Multi-compartment step-drawer
First Claim
1. A step-drawer for preventing the deterioration of electrical components comprising:
- a dispensing drawer having a front, a back, and a front-to-back axis, and configured such that no electrical interconnection is required between controlling components and the dispensing drawer to automatically control movement of the dispensing drawer, the dispensing drawer comprising;
a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along a first axis parallel to the front-to-back axis, the body configured to move in a sliding motion along the first axis; and
a ladder fixedly coupled to the body, the ladder comprising a plurality of cross-arms arranged along a second axis parallel to the front-to-back axis, the ladder configured to move with the body in a sliding motion along the second axis; and
a control module comprising;
a housing including an opening for storing the ladder and enabling the sliding motion of the ladder with the body along the second axis; and
a latching element coupled to the housing, configured to remain in a static position within the housing during relative sliding movement between the ladder and the housing, and disposed proximate to the ladder, the latching element having (i) a first position wherein the latching element extends into a space between adjacent cross-arms, such that the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to limit dispensing drawer movement toward the front and (ii) a second position wherein the latching element is withdrawn from the space between and is out-of-plane with respect to the adjacent cross-arms, such that the latching element allows the dispensing drawer to move toward the front.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-pocket step-drawer is disclosed that includes a dispensing drawer and a control module. The dispensing drawer has a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis and a ladder fixedly coupled to the body. The ladder has a plurality of cross arms arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis. The control module includes a housing and a latching element coupled to the housing and disposed proximate to the ladder. The latching element has a first position wherein the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to prevent the dispensing drawer from moving toward the front and a second position wherein the latching element allows the dispensing element to move toward the front.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A step-drawer for preventing the deterioration of electrical components comprising:
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a dispensing drawer having a front, a back, and a front-to-back axis, and configured such that no electrical interconnection is required between controlling components and the dispensing drawer to automatically control movement of the dispensing drawer, the dispensing drawer comprising; a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along a first axis parallel to the front-to-back axis, the body configured to move in a sliding motion along the first axis; and a ladder fixedly coupled to the body, the ladder comprising a plurality of cross-arms arranged along a second axis parallel to the front-to-back axis, the ladder configured to move with the body in a sliding motion along the second axis; and a control module comprising; a housing including an opening for storing the ladder and enabling the sliding motion of the ladder with the body along the second axis; and a latching element coupled to the housing, configured to remain in a static position within the housing during relative sliding movement between the ladder and the housing, and disposed proximate to the ladder, the latching element having (i) a first position wherein the latching element extends into a space between adjacent cross-arms, such that the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to limit dispensing drawer movement toward the front and (ii) a second position wherein the latching element is withdrawn from the space between and is out-of-plane with respect to the adjacent cross-arms, such that the latching element allows the dispensing drawer to move toward the front. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification