reset access means for receiving said reset signal and a new access code from said input means (120) and for replacing said access code in said data memory means (162) with said new access code.

16. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by said locking means (116) including a projection (116b) on said storage unit (114) and an electronic plunger (117) for moving to an extended position in contact with said projection in said locked condition and for moving to a retracted position releasing said projection in said unlocked condition in response to lock signal.

17. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by including visual indicator means (146) for responsive to said processor means (148) for visually indicating the authorization of said input code.

18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 further characterized by said visual indicator means (146) including a light.

19. A method of providing limited access to a file cabinet assembly (10, 100) having a plurality of storage units (14, 114) moveable between a closed position and an open position within a housing (12, 112), the method including the steps of:

receiving power,

storing an access code,

receiving an input code,

sensing the position of all of the storage units (14, 114) and producing an electrical signal indicative of the positions,

producing an electrical enable signal only when all of the storage units (14, 114) are in the closed position,

producing and electrical disable signal when at least one of the storage units (14, 114) is in the open position,

locking the storage units (14, 114) by electrical control in the closed position when the input code is not equal to the access code,

locking the storage units (14, 114) when power is discontinued,

independently unlocking only one of the storage units (14, 114) by electrical control from the closed position when the input code equals the access code and the enable signal is produced and power is received, and

retaining the remaining storage units (14, 114) locked so that all of the storage units must be in the closed position to allow only one storage unit to be opened.

20. A method as set forth in claim 19 further including storing at least one access code and unit assignment number associated with each of the storage units.

21. A method as set forth in claim 20 further including comparing a selection number to the assignment number to allow opening of only the storage unit (14, 114) associated with the selection number when the selection number equals one of the assignment numbers.

22. A method as set forth in claim 21 further including storing information regarding a number of times an access code equals an input code and the occurrence of opening of the storage unit (14, 114).

23. A method as set forth in claim 19 further including sensing the position of the storage units (14, 114) and producing a close signal when the storage units are in the closed position and an open signal when at least one storage unit is in the open position.

24. A method as set forth in claim 23 further including receiving the close and open signals and producing an enable signal when all of the close signals are received and for producing a disable signal when at least one of the open signals are received.

25. A method as set forth in claim 19 further including producing a reset signal and a new access code and replacing the stored access code with the new access code in response to the reset signal.

26. A method as set forth in claim 19 further including establishing a time delay after comparison of the input code with the access code within which only selection numbers need be input for unlocking of a selected storage unit (14).

27. A method as set forth in claim 19 further including setting a key code.

28. A method as set forth in claim 27 further including receiving the key code when the input code does not match the access code and producing the unlock signal when the input code equals the key code.

29. A method as set forth in claim 19 further including visually indicating authorization of the input code.

30. A storage assembly (100) comprising:

housing means (12, 112) defining an enclosure;

a plurality of storage units (14,114) to be supported by said housing means (12,112) for moving between a closed position and an open position;

locking means (16,116) associated with said plurality of storage units (14,114) having a locked condition for locking said plurality of storage units (14,114) in said closed position and an unlocked condition for unlocking and allowing only one of the storage units (14,114) to move to said open position,

electronic control means (18,110) connected within said enclosure and to said locking means (16,116) for locking and unlocking said locking means (16, 116);

said control means (18,110) including input means (20,120) for receiving an input code, data memory means (22, 162) for electronically storing an access code, and position means operatively connected to said storage units to produce an enable signal only when all of said storage units are in the closed position and a disable signal when at least one of said storage units is in said open position;

said position means including sensing means independently and operatively connected to each of said storage units for each producing an electrical signal indicative of the respective storage unit being in the closed position or open position, and coding means for receiving each of said electrical signals and producing said enable signal only when all of said storage units are in said closed position and said disable signal when any of said storage units are in said open position;

said control means including timing means for setting a predetermined time delay, and processor means for receiving and comparing said access code with said input code to produce an unlocking signal when said access code has a predetermined relationship with said input code and said enable signal is received for allowing only one of said storage units (14,114) to move to said open position while retaining all of the remaining of said storage units (14,114) in said closed position so that all of said storage units (14,114) must be in the closed position in order for unlocking of only one storage unit (14,114) and movement thereof to the open position, and discontinuing said unlocking signal upon expiration of said predetermined time delay after comparison of said access signal and said input code.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to electronically controlled storage assemblies. More particularly, this invention relates to storage assemblies with electronic interlock locking control assemblies.

