A cabinet

Abstract

A cabinet (100) having an emergency unlocking arrangement is provided. The cabinet comprises a housing (1); a door (7) or drawer and a strike plate (9). A locking arrangement (12) is supported by the door. The locking arrangement comprises a latch (13) that is configured to be set between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which locked position the latch prevents the door from being opened. The cabinet further comprises an emergency unlocking arrangement (30) that comprises a fixing element (11) that attaches the strike plate (9) to a wall portion of the housing. The fixing element is dimensioned to break when subjected to a deliberately applied shear load (SL) that exceeds a predetermined shear load, to thereby release the strike plate (9) and allow the door (7) or drawer to be opened also when the latch is set in its locked position.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention refers to a cabinet comprising an emergency unlocking arrangement, an emergency tool, a kit of parts, and a method of operating an emergency unlocking arrangement forming part of the cabinet.Technical background

[0002] It is well known to use lockable cabinets for storage of medicines to thereby limit access and also to avoid unauthorized use. The lock can be a mechanical lock or a digital lock. No matter lock type, the locking effect that prevents the door or drawer from being opened is typically provided by setting a latch between a first, unlocked position in which the door or drawer can be freely opened, and a second, locked position in which the latch is arranged at least partly on a rear side of a stop portion in the cabinet and thereby prevents the door or drawer from opening. The latch as such may be configured to be pivoted or to be linearly displaced between the two positions.

[0003] Cabinets that are used for medicines are often used by several people that share a common key. There are also electrical locking arrangements. Should the key be lost or the power fail, there may be emergency situations where there is no time to order a new key from the cabinet supplier, to call for a locksmith or to wait for power. Any such delay can end up in severe medical issues for a caretaker that needs the medicine. At worst, the consequence may be that the locking arrangement and / or the cabin must be destroyed to get access to the interior. This is costly to repair and it may be that the whole cabinet must be replaced. There is hence a need for an easy solution of providing access to a locked cabinet in the event there should be an emergency situation.Summary

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, but yet controlled way to get access to the interior of a medical cabinet in the event of an emergency situation.

[0005] Another object is that it should be easy and not costly to restore the cabinet if it should have been opened in the event of an emergency.

[0006] Yet another object is to provide a clear indication to any user of the cabinet in the event it should have been opened due to an emergency.

[0007] These and other objects are solved by a cabinet having an emergency unlocking arrangement, the cabinet comprising: a housing; a door or drawer; a strike plate comprising a stop portion and a mounting portion; a locking arrangement supported by said door or drawer, said locking arrangement comprising a latch that is configured to be set between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which locked position the latch is arranged on a side of the stop portion preventing opening of the door or drawer; and an emergency unlocking arrangement comprising a fixing element attaching the strike plate via the mounting portion to a wall portion of the housing, said fixing element being dimensioned to break when subjected to a deliberately applied shear load exceeding a predetermined shear load, thereby releasing the strike plate and allowing the door or drawer to be opened also when the latch is set in its locked position.

[0008] Accordingly, a cabinet is provided that comprises a housing with a door or a drawer. The door or drawer is lockable by using a locking arrangement with a latch that can be set between a first, unlocked position and a second, locked position. This may made by pivoting the latch between the two positions, or by linearly displacing the latch between the two positions. The latch may be operable by using a mechanical key or a digital key. The latch may even be operable in a key-less fashion by using a code lock. When the door or drawer is closed, and the latch is set to its second, locked position, the latch will be positioned on a rear side of a stop portion of the strike plate, whereby it prevents the door or drawer from being pulled open.

[0009] As a complement to the locking arrangement, an emergency unlocking arrangement is provided that allows the strike plate to be released. This is made by breaking a fixing element that connects the strike plate to the housing of the cabinet. The fixing element is designed and dimensioned to be broken by shearing when subjected to a shear load that exceeds a predetermined, i.e., a dimensioned, shear load. When the fixing element has been broken, there is nothing left that holds the strike plate in position whereby it will be released. The thus released strike plate may fall down by gravity alone. Alternatively, the thus released strike plate may be removed by pulling the door or drawer open. More precisely, when the strike plate is removed, there is nothing that stops the latch, and the door or drawer may be opened, even though the latch is set to its second, locked position.

[0010] In other words, by applying a deliberate shear load to the fixing element, which exceeds a dimensioned shear load, a controlled breaking of the fixing element will be achieved, whereby the strike plate is released and can be removed. By releasing and removing the strike plate in a controlled manner, the locking arrangement is set aside without causing any injuries to the cabinet with its door, its housing or its locking arrangement. Also, as a safety measure, the door or drawer cannot be locked anew until the strike plate has been re-positioned by a new fixing element. Hence, the strike plate together with the fixing element may be seen as a tamper evidence that clearly signals to any user that the cabinet has been tampered with.

[0011] It goes without saying that the emergency tool that is used to break the fixing element should be stored in a safe place remotely from the cabinet.

[0012] The fixing element may comprise a local breaking zone allowing a controlled breaking of the fixing element when the deliberately applied shear load exceeding the predetermined shear load is applied to the fixing element.

[0013] The fixing element may be accessible via a gap that is formed between the housing and an edge portion of the door or drawer in a condition when the door or drawer is in a closed position. This allows the insertion of a tool into the gap to thereby apply a shear load required to break the fixing element.

[0014] The fixing element may have an axially extending engagement portion that is accessible via the gap. The local breaking zone may be arranged in said engagement portion. The tool is configured the engage said engagement portion when inserted to the gap.

[0015] The height of the gap may exceed a height of the axially extending engagement portion of the fixing element. The door or drawer may thereby be opened or closed without interfering with the fixing element. Hence, the fixing element will not be subjected to any accidental shear load by the door or drawer during normal operation of the cabinet.

[0016] The fixing element may be is a screw, a bolt, a nut, a clip, a rivet or a pin. In the event the fixing element being screw or bolt, the breaking zone may be arranged in the interface between its shaft and its head.

[0017] The local breaking zone may be formed by a portion having a locally reduced cross-sectional area as seen in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extension of said axially extending engagement portion. The locally reduced cross-sectional area may be provided as a local recess or as a circumferential waist portion.

[0018] As another alternative, the local breaking zone may be a portion being made of a material different from a material in the rest of the fixing element. As a non-limiting example, the fixing element may be provided as a composite member made of two or more two materials having different physical properties, such as metal and plastic or two or more types of plastics. As another non-limiting example, the local breaking zone may be formed by locally treating the fixing element by heat to thereby provide a local area with reduced strength.

[0019] The fixing element may have a dimensioned shear load of 25-60 MPa, and more preferred 30-40 MPa.

[0020] The door or drawer may in its closed position be configured to directly or indirectly abut a flange, often referred to as a hatch frame, that extends along at least one edge of an opening in the housing, wherein said flange has a discontinuous longitudinal extension, and said strike plate is arranged in an interspace between two successive flange portions of said flange. An indirect abutment may be provided by a flexible sealing or a distance member between the door and the flange.

[0021] The interspace may be seen as a local recess or gap that is fully or at least partly covered by the strike plate. The strike plate may alternatively be arranged adjacent an end of said flange. The strike plate and the flange may be arranged in a partially overlapping relationship. The overlapping area is preferably arranged across a surface of the flange that faces the door or drawer. The strike plate will thereby fall out toward the user when released.

[0022] The mounting portion may be configured to be oriented to have a substantially horizontal planar surface extension when the strike plate is attached to the housing. Alternatively, the mounting portion may be configured to be oriented to have a substantially vertical planar surface extension when the strike plate is attached to the housing. No matter position, it goes without saying that the strike plate and the latch should be positioned so that the two are aligned and can cooperate when operating the locking arrangement.

[0023] The stop portion and the mounting portion may each have a substantially planar surface extension and form an angle in view of each other. The angle is preferably orthogonal. The fixing element may be configured to be arranged in the mounting portion on a distance from the stop portion, thereby allowing insertion of a portion of an emergency tool in an interspace between the stop portion and an engagement portion of the fixing element. A such arranged emergency tool may be used to apply the shear load that is required to break the fixing element in a controlled manner.

[0024] The cabinet may be a medical cabinet.

[0025] According to another aspect, an emergency tool configured to operate the emergency arrangement forming part of the cabinet of claim 1 is provided. The tool comprises a handle, a hook-shaped insertion portion having a free end, and a protrusion, said protrusion being located between the handle and the hook-shaped insertion portion. It goes without saying that the emergency tool should be stored in a safe place remotely from the cabinet.

[0026] The emergency tool may be formed by sheet metal. At least the hook-shaped insertion portion preferably has a thickness that is smaller than the height of the gap that is formed between the housing and an edge portion of the door or drawer in a condition when the door or drawer is in a closed position. This allows the insertion of the hook-shaped insertion portion into the gap and into a position where a portion of the fixing element is received in the hook-shaped insertion portion, before forcing the handle in a direction away from the housing. The pressing force that is applied to the handle will be converted into a shear force that is applied by the hook-shaped insertion portion to the fixing element. The protrusion serves as a stopper that is configured to act against the door / drawer and the housing when operating the emergency tool. When applying the pressing force to the handle, the tool will pivot around a line of contact between the protrusion and the door / drawer and the housing. The handle will thereby act as a lever that amplifies the applied force.

[0027] A longitudinal centreline of the handle and a virtual line extending between the free end of the hook-shaped insertion portion and the protrusion may form an angle in view of each other and together expand a virtual plane. The protrusion may be arranged orthogonally to the virtual plane in an intersection between said two lines. The protrusion extends in opposite directions from the virtual plane. By the protrusion extending in opposite directions, an improved balance is provided which prevents or reduces any damages to the door / drawer or the housing.

[0028] The length of the handle is preferably at least three times the length of a distance along the virtual line as measured between the free end of the hook-shaped insertion portion and a centre point of the protrusion. The handle thereby acts as a lever that amplifies the shear force that is applied to the fixing element.

[0029] According to another aspect, a kit of parts is provided. The kit comprises a cabinet according to any of claims 1-10, and an emergency tool according to any of claims 11 or 12 for breaking the fixing element forming part of the emergency unlocking arrangement.

[0030] According to yet another aspect, a method of operating the emergency unlocking arrangement forming part of the cabinet of any of claims 1-10 is provided. The method comprises the steps of: inserting a free end of an emergency tool in the gap between the housing and the door or drawer into a position where the free end engages an engagement portion of the fixing element; applying a shear load to the fixing element, which shear load exceeds the dimensioned shear load of the fixing element, thereby breaking the same and releasing the strike plate; opening the door or drawer while the latch is set in its locked position.

[0031] The details of the emergency unlocking arrangement and its operation have previously been discussed above with reference to the cabinet. These features, arguments and advantages are equally applicable to the method of operating the emergency unlocking arrangement. Hence, reference is made to the discussions above to avoid undue repetition.

[0032] The method may further comprise the steps of: providing an emergency tool with the features according to any of claims 11-12; inserting the free end of the hook-shaped insertion portion of the emergency tool into the gap between the housing and the door or drawer into a position where at least a portion of the engagement portion of the fixing element is received inside the hook-shaped insertion portion; applying a load to the handle of the tool to thereby force the protrusion into an abutment with the housing and the door or drawer, whereby the handle acts as a lever that converts the load that is applied to the handle into a shear load that is applied by the hook-shaped insertion portion to the fixing element.

[0033] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious to a person skilled in the art reading the detailed description given below describing different embodiments.Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The invention will be described in detail with reference to the schematic drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic, exploded view of parts of a cabinet. Fig. 2 schematically discloses one embodiment of a fixing element. Fig. 3 schematically discloses the closing of the cabinet. Fig. 4 schematically discloses the locking of the cabinet. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an emergency tool. Fig. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of an emergency tool. Fig. 7 schematically discloses how the emergency tool is inserted into engagement with the fixing element. Fig. 8 schematically discloses the operation of the protrusion. Fig. 9 schematically discloses the breaking of the fixing element. Fig. 10 schematically discloses the opening of the cabinet and the released strike plate. Detailed description

[0035] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, one embodiment of a cabinet 100 according to the invention is described. The cabinet 100 may be a medical cabinet. It can also be used for other purposes. The cabinet 100 comprises a housing 1 having two opposing side walls 2, a top wall 3, a bottom wall 4 and a rear wall 5. The walls 2, 3, 4, 5 do together define an opening 6 that extends across the front side of the cabinet 100. The skilled person realises that other configurations and positions of the opening 6 may be provided within the scope of the invention.

[0036] As is best seen in Fig. 3, the cabinet 100 has a door 7 that is pivotably arranged about a lower edge portion that extends along the bottom wall 4. The door 7 has been omitted in Fig. 1 to improve understanding. The door may be arranged to pivot about another edge portion.

[0037] A flange 8, also known in the art as a hatch frame, is arranged to encircle the opening 6. The door 7 is configured to directly or indirectly abut the flange 8 when in its closed position. The flange 8 is disclosed to extend along all four edges of the opening 6. It is though sufficient that the flange 8 extends along one edge only.

[0038] The portion of the flange 8 that extends along the top wall 3, best seen in Fig. 1, is disclosed as having a discontinuous longitudinal extension. A strike plate 9 is arranged in an interspace 10 between two successive flange portions 8a, 8b of the flange 8. The interspace 10 may be seen as a local recess or gap that is fully or at least partly covered by the strike plate 9. The strike plate 9 is mounted directly or indirectly to the top wall 3 by a fixing element 11.

[0039] The strike plate 9 and the flange 8 may be arranged in a partially overlapping relationship. The overlapping area is preferably arranged across a surface of the flange 8 that faces the door 7. Alternatively, the strike plate 9 may have the same length or be slightly shorter than the length of the interspace 10.

[0040] Although not disclosed, it is to be understood that the strike plate 9 may alternatively be arranged adjacent an end of said flange 8. No matter extension of the flange 8, it is to be understood that the strike plate 9 should be arranged in a position that allows it to interact with a latch13 of the locking arrangement 12 that will be discussed below.

[0041] Turning to Fig. 1, the strike plate 9 has a stop portion 14 and a mounting portion 15. The stop portion 14 and the mounting portion 15 do each have a substantially planar surface extension and form an angle in view of each other. The angle is preferably orthogonal. The mounting portion 15 has a substantially horizontal planar surface extension as seen in a condition when the strike plate 9 is attached to the top wall 3 of the housing 1.

[0042] The mounting portion 15 comprises a through-going opening 16 configured to allow a portion of the fixing element 11 to extend therethrough. The opening 16 is positioned in the mounting portion 15 so that the fixing element 11 when received in said opening 16 will be arranged on a distance X from the stop portion 14. The distance X is also shown in Fig. 7. The distance X is used to allow insertion of a portion of an emergency tool 200 in an interspace 40 that is formed between the stop portion 14 and an envelope surface 17 of the fixing element 11. The tool 200 will be described below.

[0043] Now turning to Figs. 3, 4 and 7. The door 7 supports a locking arrangement 12. The locking arrangement 12 is disclosed as being arranged in a central position in the upper end of the door 7 to thereby allow engagement with the strike plate 9. The locking arrangement 12 is as such well known in the art. The locking arrangement 12 comprises a latch 13 that is configured to be set between a first, unlocked position and a second locked position, in which locked position, the latch 13, best seen in Fig. 7, is arranged on the rear side of the stop portion 14 of the strike plate 9. It will thereby prevent the door 7 from being opened.

[0044] The skilled person realizes that a locking arrangement 12 for cabinets can be operated in different ways, all of them being applicable to the invention. The setting of the latch 13 may made by pivoting the latch 13 between the two positions, or by linearly displacing the latch 13 between the two positions. If the latch 13 is operated by pivoting or by linear displacement is determined by the type of lock. The latch 13 may be operable by using a mechanical key or a digital key. It is to be understood that the locking arrangement 12 with remained functionality may be operable in a key-less fashion by using a code lock which in turn sets the latch between its two positions.

[0045] Now turning to Figs. 1 and 2. The strike plate 9 is mounted to the housing 1 by means of the fixing element 11. The fixing element 11 is in the disclosed embodiment disclosed as a bolt having a head 18 and a threaded shaft 19. It is however to be understood that other types of fixing elements 11 may be used with the same principle. As non-limiting examples, the fixing element 11 may be a screw, a bolt, a nut, a clip, a rivet or a pin.

[0046] The fixing element 11 is configured to attach the strike plate 9 via the mounting portion 15 to a wall portion of the housing 1. This is made by inserting a portion, in this embodiment the threaded shaft 19, through the through-going opening 16 in the mounting portion 15 of the strike plate 9 and to lockingly engage a complementary bracket 20 on an inner support that is part of the housing 1. The bracket 20 can with remained functionality be replaced by e.g. a nut.

[0047] The fixing element 11 is part of an emergency unlocking arrangement 30. The fixing element 11 is dimensioned to break when subjected to a deliberately applied shear load that exceeds a predetermined, i.e., a dimensioned, shear load. When the fixing element 11 has been broken, there is nothing left that holds the strike plate 9 to the cabinet 100, whereby the strike plate 9 will be released. The thus released strike plate 9 may fall down by gravity alone. Alternatively, the thus released strike plate 9 may be removed by pulling the door 7 open. More precisely, when the strike plate 9 is released and removed, there is nothing that stops the latch 13, and the door 7 may be opened even though the latch 13 is set to its second, locked position.

[0048] In other words, by applying a deliberate shear load to the fixing element 11, which exceeds a dimensioned shear load, a controlled breaking of the fixing element 11 will be achieved. Thereby, the strike plate 9 will be released and can be removed.

[0049] The fixing element 11 comprises a local breaking zone 21, see Fig. 2. The local breaking zone 21 is in the disclosed example arranged in an interface between the head 18 and the shaft 19. It is to be understood that other positions may be used with remained function. The position depends on the type of fixing element. As given above, the fixing element 11 with the local breaking zone 21 is dimensioned to allow a controlled breaking when subjected to a deliberately applied shear load that exceeds a predetermined, dimensioned shear load. This will be further discussed below.

[0050] The local breaking zone 21 may be formed by a portion having a locally reduced cross-sectional area A as seen in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extension of an axially extending engagement portion 22 of the fixing element 11, which engagement portion 22 will be further discussed below. The locally reduced cross-sectional area A may by way of example be provided as a local recess 23 or as a circumferential waist portion.

[0051] The fixing element 11 as such may have a solid or a hollow cross section.

[0052] As another, not-disclosed alternative, the local breaking zone 21 may be a portion being made of a material different from a material in the rest of the fixing element 11. As another non-limiting example, the fixing element 11 may be provided as a composite member made of two or more materials having different physical properties, such as metal and plastic, or two or more types of plastics having different characteristics. As a yet another non-limiting example, the local breaking zone 21 may be formed by locally treating the fixing element by heat to thereby provide a local area with reduced strength.

[0053] As a non-limiting practical example, the fixing element 11 may be made of PA6 (Nylon) or by metal. The fixing element 11 may be dimensioned to have dimensioned shear load of 25-60 MPa, and more preferred 30-40 MPa.

[0054] The fixing element 11 is, as given above, configured to attach the strike plate 9 to the housing 1. When doing so, the threaded shaft 19 will extend through the strike plate 9, a wall portion of the housing 1 and then engage the bracket 20 or any similar member, such as nut.

[0055] The bolt head 18 and possibly a part of the threaded shaft 19 will be accessible via a gap 24, best seen in Fig. 7, that is formed between the housing 1 and an edge portion of the door 7 in a condition when the door 7 is in its closed position. This accessible part of the fixing element 1 constitutes the axially extending engagement portion 22. The local breaking zone 21 is preferably arranged in said engagement portion 22. This allows the insertion of an emergency tool 200 into the gap 24 to engage the engagement portion 22 and to apply a shear load that is required to break the fixing element 11. This will be further described below.

[0056] As is best seen in Fig. 7, the height H1 of the gap 24 exceeds a height H2 of the axially extending engagement portion 22 of the fixing element 11. The door 7 may thereby be opened or closed without interfering with the fixing element 11. Hence, the fixing element 11 will not be subjected to any accidental shear load by the door 7 during normal operation of the cabinet 100.

[0057] Now turning to Figs 5 and 6, two views of an emergency tool 200 are provided. The tool 200 is configured to operate the emergency unlocking arrangement 30 that is part of the cabinet 100.

[0058] The tool 200 comprises a handle 201, a hook-shaped insertion portion 202 having a free end 203, and a protrusion 204. The protrusion 204 is located between the handle 201 and the hook-shaped insertion portion 202.

[0059] The tool 200 may be formed by sheet metal. The tool 200 may be formed in one unitary piece.

[0060] A longitudinal centreline CL of the handle 201 and a virtual line VL extending between the free end 203 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 and the protrusion 204 form an angle a in view of each other and do together expand a virtual plane VP. The protrusion 204 is arranged orthogonally to the virtual plane VP in an intersection between said two lines CL, VL. The protrusion 204 extends in opposite directions from the virtual plane VP.

[0061] The length L1 of the handle 201 is preferably at least three times the length L2 of a distance along the virtual line VL as measured between the free end 203 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 and a centre point of the protrusion 204. The handle 201 thereby acts as a lever that increases the shear force that is applied to the fixing element 11 when operating the emergency tool 200.

[0062] The hook-shaped insertion portion 202 comprises a recess 205. The recess 205 is large enough to receive the engagement portion 22 of the fixing element 11.

[0063] The hook-shaped insertion portion 202 has a thickness that is smaller than the height H1 of the gap 24 that is formed between housing 1 and an edge portion of the door 7 as seen in a condition when the door 7 is in a closed position.

[0064] The free end 203 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 is disclosed as being provided with a sharp end 206 to facilitate insertion of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 into the gap 24.

[0065] In the following the operation of the emergency unlocking arrangement 30 and the tool 200 will be described.

[0066] Starting with Fig. 3, the cabinet 100 as such is configured to be operated like any other lockable cabinet 100 by opening and closing the door 7. The door 7 is lockable by the locking arrangement 12. The locking arrangement 12 is disclosed as being arranged centrally along the upper, horizontal edge of the door 7 and aligned with the strike plate 9. The skilled person realizes that the locking arrangement 12 and the strike plate 9 can be arranged in other positions, e.g., along one of the two opposing vertical side edges of the door. No matter position, the locking arrangement 12 should be aligned with the strike plate 9.

[0067] Turning to Fig. 7. The door 7 will in its closed position directly or indirectly abut the flange 8 of the opening 6. An indirect abutment may be achieved by a highly schematically arranged sealing 50. Also, when the locking arrangement 12 is set to its locked position, the latch 13 will be positioned to extend along a rear side of the strike plate 9, i.e., on the side of the strike plate 9 that is facing away from the door 7.

[0068] Should the key get lost and there should be a need to open the cabinet 100, this may be made by using the emergency tool 200 that has been described above.

[0069] The tool 200 is grasped, see Figs. 7 and 8, via the handle 201 and the free end 203 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 is inserted into the gap 24 between the housing 1 and the door 7 into a position where at least a portion of engagement portion 22 of the fixing element 11 is received in the recess 205 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 and where the protrusion 204 abuts the housing 1 and the door 7.

[0070] The handle 201 is then forced, see Fig. 9, in a direction away from the housing 1. The pressing load PL that is applied to the handle 201 will be converted into a shear force SL that is applied by the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 to the fixing element 11. The protrusion 204 serves as a stopper that acts against the door 7 and the housing 1. Hence, when applying the pressing load PL to the handle 201 in a direction away from the housing 1, the tool 200 will pivot around a line of contact LC between the protrusion 204, the door 7 and the housing 1. The handle 201 will act as a lever that amplifies the pressing load PL.

[0071] Provided the shear load SL exceeds the dimensioned shear load of the fixing element 11, the fixing element 11 will break along its local breaking zone 21. Since the only thing that attaches the strike plate 9 to the housing 1 is the fixing element 11, the strike plate 9 will be released as the fixing element 11 breaks.

[0072] When the strike plate 9 is released, see Fig. 10, there is nothing that stops the door 7 from being opened, i.e., the latch 13 that is part of the locking arrangement 12 has no longer any contact surface to act against. Hence, the door 7 can be pulled open while the latch 13 is still set in its second, locked position. The released strike plate 9 can either fall down by gravity on its own or be assisted by pulling the door 7 open.

[0073] By releasing and removing the strike plate 9 in a controlled manner by breaking the fixing element 11, the locking arrangement 12 is set aside without causing any injuries to the cabinet 100, its door 7, its housing 1 or its locking arrangement 12. Also, as a safety measure, the door 7 cannot be locked anew until the strike plate 9 has been re-positioned to the housing 1 by a new fixing element 11. As long as the strike plate 9 is not replaced, the interspace 10 in the flange 8 will be there and prevent the door 7 from being locked. Hence, the strike plate 9 together with the fixing element 11 may be seen as a tamper evidence that clearly signals to any user that the cabinet 100 has been tampered with.

[0074] The invention has been described as relating to a cabinet having an openable and lockable door. It is to be understood that the same principle is equally applicable if the door is replaced by a drawer. The door may be pivotable in any direction.

[0075] The strike plate has been exemplified as being attached by means of one fixing element. The strike plate can be attached by using more than one fixing element.

[0076] The cabinet has been exemplified as being provided with one strike plate. More than one strike plate may be used.

[0077] The locking arrangement and the strike plate have been exemplified as being arranged in the upper, horizontal portion of the cabinet. It can with remained functionality be arranged along a vertical side of the cabinet. The mounting portion will then instead be oriented to have a substantially vertical planar surface extension when the strike plate is attached to the housing.

[0078] The cabinet and the emergency tool may together be seen as a kit of parts. It goes without saying that the emergency tool should be stored in a safe place remotely from the cabinet to avoid unauthorized use.

[0079] The tool has been exemplified as being configured to be opened by forcing the tool away from the cabinet. The skilled person realizes that the tool, depending on the design of the hook-shaped insertion portion, can be operated by pushing it toward the cabinet instead. It is also realized that the hook-shaped insertion portion and the angle between the handle and the insertion portion may be varied in numerous ways with remained functionality.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035]Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, one embodiment of a cabinet 100 according to the invention is described. The cabinet 100 may be a medical cabinet. It can also be used for other purposes. The cabinet 100 comprises a housing 1 having two opposing side walls 2, a top wall 3, a bottom wall 4 and a rear wall 5. The walls 2, 3, 4, 5 do together define an opening 6 that extends across the front side of the cabinet 100. The skilled person realises that other configurations and positions of the opening 6 may be provided within the scope of the invention.

[0036]As is best seen in Fig. 3, the cabinet 100 has a door 7 that is pivotably arranged about a lower edge portion that extends along the bottom wall 4. The door 7 has been omitted in Fig. 1 to improve understanding. The door may be arranged to pivot about another edge portion.

[0037]A flange 8, also known in the art as a hatch frame, is arranged to encircle the opening 6. The door 7 is configured to directly or indirectly abut the flange 8...

Technical field

[0001] The present invention refers to a cabinet comprising an emergency unlocking arrangement, an emergency tool, a kit of parts, and a method of operating an emergency unlocking arrangement forming part of the cabinet.Technical background

[0002] It is well known to use lockable cabinets for storage of medicines to thereby limit access and also to avoid unauthorized use. The lock can be a mechanical lock or a digital lock. No matter lock type, the locking effect that prevents the door or drawer from being opened is typically provided by setting a latch between a first, unlocked position in which the door or drawer can be freely opened, and a second, locked position in which the latch is arranged at least partly on a rear side of a stop portion in the cabinet and thereby prevents the door or drawer from opening. The latch as such may be configured to be pivoted or to be linearly displaced between the two positions.

[0003] Cabinets that are used for medicines are often used by several people that share a common key. There are also electrical locking arrangements. Should the key be lost or the power fail, there may be emergency situations where there is no time to order a new key from the cabinet supplier, to call for a locksmith or to wait for power. Any such delay can end up in severe medical issues for a caretaker that needs the medicine. At worst, the consequence may be that the locking arrangement and / or the cabin must be destroyed to get access to the interior. This is costly to repair and it may be that the whole cabinet must be replaced. There is hence a need for an easy solution of providing access to a locked cabinet in the event there should be an emergency situation.Summary

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, but yet controlled way to get access to the interior of a medical cabinet in the event of an emergency situation.

[0005] Another object is that it should be easy and not costly to restore the cabinet if it should have been opened in the event of an emergency.

[0006] Yet another object is to provide a clear indication to any user of the cabinet in the event it should have been opened due to an emergency.

[0007] These and other objects are solved by a cabinet having an emergency unlocking arrangement, the cabinet comprising: a housing; a door or drawer; a strike plate comprising a stop portion and a mounting portion; a locking arrangement supported by said door or drawer, said locking arrangement comprising a latch that is configured to be set between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which locked position the latch is arranged on a side of the stop portion preventing opening of the door or drawer; and an emergency unlocking arrangement comprising a fixing element attaching the strike plate via the mounting portion to a wall portion of the housing, said fixing element being dimensioned to break when subjected to a deliberately applied shear load exceeding a predetermined shear load, thereby releasing the strike plate and allowing the door or drawer to be opened also when the latch is set in its locked position.

[0008] Accordingly, a cabinet is provided that comprises a housing with a door or a drawer. The door or drawer is lockable by using a locking arrangement with a latch that can be set between a first, unlocked position and a second, locked position. This may made by pivoting the latch between the two positions, or by linearly displacing the latch between the two positions. The latch may be operable by using a mechanical key or a digital key. The latch may even be operable in a key-less fashion by using a code lock. When the door or drawer is closed, and the latch is set to its second, locked position, the latch will be positioned on a rear side of a stop portion of the strike plate, whereby it prevents the door or drawer from being pulled open.

[0009] As a complement to the locking arrangement, an emergency unlocking arrangement is provided that allows the strike plate to be released. This is made by breaking a fixing element that connects the strike plate to the housing of the cabinet. The fixing element is designed and dimensioned to be broken by shearing when subjected to a shear load that exceeds a predetermined, i.e., a dimensioned, shear load. When the fixing element has been broken, there is nothing left that holds the strike plate in position whereby it will be released. The thus released strike plate may fall down by gravity alone. Alternatively, the thus released strike plate may be removed by pulling the door or drawer open. More precisely, when the strike plate is removed, there is nothing that stops the latch, and the door or drawer may be opened, even though the latch is set to its second, locked position.

[0010] In other words, by applying a deliberate shear load to the fixing element, which exceeds a dimensioned shear load, a controlled breaking of the fixing element will be achieved, whereby the strike plate is released and can be removed. By releasing and removing the strike plate in a controlled manner, the locking arrangement is set aside without causing any injuries to the cabinet with its door, its housing or its locking arrangement. Also, as a safety measure, the door or drawer cannot be locked anew until the strike plate has been re-positioned by a new fixing element. Hence, the strike plate together with the fixing element may be seen as a tamper evidence that clearly signals to any user that the cabinet has been tampered with.

[0011] It goes without saying that the emergency tool that is used to break the fixing element should be stored in a safe place remotely from the cabinet.

[0012] The fixing element may comprise a local breaking zone allowing a controlled breaking of the fixing element when the deliberately applied shear load exceeding the predetermined shear load is applied to the fixing element.

[0013] The fixing element may be accessible via a gap that is formed between the housing and an edge portion of the door or drawer in a condition when the door or drawer is in a closed position. This allows the insertion of a tool into the gap to thereby apply a shear load required to break the fixing element.

[0014] The fixing element may have an axially extending engagement portion that is accessible via the gap. The local breaking zone may be arranged in said engagement portion. The tool is configured the engage said engagement portion when inserted to the gap.

[0015] The height of the gap may exceed a height of the axially extending engagement portion of the fixing element. The door or drawer may thereby be opened or closed without interfering with the fixing element. Hence, the fixing element will not be subjected to any accidental shear load by the door or drawer during normal operation of the cabinet.

[0016] The fixing element may be is a screw, a bolt, a nut, a clip, a rivet or a pin. In the event the fixing element being screw or bolt, the breaking zone may be arranged in the interface between its shaft and its head.

[0017] The local breaking zone may be formed by a portion having a locally reduced cross-sectional area as seen in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extension of said axially extending engagement portion. The locally reduced cross-sectional area may be provided as a local recess or as a circumferential waist portion.

[0018] As another alternative, the local breaking zone may be a portion being made of a material different from a material in the rest of the fixing element. As a non-limiting example, the fixing element may be provided as a composite member made of two or more two materials having different physical properties, such as metal and plastic or two or more types of plastics. As another non-limiting example, the local breaking zone may be formed by locally treating the fixing element by heat to thereby provide a local area with reduced strength.

[0019] The fixing element may have a dimensioned shear load of 25-60 MPa, and more preferred 30-40 MPa.

[0020] The door or drawer may in its closed position be configured to directly or indirectly abut a flange, often referred to as a hatch frame, that extends along at least one edge of an opening in the housing, wherein said flange has a discontinuous longitudinal extension, and said strike plate is arranged in an interspace between two successive flange portions of said flange. An indirect abutment may be provided by a flexible sealing or a distance member between the door and the flange.

[0021] The interspace may be seen as a local recess or gap that is fully or at least partly covered by the strike plate. The strike plate may alternatively be arranged adjacent an end of said flange. The strike plate and the flange may be arranged in a partially overlapping relationship. The overlapping area is preferably arranged across a surface of the flange that faces the door or drawer. The strike plate will thereby fall out toward the user when released.

[0022] The mounting portion may be configured to be oriented to have a substantially horizontal planar surface extension when the strike plate is attached to the housing. Alternatively, the mounting portion may be configured to be oriented to have a substantially vertical planar surface extension when the strike plate is attached to the housing. No matter position, it goes without saying that the strike plate and the latch should be positioned so that the two are aligned and can cooperate when operating the locking arrangement.

[0023] The stop portion and the mounting portion may each have a substantially planar surface extension and form an angle in view of each other. The angle is preferably orthogonal. The fixing element may be configured to be arranged in the mounting portion on a distance from the stop portion, thereby allowing insertion of a portion of an emergency tool in an interspace between the stop portion and an engagement portion of the fixing element. A such arranged emergency tool may be used to apply the shear load that is required to break the fixing element in a controlled manner.

[0024] The cabinet may be a medical cabinet.

[0025] According to another aspect, an emergency tool configured to operate the emergency arrangement forming part of the cabinet of claim 1 is provided. The tool comprises a handle, a hook-shaped insertion portion having a free end, and a protrusion, said protrusion being located between the handle and the hook-shaped insertion portion. It goes without saying that the emergency tool should be stored in a safe place remotely from the cabinet.

[0026] The emergency tool may be formed by sheet metal. At least the hook-shaped insertion portion preferably has a thickness that is smaller than the height of the gap that is formed between the housing and an edge portion of the door or drawer in a condition when the door or drawer is in a closed position. This allows the insertion of the hook-shaped insertion portion into the gap and into a position where a portion of the fixing element is received in the hook-shaped insertion portion, before forcing the handle in a direction away from the housing. The pressing force that is applied to the handle will be converted into a shear force that is applied by the hook-shaped insertion portion to the fixing element. The protrusion serves as a stopper that is configured to act against the door / drawer and the housing when operating the emergency tool. When applying the pressing force to the handle, the tool will pivot around a line of contact between the protrusion and the door / drawer and the housing. The handle will thereby act as a lever that amplifies the applied force.

[0027] A longitudinal centreline of the handle and a virtual line extending between the free end of the hook-shaped insertion portion and the protrusion may form an angle in view of each other and together expand a virtual plane. The protrusion may be arranged orthogonally to the virtual plane in an intersection between said two lines. The protrusion extends in opposite directions from the virtual plane. By the protrusion extending in opposite directions, an improved balance is provided which prevents or reduces any damages to the door / drawer or the housing.

[0028] The length of the handle is preferably at least three times the length of a distance along the virtual line as measured between the free end of the hook-shaped insertion portion and a centre point of the protrusion. The handle thereby acts as a lever that amplifies the shear force that is applied to the fixing element.

[0029] According to another aspect, a kit of parts is provided. The kit comprises a cabinet according to any of claims 1-10, and an emergency tool according to any of claims 11 or 12 for breaking the fixing element forming part of the emergency unlocking arrangement.

