FIELD OF THE INVENTION This present invention relates to systems and methods for opening storage units. More specifically, it relates to systems and methods for preventing damage to storage units or the opening mechanisms of these storage units during unauthorized entry attempts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A variety of storage devices are available in today's marketplace. For instance, industrial storage cabinets may be used to store tools or other devices. In another example, storage cabinets may be used in offices to store various types of office supplies.

Storage cabinets may include a single or multiple doors, which are opened to gain entry to supplies within the storage cabinet. The doors themselves may often be locked to prevent unauthorized entry into the storage cabinet. Often, workers may bring additional supplies to the cabinet. Since the worker is bringing additional supplies to the cabinet, he or she may be carrying these supplies in his or her arms. Thus, the worker may not be able to open the cabinet without placing the additional supplies aside or dropping the supplies in an attempt to open the doors. In addition, workers may need to access the inner contents of the supply cabinet but may have his or her arms full with other supplies.

Some supply cabinets include foot pedal arrangements whereby a worker, for example, may press the foot pedal, and open the door. In this case, the worker would not need to place the material they are carrying aside or may not drop the load he or she is carrying.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The system and method of the present invention advantageously prevents damage from occurring in foot-pedal operated cabinet entry systems. The damage is prevented upon attempted forced entry to these systems.

In one example of the present invention, a system and method of opening a storage unit includes a foot pedal, lever arm, linkage arm, spring, and latching rod. The lever arm is coupled to the foot pedal. The linkage arm is coupled to the lever arm. The spring is coupled to the linkage arm. The latching rod is coupled to the spring and is in a latched position.

Downward movement of the foot pedal causes movement of the lever arm and the movement of the lever arm causes movement of the linkage arm. The movement of the linkage arm causes stretching of the spring and the latching rod remains stationary.

The foregoing and other advantages of the system and method of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the system and method as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present inventions are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein: Figures la, lb, and le are perspective views of a system for opening a storage unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c are side views of the system of Figures la, lb, and lc for opening a storage unit accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 a is a perspective view of the system of for opening a storage unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention showing the system of Figures la, lb, and lc ; and Figure 3b is a side view of the system of Figure 3a in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to Figures la, lb, and lc, a system for opening a storage unit includes a body 102 (including grooved receptacles 108a and 108b), a foot pedal 104, a sliding assembly 106, a latching rod 110, a lever arm 112, a receptacle structure 114, a connector 116, a connector 118, a spring 120, and a linkage arm 122. The latching rod 110 may be coupled to the sliding assembly 106 by attachments 130a and 130b. The system of Figures la, lb, and lc may be used in any type of storage unit, for example, storage cabinets.

The foot pedal 104 is coupled to the lever arm 112. The lever arm 112 is coupled to the linkage arm 122. The linkage arm 122 is coupled to the spring 120. The spring 120 is coupled to the latching rod 110. The body 102 is coupled to a storage unit (not shown in Figures la, lb, and lc).

The foot pedal 104 may be composed of industrial grade steel or any other suitable material. The foot pedal 104 may be attached to the lever arm 112 in any secure fashion. For example, the foot pedal 104 may be welded to the lever arm 112. In an alternate embodiment, the foot pedal 104 may be cast with the lever arm 112.

The latching rod 110 may be composed of any suitable material, for example, industrial grade steel. In one example, the latching rod 110 may be one-half inch in diameter and 9 and 3/8 inches long.

The lever arm 112 and linkage arm 122 may be composed of any suitable material, for example, industrial grade steel. In one example, the lever arm 112 may be 6 inches long and the linkage arm 122 may be 9 inches long.

The connector 116 may include a central rod, around which the lever arm 112 rotates.

Appropriate fasteners, for example, nuts, bolts and washers may be used to secure the central rod to the lever arm 112.

The connector 118 may include a bolt and appropriate fastener. The connector 118 may secure the lever arm 112 to the linkage arm 122.

The receptacle structure 114 may be any type of holder where the latching rod 110 rests and is held when the latching rod 110 is in a latched position. In addition, the latching rod 110 may move from the receptacle structure 114 when the latching rod 110 is an unlatched position.

As described elsewhere in this specification, moving the latching rod 110 from the latched position to an unlatched position may allow the doors of a storage unit to be opened.

The spring 120 may be any type of appropriate spring. In one example, the spring 120 may be a steel spring 3.75 inches long, an initial tension of 9 pounds, a maximum deflection of 2.1 inches, and a total load at maximum deflection of 34 pounds. In addition, the spring 120 may be replaced with any type of elastic structure or member, for example a rubber band. Other types of stretching mechanisms are also possible.

In operation, and now referring to Figure la, the device is shown in an initial position.

That is, the foot pedal 104 has not been pressed, and the sliding assembly 106, latching rod 110, lever arm 112, linkage arm 122, and spring 120 remain in initial positions. Specifically, the latching rod 110 may remain in the receptacle structure 114 and the spring 120 is in an unextended state. The sliding assembly 106 may be in its bottom position within the grooved receptacles 108a and 108b.