2. Description of Related Art

It is well known that storage assemblies, such as file cabinets, use locking assemblies to protect the articles stored within the assembly. Common locking assemblies utilize mechanisms such as key locks or combination locks. The systems work well in their ability to secure the contents of the storage cabinet. An electronic lock that locks all the drawers on the desk by pressing one button is known.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,241 to Naito et al discloses an electronically controlled and locked stationary stack assembly which comprises a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced storage units. A control panel receives inputs which correspond to access codes and position codes. The access codes may or may not be restrictive as to the areas of the stack assembly the user has access. The position codes release a particular file or drawer space the user wishes to retrieve. Although this assembly does limit access of the contents of the assembly, thus increasing security, it does not enhance safety. A user may access all of the drawers at one time, given the proper code, and the center of gravity may move sufficiently causing the stack assembly to tip and fall over onto the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,012 to Rollins discloses an electronic locking system for a building which comprises an enclosure with exterior and interior doors. The electronic locking system comprises individual locks on every door with a number of access codes with which the individual locks unlock their respective door. The disclosure includes an alternative embodiment including the ability to program the electronic lock system via software means. However, no part of this disclosure discusses limiting the access to the building rooms to one at a time. In fact, there are no safety ramifications in accessing one of the doors at a time or all the doors at once.

Currently, two systems are incorporated into tall storage cabinets such as filing cabinets; a locking system is needed to secure the contents when desired, and another system is used to limit the number of drawers to be opened at any one time to one. This prevents the center of gravity from shifting too far forward, thus preventing the hazard of the file cabinet from tipping over onto the user. This duplication of interlocking systems is financially costly and space inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

A storage assembly comprising a housing means which defines an enclosure for a plurality of storage units to be supported by the housing. The storage units are able to move between a closed position and an open position. The storage assembly includes a plurality of independent locking means associated with each of the plurality of storage units. The locking means move between a locked condition for locking the associated storage unit in the closed position in response to a lock signal and an unlocked condition for unlocking and allowing the associated storage unit to move to the open position in response to an unlock signal. Control means is connected to the locking means for unlocking and locking the locking means. The control means includes input means for receiving an input code, memory means for storing an access code, and sensing means operatively connected to each the storage units for sensing the position of the storage units to produce an enable signal when all of the storage units are in the closed position and a disable signal when at least one of the storage units is in the open position. The control means also includes processor means connected to the input means and the data memory means and the sensing means for receiving and comparing the access code with the input code to produce the unlock signal when said access code equals the input code and the enable signal is produced.

Also included is a method of providing limited access to a storage assembly having a plurality of storage units movable between a closed position and an open position within a housing. The method including the steps of storing an access code, receiving an input code, sensing the position of the storage units, producing an enable signal when all of the storage units are in the closed position, producing a disable signal when at least one of the storage units is in the open position, locking the storage units in the closed position when the input code is not equal to the access code, unlocking the storage units from the closed position when the input code equals the access code and the enable signal is produced, and locking the remaining storage units upon production of the disable signal.

The advantages associated with this invention are the reduction of the parts and the ability to increase security. First, the invention uses the same system for limiting access to one drawer at a time, as it does for locking the file cabinet. Second, the invention allows for automatic logging of the usage of the file cabinet via external processing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially cutaway of a first embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the control of the subject invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view partially cutaway of a second embodiment of the subject invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of control means of the second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the control means of the second embodiment;

FIGS. 6-7 are flow charts of the control means of the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an optional remote programmer for the second embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the remote programmer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A storage assembly, generally shown at 10 and 100 in FIGS. 1 and 3, comprises a housing means 12, 112 that defines an enclosure. The housing means 12, 112 houses a plurality of storage units 14, 114. These storage units 14, 114 are supported by the housing means 12, 112 for movement between a closed position and an open position.

The storage assembly 10, 100 further comprises individual locking means 16, 116 for movement between a locked condition for locking the associated storage units 14, 114 in the closed position and an unlocked condition for allowing the associated storage unit 14, 114 to move to the open position. In the preferred embodiment, the locking means 16, 116 comprises a plunger 17, 117 operated by a solenoid 16a, 116a and a storage unit protrusion 16b, 116b. When the plunger 17, 117 of the solenoid 16a, 116a is in the extended position, the plunger 17, 117 prevents the storage unit protrusion 16b, 116b and, therefore, the storage unit 14, 114 from moving to the open position.

