Integral positive unlock device for drawer and cabinet safety locks

A latch assembly for limiting movement of a first moveable element relative to a second stationary element, said first moveable element inserted into and variably positionable relative to said second stationary element, said latching assembly having a first state providing a restricted opening between said first moveable element and said second stationary element, said latching assembly having a second state providing a non-restricted opening between said first moveable element and said second stationary element, said latch assembly comprising:

• a base plate adapted to be mounted to said first moveable element, said base plate including opposed flanges forming a pair of parallel vertical channels;
• said base plate including a lower support plate extending laterally from said base plate, an aperture disposed in said lower support plate;
• a shaft extending through and moveable in said aperture;
• a latching plate mounted on an upper end of said shaft, a compression force element extending between said latching plate and said lower support plate;
• said compression force element engaging said latching plate and biasing said latching plate in a direction away from said lower support plate;
• said latching plate comprising a first vertically extending flange;
• a stop element adapted to be mounted on said second stationary element in a fixed position on said second stationary element;
• said latching plate further comprising a pair of second vertically extending flanges vertically moveable in said parallel vertical channels of said base plate;
• said latching plate and said shaft manually movable between a first vertical position in which said vertically extending flange of said latching plate engages said stop element, and a second vertical position in which said latching plate is disengaged from said stop element;
• said engagement between said first vertically extending flange of said latching plate and said stop element adapted to define said restricted opening between said first moveable element and said second stationary element;
• a manual pressure element formed on an upper surface of said latching plate, an application of manual pressure a predetermined amount moves said latching plate from said first vertical position to said second vertical position;
• an unlock lever pivotally mounted to said base plate, said unlock lever movable between a first position in which said unlock lever is disengaged from said latching plate, to a second position engaging said latching plate when said latching plate is in its second vertical position, said unlock lever, when in said second position, is adapted to provide said non-restricted opening between said first moveable element and said second stationary element;
• said unlock lever adapted to provide said restricted opening between said first moveable element and said second stationary element when said unlock lever is in said first position, and access to said manual pressure element is provided through said restricted opening when said unlock lever is disengaged from said latching plate.