In another example of the operation, and now referring to Figure lb, the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) have been unlocked. For instance, a mechanism (not shown in Figure lb) may prevent the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) from moving upward in the locked position. Alternatively, when the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) are unlocked, the sliding assembling 106 (and the latching rod 110) may move up and down the grooved receptacles 108a and 108b.

The depression of the foot pedal 104 in the direction of arrow 16 may cause the lever ann 112 to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown by arrow 24 about the connector 116. The rotation of the lever arm 112 may cause the movement of the linkage arm 122 in a direction as indicated by the arrow 28. The movement of the linkage arm 122 may move the spring 120 as indicated by arrow 32. The movement of the spring 120 may move the latching rod 110 upward as shown by the arrow 36. In other words, the spring 120 may remain unstretched or substantially unstretched and act as a linkage arm.

The latching rod 110 may be pulled out of its receptacle structure 114. The movement of the latching rod 110 may force the sliding assembly 106 in a direction indicated by arrow 38. In this way, the latching rod 110 may be moved from a latched position to an unlatched position.

Any additional latching rods attached to the sliding assembly 106 may also be moved along with the latching rod 110.

In another example of the operation, and now referring to Figure 1 c, the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) have been locked. For instance, a mechanism (not shown in Figure lc) may prevent the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) from moving upward in the locked position.

The depression of the foot pedal 104 in the direction of arrow 16 may cause the lever arm 112 to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown by arrow 24 about the connector 116. The rotation of the lever arm 112 may cause the movement of the linkage arm 122 in a direction indicated by the arrow 28. The movement of the linkage arm 122 may stretch the spring 120 in the direction of arrow 32. However, since the latching rod 110 is latched, the stretching of the spring 120 does not move the latching rod 110.

In this case, the latching rod 110 remains in its receptacle structure 114. The force applied to the latching rod 110 (via the spring 120) does not pull the sliding assembly in a direction indicated by the arrow. In this way, the latching rod 110 is not moved from a latched

position to an unlatched position. Any additional latching rods attached to the sliding assembly 106 may also not be moved.

The spring 120 may dissipate all or part the energy of the downward movement of the foot pedal and subsequent movement of the levers. For example, if a sledgehammer were applied to the foot pedal 104, the spring 120 may dissipate the energy and the latching rod 110 would remain in a latched positions. In other words, an intruder would not be able to gain entry into a storage unit by applying force to the foot pedal 104 to unlatch the latching rod 110. No or minimal damage to the system would occur.

Referring now to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c, a side-view of a system for opening a storage unit of Figures la-lc is shown. The ground, upon which the storage unit rests, is shown as element 131.

In operation, and now referring to Figure 2a, the device is shown in an initial position.

That is, the foot pedal 104 has not been pressed, and the sliding assembly 106, latching rod 110, lever arm 112, and spring 120 remain in initial positions. Specifically, the latching rod 110 remains in the receptacle structure 114 and the spring 120 is in an unextended state. The sliding assembly 106 is in its bottom position within the grooved receptacles (not shown in Figures 2a- c).

In another example of the operation, and now referring to Figure 2b, the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) have been unlocked. For instance, a mechanism (not shown in Figure 2b) may prevent the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) from moving upward in the locked position. Alternatively, when the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) are unlocked, the sliding assembling (and the latching rod 110) may move up and down the grooved receptacles.

The depression of the foot pedal 104 in the direction of arrow 16 may cause the lever arm 112 to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown by arrow 24 about the connector 116. The

rotation of the lever arm 112 may cause the movement of the linkage arm 122 in a direction as indicated by arrow 28. The movement of the linkage arm 122 may move the spring 120 as indicated by arrow 32. The movement of the spring 120 may move the latching rod 110 upward in the direction indicated by arrow 36. In other words, the spring 120 may remain unstretched or substantially unstretched and act as a linkage arm.

The latching rod 110 may be forced out of its receptacle structure 114. The movement of the latching rod 110 may force the sliding assembly 106 in a direction indicated by the arrow 38. In this way, the latching rod 110 may be moved from a latched position to an unlatched position. Any additional latching rods attached to the sliding assembly 106 may also be moved along with the latching rod 110.

In another example of the operation, and now referring to Figure 2c, the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) have been locked. For instance, a mechanism (not shown in Figure 2c) may prevent the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rod 110) from moving upward into the unlatched position.

The depression of the foot pedal 104 in the direction of arrow 16 may cause the lever arm 112 to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown by arrow 24 about the connector 116. The rotation of the lever arm 112 may cause the movement of the linkage arm 122 in a direction as indicated by arrow 28. The movement of the linkage arm 122 stretches the spring 120 as indicated by arrow 32. However, since the latching rod 110 is latched, the spring 120 will stretch and does not move the latching rod 110.

In this case, the latching rod 110 may remain in its receptacle structure 114. The force applied to the latching rod 110 (via the spring 120) does not move the sliding assembly 106. In this way, the latching rod 110 is not moved from a latched position to an unlatched position.

Any additional latching rods attached to the sliding assembly 106 will also not be moved.

The spring 120 may dissipate all or part of the energy of the downward movement of the foot pedal and subsequent movement of the lever arm and linkage arm. For example, if a sledgehammer were applied to the foot pedal 104, the spring 120 may dissipate the energy and the latching rod 110 may remain in a latched position. In other words, an intruder would not be able to gain entry into a storage unit by applying force to the foot pedal 104 to unlatch the latching rod 110. No or minimal damage would occur to the system.

Referring now to Figure 3a, an expanded view of the system of Figures la-lc includes a second latching rod 140, which is attached to the sliding assembly 106 via connectors 139a and 139b. A third latching rod 142 is attached to the sliding assembly 106 via connectors 141a and 141b. A locking mechanism 150 includes a rod 152, which is coupled to a plate 154. The plate 154 fits against the sliding assembly 106. The rod 152 is flush with a box 156. The box 156 extends into an opening 160. A block 155 may prevent the plate 154 and rod 152 from moving within the box 156.

The latching rods 140 and 142 may be composed of any suitable material, for example industrial grade steel. In one example, the latching rods 140 and 142 may be one-half inch in diameter and 9 and 3/8 inches long.

The locking mechanism 150 is locked, for example, when the rod 152 presses against the block 155. However, when the locking mechanism is unlocked, the block 155 may be removed or moved, allowing the rod 152 and plate 154 to move upward in the direction indicated by arrow 33. As this occurs, the sliding assembly 106 along with the latching rods 110,140, and 142 may move upward as shown by the arrow 33.

In operation, the device is shown in an initial position. That is, the foot pedal 104 has not been pressed, and the sliding assembly 106, latching rods 110,140, 142, lever arm 112, linkage arm 122, and the spring 120 remain in initial positions. Specifically, the latching rods 110,140, and 142 remain in their respective receptacle structures (not shown in Figure 3a) and

the spring 120 is in an unextended state. The sliding assembly 106 is in its bottom position within the grooved receptacles 108a and 108b.

The sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rods 110,140, and 142) may be unlocked. For instance, a locking mechanism 150 may prevent the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rods 110,140, and 142) from moving upward. In this case, the depression of the foot pedal 104 in the direction of arrow 16 may cause the lever arm 112 to rotate in a clockwise direction as shown by arrow 24 about the connector 116. The rotation of the lever arm 112 may cause the movement of the linkage arm 122 in a direction as indicated by the arrow 28. The movement of the linkage arm 122 may move the spring 120 as indicated by arrow 32. The movement of the spring 120 may pull the latching rod 110 upward as shown by the arrow 36. In other words, the spring 120 may remain unstretched or substantially unstretched and act as a linkage arm The latching rod 110 may be pulled out of its receptacle structure. The pulling of the latching rod 110 pulls the sliding assembly 106 (and the other latching rods 140 and 142) in a direction indicated by the arrow 33.

In another example of the operation, the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rods 110,140, and 142) may be locked. For instance, the locking mechanism 150 may prevent the sliding assembly 106 (and hence the latching rods 110,140, and 142) from moving upward in the locked position.

The depression of the foot pedal 104 may cause the lever arm 112 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the connector 116 in the direction of the arrow 24. The rotation of the lever arm 112 may cause the movement of the linkage arm 122 in an upward direction (as indicated by the arrow 28). The movement of the linkage ann 122 may stretch the spring 120 in the direction of the arrow 32. However, the stretching of the spring 120 does not move the latching rod 110.

In this case, the latching rod 110 remains in its receptacle structure. The force applied to the latching rod 110 does not move the sliding assembly 106. In this way, the latching rods 110, 140, and 142 are not moved from a latched position to an unlatched position.

The spring 120 may dissipate all or part of the energy of the downward movement of the foot pedal and subsequent movement of the lever arm and the linkage ann. For example, if a sledgehammer were applied to the foot pedal 104, the spring 120 may dissipate the energy and the latching rods 110,140, and 142 would remain in latched positions. In other words, an intruder would not be able to gain entry into a storage unit by applying force to the foot pedal 104 to unlatch the latching rods 110,140, and 142.

Referring now to Figure 3b, the locking mechanism shown in Figure 3a is illustrated in a side view. The locking mechanism 150 includes the rod 152, which is coupled to the plate 154.

The plate 154 is secured to the sliding assembly 106. The rod 152 is flush with the inside of the box 156. The box 156 extends into the opening 160 and the box 156 is secured in the opening 160. As shown, the locked mechanism is locked and cannot move within the box 156 because the rod 156 is halted in its movement by the block 155. However, when the locking mechanism is unlocked, the rod 152 can move within the box 156. The block 155 may be moved or removed using any convenient technique, for instance, by turning a key.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles of the present invention can be applied, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.