Control means 18, 110 produces an actuation signal for controlling the solenoid 16a, 116a. The assembly 10, 100 includes a first embodiment 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, and a second embodiment 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3-7 and will be explained individually with similarities noted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, this control means 18 comprises an input means 20 for receiving an input code. The input means 20 is a typical alphanumeric keyboard, which is common in the art. The input means 20 includes a plurality of key buttons 21 wherein the contacts at the tips of the buttons 21 produce a logic high or one. The input means 20 will then provide a signal characteristic of the depressed button 21 to a first memory means 22 and a comparing means 24. The input means 20 is used also for inputting the access code. An access code is stored in the first memory means 22 and is used to be compared with the input code. The first memory means 22 is generally a buffer which has the capability of storing several access codes. When the input code is entered, the first memory means 22 unloads all of its stored access codes serially and sends them to comparing means 24 to be compared. This process stops when an access code is matched with the input code or when there are no more access codes with which to compare the input code.

The comparison is done by the comparing means 24. The comparing means 24 will receive the input code and access code and store them in two separate temporary buffers 25, 27. The comparing means 24 will then compare the two codes using a digital circuit. If the two codes do not match correctly, the buffer 25 containing the access code will enter the next access code to be compared. If none of the access codes match, the comparing means 24 will not produce an unlock signal. If the input code matches the access code, the comparing means 24 will produce the unlock signal which will be received by selection means 26. The selection means 26 may be any type of input device that is capable of associating an input with the proper storage unit 14. Such devices that are common to the art are analog dials and digital keypads. The selection means 26 used in control means 18 includes a digital keypad and, in order to avoid duplicity of parts and increased costs, the selection means 26 may utilize the buttons 21 of the alphanumeric keypad 20.

The selection means 26 operates in two modes. The first of which occurs upon the selection means 26 not receiving the unlock signal from the comparing means 24. In this mode, the selection means 26 remains in an inoperable mode, i.e., it will not allow a user to select a storage unit 14.

When, however, the selection means 26 receives an unlocked signal from the comparing means 24, the selection means 26 enters its second mode of operation. The selection means 26 becomes operable and the user may select a specific storage unit 14 to unlock and move into the open position. The digital logic used to control the mode in which the selection means 26 is to be operated may be a simple AND circuit. Once a storage unit 14 has been selected, a coded signal indicative of that particular storage unit 14 will be produced. For example, if the number two keypad is depressed and an unlock signal has been produced by the comparing means 24, the AND circuit will produce the coded signal indicative of number two keypad due to the presence of signals at its inputs.

The control means 18 is characterized by including limiting means 28. The limiting means 28 is a circuit that receives the coded signal from the selection means 26. The limiting means 28 then determines to which storage unit 14 the coded signal represents. Again, this is done using simple digital logic. The limiting means 28 allows current to flow to the locking means 16 of the selected storage unit 14. The locking means 16 associated with the remaining storage units 14 are unaffected by the limiting means 28. These remaining storage units 14 remain locked in the closed position when any one of the storage units 14 is unlocked and opened.

In the preferred embodiment, the limiting means 28 comprises a processor means 30. The coded signal is received by the processor means 30. The processor means 30 processes the coded signal and outputs an actuation signal which is sent to the locking means 16 of the indicated storage unit 14. The output of the processor means 30 or the actuation signal, may be a serial output in which the individual locking means 16 are connected serially or it may be in parallel form. The preferred embodiment shows each of the individual locking means 16 to be connected to the processor means 30 in parallel form. Thus, the processor means 30 produces an on/off signal, i.e., the actuation signal, and activates only one of the individual locking means 16 at a time.

In other words, the processor means 30 receives the coded signal indicative of one of the storage units 14 and produces the actuation signal to be sent through actuation means 33 associated with each storage unit 14. The preferred embodiment defines the actuation means 33 to be a hard-wired coupling. The processor means 30 is hard wired 33 to each locking means 16 and therefore each locking means 16 is independently controlled by the processor means 30. This is to be in no way limiting as it may be appreciated to one skilled in the art that any electronic coupling, i.e., radio waves, may be acceptable for such an operation.

The control means 18 further includes sensing means 34 associated with each of the storage units 14. Each sensing means 34 senses the position of its associated storage unit 14. The sensing means 34 sends a signal indicative of either the open position or the closed position.

Enabling means 36 receives the indication signals produced by each of the sensing means 34 and disables the processor means 30 when one of the indication signals indicates one of the storage units 14 is in the open position. The processor means 30 is enabled as soon as the sensing means 34 senses all of the storage units in the closed position. The enabling means 36 transmits a disable/enable signal to the processor means 30.

The first memory means 22 has enough memory capability for storing more than one access code. Having more than one access code allows different personnel different levels of entry. For example, a manager may have control over several different file cabinets. It would be very difficult for him to remember each access code for each file cabinet. Therefore, the manager needs only to know one access code for all file cabinets whereas each file cabinet may have a different access code corresponding to the department in which it is located.

The input means 20 has an additional capability for transferring a new access code to the first memory means 22. The transfer means 38 is activated when the input means 20 is placed in second mode of operation. This is done by pressing the program button 35 not located with the majority of the input means 20, and then entering the new access code. Entering a new access code enhances the security level of the file cabinet system and allows employees using the file cabinets to change the old access code when it is forgotten by authorized personnel or discovered by unauthorized personnel.

A second memory means 40 is incorporated into the control means 18. Information relating to the time of an access and the code which is used to access the storage assembly 10 are stored in the second memory means 40. The second memory means 40 includes an interface means 42 for transferring the information of the second memory means 40 to an external processor means.

The control means 18 further includes a first power interface means 44 for receiving power external of the housing means 12. Any adaptor suitable for receiving power from a standard plug may be used. The control means 18 also includes a second power interface 46 which is within the housing means 12 and is used for receiving stored energy from a battery 48 wherein the stored energy is used in an emergency situations.

In operation, a user will use the method of inputting the input code through the input means 20. The access code, currently in the first memory means 22, is compared with the input code by the comparing means 24. Dependent upon the comparison results, a lock or unlock signal is produced from the comparing means 24 and is sent to the selection means 26. If a lock signal is sent to the selection means 26, the second memory means 40 will record the attempted entry. If an unlock signal is sent to the selection means 26, the user then inputs through the input means 20 a code, usually a number, representative of a individual storage unit 14. The second memory means 40 will record the entry and the storage unit 14 selected. The coded signal from the selection means 26 then is received by the processor means 30. The processor means 30 produces an actuation signal. The actuation signal is sent to the individual locking means 16 associated with the storage unit 14. The storage unit 14 then has a window of time in which it may be moved into the open position. Once the storage unit 14 is in the open position, the associated sensor means 34 senses the storage unit 14 in the open position and sends a disabling signal to the enabling means 36 which disables the processor means 30 from sending any actuation signals to any other storage unit 14.

Once the selected storage unit 14 is moved back into the closed position, the sensing means 34 stops sending a disabling signal which allows the processor means 30 to process another actuation signal to allow another storage unit 14 to enter the open position.

Each time a user inputs a selection the second memory means 40 records the selection and the time. When requested through the use of an external processing unit, the interface means 42 will access the second memory means 40 and the data will be displayed via an appropriate medium for the specified period of time.

The input means 20, when in the second mode of operation, allows the user to enter a new access code to be stored in the first memory means 22. This new access code will be the access code with which the subsequent input codes will have to match.

The assembly heretofore described may be implemented by commonly available off-the-shelf products as one skilled in the art could assemble. One such implementation may include the following. The input means 20 includes a keypad which supplies a code to buffers 25, 27. If the code is an input code, the input code is stored in the input buffer 27. If the code is an access code, determined by the initial depression of the program key 35, a plurality of access codes are stored in first memory means 22, which may be a RAM. The access code is then transmitted to the access buffer 25. The buffers 25, 27 may be simple off-the-shelf buffers, registers or latches. The comparing means 24, which may be a general comparator such as an operational amplifier configured as a comparator or an AND gate combination as commonly known in the art, receives the input from input buffer 27 and the access buffer 25. If the input code matches the access code, an unlock signal is transmitted to the selection means 26. As previously stated, the selection means 26 includes a keypad and an AND gate. The AND gate receives the unlock signal and a signal representative of the key depressed from the key pad which will correlate with one of the drawers. If the AND gate receives both the unlock signal and a selected key signal, the selected coded key signal is sent to the processor means 30. If either the unlock signal is not present or a key selection is not depressed, no signal will be sent to the processor means 30.

The disabling means 36 is responsive to sensing means 34 which senses drawer closure. The enabling means 36 may be an AND gate wherein as long as all of the sensing means 34 indicate that their respective storage unit 14 is closed, the enabling means 36 will transmit an enabling signal to the processor means 30. Upon the condition that any one of the sensing means 34 indicates an open drawer condition, the enabling means 36 will transmit a signal indicative of the disablement.

The sensing means 34 may be a simple contac