[0030] According to yet another aspect, a method of operating the emergency unlocking arrangement forming part of the cabinet of any of claims 1-10 is provided. The method comprises the steps of: inserting a free end of an emergency tool in the gap between the housing and the door or drawer into a position where the free end engages an engagement portion of the fixing element; applying a shear load to the fixing element, which shear load exceeds the dimensioned shear load of the fixing element, thereby breaking the same and releasing the strike plate; opening the door or drawer while the latch is set in its locked position.

[0031] The details of the emergency unlocking arrangement and its operation have previously been discussed above with reference to the cabinet. These features, arguments and advantages are equally applicable to the method of operating the emergency unlocking arrangement. Hence, reference is made to the discussions above to avoid undue repetition.

[0032] The method may further comprise the steps of: providing an emergency tool with the features according to any of claims 11-12; inserting the free end of the hook-shaped insertion portion of the emergency tool into the gap between the housing and the door or drawer into a position where at least a portion of the engagement portion of the fixing element is received inside the hook-shaped insertion portion; applying a load to the handle of the tool to thereby force the protrusion into an abutment with the housing and the door or drawer, whereby the handle acts as a lever that converts the load that is applied to the handle into a shear load that is applied by the hook-shaped insertion portion to the fixing element.

[0033] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious to a person skilled in the art reading the detailed description given below describing different embodiments.Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The invention will be described in detail with reference to the schematic drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic, exploded view of parts of a cabinet. Fig. 2 schematically discloses one embodiment of a fixing element. Fig. 3 schematically discloses the closing of the cabinet. Fig. 4 schematically discloses the locking of the cabinet. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an emergency tool. Fig. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of an emergency tool. Fig. 7 schematically discloses how the emergency tool is inserted into engagement with the fixing element. Fig. 8 schematically discloses the operation of the protrusion. Fig. 9 schematically discloses the breaking of the fixing element. Fig. 10 schematically discloses the opening of the cabinet and the released strike plate. Detailed description

[0035] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, one embodiment of a cabinet 100 according to the invention is described. The cabinet 100 may be a medical cabinet. It can also be used for other purposes. The cabinet 100 comprises a housing 1 having two opposing side walls 2, a top wall 3, a bottom wall 4 and a rear wall 5. The walls 2, 3, 4, 5 do together define an opening 6 that extends across the front side of the cabinet 100. The skilled person realises that other configurations and positions of the opening 6 may be provided within the scope of the invention.

[0036] As is best seen in Fig. 3, the cabinet 100 has a door 7 that is pivotably arranged about a lower edge portion that extends along the bottom wall 4. The door 7 has been omitted in Fig. 1 to improve understanding. The door may be arranged to pivot about another edge portion.

[0037] A flange 8, also known in the art as a hatch frame, is arranged to encircle the opening 6. The door 7 is configured to directly or indirectly abut the flange 8 when in its closed position. The flange 8 is disclosed to extend along all four edges of the opening 6. It is though sufficient that the flange 8 extends along one edge only.

[0038] The portion of the flange 8 that extends along the top wall 3, best seen in Fig. 1, is disclosed as having a discontinuous longitudinal extension. A strike plate 9 is arranged in an interspace 10 between two successive flange portions 8a, 8b of the flange 8. The interspace 10 may be seen as a local recess or gap that is fully or at least partly covered by the strike plate 9. The strike plate 9 is mounted directly or indirectly to the top wall 3 by a fixing element 11.

[0039] The strike plate 9 and the flange 8 may be arranged in a partially overlapping relationship. The overlapping area is preferably arranged across a surface of the flange 8 that faces the door 7. Alternatively, the strike plate 9 may have the same length or be slightly shorter than the length of the interspace 10.

[0040] Although not disclosed, it is to be understood that the strike plate 9 may alternatively be arranged adjacent an end of said flange 8. No matter extension of the flange 8, it is to be understood that the strike plate 9 should be arranged in a position that allows it to interact with a latch13 of the locking arrangement 12 that will be discussed below.

[0041] Turning to Fig. 1, the strike plate 9 has a stop portion 14 and a mounting portion 15. The stop portion 14 and the mounting portion 15 do each have a substantially planar surface extension and form an angle in view of each other. The angle is preferably orthogonal. The mounting portion 15 has a substantially horizontal planar surface extension as seen in a condition when the strike plate 9 is attached to the top wall 3 of the housing 1.

[0042] The mounting portion 15 comprises a through-going opening 16 configured to allow a portion of the fixing element 11 to extend therethrough. The opening 16 is positioned in the mounting portion 15 so that the fixing element 11 when received in said opening 16 will be arranged on a distance X from the stop portion 14. The distance X is also shown in Fig. 7. The distance X is used to allow insertion of a portion of an emergency tool 200 in an interspace 40 that is formed between the stop portion 14 and an envelope surface 17 of the fixing element 11. The tool 200 will be described below.

[0043] Now turning to Figs. 3, 4 and 7. The door 7 supports a locking arrangement 12. The locking arrangement 12 is disclosed as being arranged in a central position in the upper end of the door 7 to thereby allow engagement with the strike plate 9. The locking arrangement 12 is as such well known in the art. The locking arrangement 12 comprises a latch 13 that is configured to be set between a first, unlocked position and a second locked position, in which locked position, the latch 13, best seen in Fig. 7, is arranged on the rear side of the stop portion 14 of the strike plate 9. It will thereby prevent the door 7 from being opened.

[0044] The skilled person realizes that a locking arrangement 12 for cabinets can be operated in different ways, all of them being applicable to the invention. The setting of the latch 13 may made by pivoting the latch 13 between the two positions, or by linearly displacing the latch 13 between the two positions. If the latch 13 is operated by pivoting or by linear displacement is determined by the type of lock. The latch 13 may be operable by using a mechanical key or a digital key. It is to be understood that the locking arrangement 12 with remained functionality may be operable in a key-less fashion by using a code lock which in turn sets the latch between its two positions.

[0045] Now turning to Figs. 1 and 2. The strike plate 9 is mounted to the housing 1 by means of the fixing element 11. The fixing element 11 is in the disclosed embodiment disclosed as a bolt having a head 18 and a threaded shaft 19. It is however to be understood that other types of fixing elements 11 may be used with the same principle. As non-limiting examples, the fixing element 11 may be a screw, a bolt, a nut, a clip, a rivet or a pin.

[0046] The fixing element 11 is configured to attach the strike plate 9 via the mounting portion 15 to a wall portion of the housing 1. This is made by inserting a portion, in this embodiment the threaded shaft 19, through the through-going opening 16 in the mounting portion 15 of the strike plate 9 and to lockingly engage a complementary bracket 20 on an inner support that is part of the housing 1. The bracket 20 can with remained functionality be replaced by e.g. a nut.

[0047] The fixing element 11 is part of an emergency unlocking arrangement 30. The fixing element 11 is dimensioned to break when subjected to a deliberately applied shear load that exceeds a predetermined, i.e., a dimensioned, shear load. When the fixing element 11 has been broken, there is nothing left that holds the strike plate 9 to the cabinet 100, whereby the strike plate 9 will be released. The thus released strike plate 9 may fall down by gravity alone. Alternatively, the thus released strike plate 9 may be removed by pulling the door 7 open. More precisely, when the strike plate 9 is released and removed, there is nothing that stops the latch 13, and the door 7 may be opened even though the latch 13 is set to its second, locked position.

[0048] In other words, by applying a deliberate shear load to the fixing element 11, which exceeds a dimensioned shear load, a controlled breaking of the fixing element 11 will be achieved. Thereby, the strike plate 9 will be released and can be removed.

[0049] The fixing element 11 comprises a local breaking zone 21, see Fig. 2. The local breaking zone 21 is in the disclosed example arranged in an interface between the head 18 and the shaft 19. It is to be understood that other positions may be used with remained function. The position depends on the type of fixing element. As given above, the fixing element 11 with the local breaking zone 21 is dimensioned to allow a controlled breaking when subjected to a deliberately applied shear load that exceeds a predetermined, dimensioned shear load. This will be further discussed below.

[0050] The local breaking zone 21 may be formed by a portion having a locally reduced cross-sectional area A as seen in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extension of an axially extending engagement portion 22 of the fixing element 11, which engagement portion 22 will be further discussed below. The locally reduced cross-sectional area A may by way of example be provided as a local recess 23 or as a circumferential waist portion.

[0051] The fixing element 11 as such may have a solid or a hollow cross section.

[0052] As another, not-disclosed alternative, the local breaking zone 21 may be a portion being made of a material different from a material in the rest of the fixing element 11. As another non-limiting example, the fixing element 11 may be provided as a composite member made of two or more materials having different physical properties, such as metal and plastic, or two or more types of plastics having different characteristics. As a yet another non-limiting example, the local breaking zone 21 may be formed by locally treating the fixing element by heat to thereby provide a local area with reduced strength.

[0053] As a non-limiting practical example, the fixing element 11 may be made of PA6 (Nylon) or by metal. The fixing element 11 may be dimensioned to have dimensioned shear load of 25-60 MPa, and more preferred 30-40 MPa.

[0054] The fixing element 11 is, as given above, configured to attach the strike plate 9 to the housing 1. When doing so, the threaded shaft 19 will extend through the strike plate 9, a wall portion of the housing 1 and then engage the bracket 20 or any similar member, such as nut.

[0055] The bolt head 18 and possibly a part of the threaded shaft 19 will be accessible via a gap 24, best seen in Fig. 7, that is formed between the housing 1 and an edge portion of the door 7 in a condition when the door 7 is in its closed position. This accessible part of the fixing element 1 constitutes the axially extending engagement portion 22. The local breaking zone 21 is preferably arranged in said engagement portion 22. This allows the insertion of an emergency tool 200 into the gap 24 to engage the engagement portion 22 and to apply a shear load that is required to break the fixing element 11. This will be further described below.

[0056] As is best seen in Fig. 7, the height H1 of the gap 24 exceeds a height H2 of the axially extending engagement portion 22 of the fixing element 11. The door 7 may thereby be opened or closed without interfering with the fixing element 11. Hence, the fixing element 11 will not be subjected to any accidental shear load by the door 7 during normal operation of the cabinet 100.

[0057] Now turning to Figs 5 and 6, two views of an emergency tool 200 are provided. The tool 200 is configured to operate the emergency unlocking arrangement 30 that is part of the cabinet 100.

[0058] The tool 200 comprises a handle 201, a hook-shaped insertion portion 202 having a free end 203, and a protrusion 204. The protrusion 204 is located between the handle 201 and the hook-shaped insertion portion 202.

[0059] The tool 200 may be formed by sheet metal. The tool 200 may be formed in one unitary piece.

[0060] A longitudinal centreline CL of the handle 201 and a virtual line VL extending between the free end 203 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 and the protrusion 204 form an angle a in view of each other and do together expand a virtual plane VP. The protrusion 204 is arranged orthogonally to the virtual plane VP in an intersection between said two lines CL, VL. The protrusion 204 extends in opposite directions from the virtual plane VP.

[0061] The length L1 of the handle 201 is preferably at least three times the length L2 of a distance along the virtual line VL as measured between the free end 203 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 and a centre point of the protrusion 204. The handle 201 thereby acts as a lever that increases the shear force that is applied to the fixing element 11 when operating the emergency tool 200.

[0062] The hook-shaped insertion portion 202 comprises a recess 205. The recess 205 is large enough to receive the engagement portion 22 of the fixing element 11.

[0063] The hook-shaped insertion portion 202 has a thickness that is smaller than the height H1 of the gap 24 that is formed between housing 1 and an edge portion of the door 7 as seen in a condition when the door 7 is in a closed position.

[0064] The free end 203 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 is disclosed as being provided with a sharp end 206 to facilitate insertion of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 into the gap 24.

[0065] In the following the operation of the emergency unlocking arrangement 30 and the tool 200 will be described.

[0066] Starting with Fig. 3, the cabinet 100 as such is configured to be operated like any other lockable cabinet 100 by opening and closing the door 7. The door 7 is lockable by the locking arrangement 12. The locking arrangement 12 is disclosed as being arranged centrally along the upper, horizontal edge of the door 7 and aligned with the strike plate 9. The skilled person realizes that the locking arrangement 12 and the strike plate 9 can be arranged in other positions, e.g., along one of the two opposing vertical side edges of the door. No matter position, the locking arrangement 12 should be aligned with the strike plate 9.

[0067] Turning to Fig. 7. The door 7 will in its closed position directly or indirectly abut the flange 8 of the opening 6. An indirect abutment may be achieved by a highly schematically arranged sealing 50. Also, when the locking arrangement 12 is set to its locked position, the latch 13 will be positioned to extend along a rear side of the strike plate 9, i.e., on the side of the strike plate 9 that is facing away from the door 7.

[0068] Should the key get lost and there should be a need to open the cabinet 100, this may be made by using the emergency tool 200 that has been described above.

[0069] The tool 200 is grasped, see Figs. 7 and 8, via the handle 201 and the free end 203 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 is inserted into the gap 24 between the housing 1 and the door 7 into a position where at least a portion of engagement portion 22 of the fixing element 11 is received in the recess 205 of the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 and where the protrusion 204 abuts the housing 1 and the door 7.

[0070] The handle 201 is then forced, see Fig. 9, in a direction away from the housing 1. The pressing load PL that is applied to the handle 201 will be converted into a shear force SL that is applied by the hook-shaped insertion portion 202 to the fixing element 11. The protrusion 204 serves as a stopper that acts against the door 7 and the housing 1. Hence, when applying the pressing load PL to the handle 201 in a direction away from the housing 1, the tool 200 will pivot around a line of contact LC between the protrusion 204, the door 7 and the housing 1. The handle 201 will act as a lever that amplifies the pressing load PL.

[0071] Provided the shear load SL exceeds the dimensioned shear load of the fixing element 11, the fixing element 11 will break along its local breaking zone 21. Since the only thing that attaches the strike plate 9 to the housing 1 is the fixing element 11, the strike plate 9 will be released as the fixing element 11 breaks.

[0072] When the strike plate 9 is released, see Fig. 10, there is nothing that stops the door 7 from being opened, i.e., the latch 13 that is part of the locking arrangement 12 has no longer any contact surface to act against. Hence, the door 7 can be pulled open while the latch 13 is still set in its second, locked position. The released strike plate 9 can either fall down by gravity on its own or be assisted by pulling the door 7 open.

[0073] By releasing and removing the strike plate 9 in a controlled manner by breaking the fixing element 11, the locking arrangement 12 is set aside without causing any injuries to the cabinet 100, its door 7, its housing 1 or its locking arrangement 12. Also, as a safety measure, the door 7 cannot be locked anew until the strike plate 9 has been re-positioned to the housing 1 by a new fixing element 11. As long as the strike plate 9 is not replaced, the interspace 10 in the flange 8 will be there and prevent the door 7 from being locked. Hence, the strike plate 9 together with the fixing element 11 may be seen as a tamper evidence that clearly signals to any user that the cabinet 100 has been tampered with.

[0074] The invention has been described as relating to a cabinet having an openable and lockable door. It is to be understood that the same principle is equally applicable if the door is replaced by a drawer. The door may be pivotable in any direction.

[0075] The strike plate has been exemplified as being attached by means of one fixing element. The strike plate can be attached by using more than one fixing element.

[0076] The cabinet has been exemplified as being provided with one strike plate. More than one strike plate may be used.

[0077] The locking arrangement and the strike plate have been exemplified as being arranged in the upper, horizontal portion of the cabinet. It can with remained functionality be arranged along a vertical side of the cabinet. The mounting portion will then instead be oriented to have a substantially vertical planar surface extension when the strike plate is attached to the housing.

[0078] The cabinet and the emergency tool may together be seen as a kit of parts. It goes without saying that the emergency tool should be stored in a safe place remotely from the cabinet to avoid unauthorized use.

[0079] The tool has been exemplified as being configured to be opened by forcing the tool away from the cabinet. The skilled person realizes that the tool, depending on the design of the hook-shaped insertion portion, can be operated by pushing it toward the cabinet instead. It is also realized that the hook-shaped insertion portion and the angle between the handle and the insertion portion may be varied in numerous ways with remained functionality.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035]Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, one embodiment of a cabinet 100 according to the invention is described. The cabinet 100 may be a medical cabinet. It can also be used for other purposes. The cabinet 100 comprises a housing 1 having two opposing side walls 2, a top wall 3, a bottom wall 4 and a rear wall 5. The walls 2, 3, 4, 5 do together define an opening 6 that extends across the front side of the cabinet 100. The skilled person realises that other configurations and positions of the opening 6 may be provided within the scope of the invention.

[0036]As is best seen in Fig. 3, the cabinet 100 has a door 7 that is pivotably arranged about a lower edge portion that extends along the bottom wall 4. The door 7 has been omitted in Fig. 1 to improve understanding. The door may be arranged to pivot about another edge portion.

[0037]A flange 8, also known in the art as a hatch frame, is arranged to encircle the opening 6. The door 7 is configured to directly or indirectly abut the flange 8...

Claims

1. A cabinet (100) having an emergency unlocking arrangement, the cabinet comprising: a housing (1); a door (7) or drawer; a strike plate (9) comprising a stop portion (14) and a mounting portion (15); a locking arrangement (12) supported by said door (7) or drawer, said locking arrangement (12) comprising a latch (13) that is configured to be set between a unlocked position and a locked position, in which locked position the latch (13) is arranged on a side of the stop portion (14) preventing opening of the door (7) or drawer; and an emergency unlocking arrangement (30) comprising a fixing element (11) attaching the strike plate (9) via the mounting portion (15) to a wall portion of the housing (1), said fixing element (11) being dimensioned to break when subjected to a deliberately applied shear load (SL) exceeding a predetermined shear load, thereby releasing the strike plate (9) and allowing the door (7) or drawer to be opened also when the latch (13) is set in its locked position.

2. The cabinet according to claim 1, wherein the fixing element (11) comprises a local breaking zone (21) allowing a controlled breaking of the fixing element (11) when the deliberately applied shear load (SL) exceeding the predetermined shear load is applied to the fixing element (11).

3. The cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing element (11) is accessible via a gap (24) that is formed between the housing (1) and an edge portion of the door (7) or drawer in a condition when the door (7) or drawer is in a closed position.

4. The cabinet according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the fixing element (11) has an axially extending engagement portion (22) that is accessible via the gap (24), and wherein the local breaking zone is arranged (21) in said engagement portion (22).

5. The cabinet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a height (H1) of the gap (24) exceeds a height (H2) of the axially extending engagement portion (22) of the fixing element (11).

6. The cabinet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (11) is a screw, a bolt, a nut, a clip, a rivet or a pin.

7. The cabinet according to claim 2, wherein the local breaking zone (21) is formed by a portion having a locally reduced cross-sectional area as seen in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extension of said axially extending engagement portion (22); or by a portion made of a material different from a material in the rest of the fixing element (11).

8. The cabinet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the door (7) or drawer in its closed position is configured to directly or indirectly abut a flange (8) that extends along at least one edge of an opening (6) in the housing (1), wherein said flange (8) has a discontinuous longitudinal extension, and said strike plate (9) is arranged in an interspace (10) between two successive flange portions (8a; 8b) of said flange (8); or wherein said strike plate (9) is arranged adjacent an end of said flange (8).

9. The cabinet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting portion (15) is configured to be oriented to have a substantially horizontal planar surface extension when the strike plate (9) is attached to the housing (1); or wherein the mounting portion (15) is configured to be oriented to have a substantially vertical planar surface extension when the strike plate (9) is attached to the housing (1).

10. The cabinet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stop portion (14) and the mounting portion (15) each has a substantially planar surface extension and form an angle (α) in view of each other, and wherein the fixing element (11) is arranged in the mounting portion (15) on a distance from the stop portion (14), thereby allowing insertion of a portion of an emergency tool (200) in an interspace between the stop portion (14) and an engagement portion (30) of the fixing element (11).

11. An emergency tool (200) configured to operate the emergency arrangement (12) forming part of the cabinet (100) of claim 1, said tool (200) comprising a handle (201), a hook-shaped insertion portion (202) having a free end (203), and a protrusion (204), said protrusion (204) being located between the handle (201) and the hook-shaped insertion portion (202).

12. The emergency tool of claim 11, wherein a longitudinal centreline (CL) of the handle (201) and a virtual line (VL) extending between the free end (203) of the hook-shaped insertion portion (202) and the protrusion (204) form an angle (α) in view of each other and together expand a virtual plane (VP); and wherein the protrusion (204) is arranged orthogonally to the virtual plane (VP) in an intersection between said two lines (CL; VL) and extends in opposite directions from the virtual plane (VP).

13. A kit of parts comprising a cabinet (100) according to any of claims 1-10, and an emergency tool (200) according to any of claims 11 or 12 for breaking the fixing element (11) forming part of the emergency unlocking arrangement (30).

14. A method of operating the emergency unlocking arrangement (30) forming part of the cabinet (100) of any of claims 1-10, the method comprising the steps of: inserting a free end (203) of an emergency tool (200) into the gap (24) between the housing (1) and the door (7) or drawer into a position where the free end (203) engages an engagement portion (22) of the fixing element (11); applying a shear load (SL) to the fixing element (11), which shear load exceeds the dimensioned shear load of the fixing element (11), thereby breaking the same and releasing the strike plate (9); and opening the door (7) or drawer while the latch (13) is set in its locked position.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: providing an emergency tool (200) with the features according to any of claims 11-12; inserting the free end (203) of the hook-shaped insertion portion (202) of the emergency tool (200) into the gap (24) between the housing (1) and the door (7) or drawer into a position where at least a portion of the engagement portion (22) of the fixing element (11) is received inside the hook-shaped insertion portion (202); applying a load to the handle of the tool (200) to thereby force the protrusion (204) into an abutment with the housing (1) and the door (7) or drawer, whereby the handle (201) acts as a lever that converts the load that is applied to the handle into the shear load (SL) that is applied by the hook-shaped insertion portion (202) to the fixing element (11).

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