Locking system and components thereof
A locking system for toolboxes, industrial cabinets and the like includes a push button operator assembly connected by at least one movable link to at least one latch mechanism configured to latchingly engage an associated striker to releasably retain a first structure (such as a closure) on which the striker is mounted in a closed position relative to a second structure (such as a cabinet) on which the locking system is mounted. The push button operator assembly has a button that, when unlocked, can be depressed to move the associated link to unlatch the latch mechanism from the striker, and that, when locked, is inoperable when depressed to move the link. Push button operator assemblies are disclosed that can move their associated links in one of two opposite directions (to accommodate the directions of link movement needed to operate the associated latch mechanisms), and these oppositely acting push button operator assemblies may be combined in a locking system where either can operate all of the latch mechanisms of the system.