GB2429987A

GB2429987A - Vehicle storage unit

Info

Publication number: GB2429987A
Application number: GB0607997A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel William Sharp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-09-08
Filing date: 2006-04-24
Publication date: 2007-03-14
Also published as: GB0607997D0; GB0518307D0

Abstract

A storage unit for a vehicle, especially a two wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle 20, comprises a container having a aperture through which the vehicle may pass and a door 200 operable to close the aperture. The unit is provided with locking means operable to lock and unlock the door if permission determining means determines that a user is permitted to lock and unlock the door. The door may be lockable and unlockable from outside the unit and may be unlockable from inside the unit. The unit may comprise payment means 330. The permission determining means may comprise a keypad 310 into which an access code can be keyed. The locking means may comprise a bolt or bolts 210 and may comprise release means operable from inside the unit by a pedal or button. A receptacle for payment means may be provided which is accessible only from outside the unit and access to which does not permit access to the inside of the unit. Lighting may be provided inside the unit. Power may be supplied to the unit by a solar power system.

Description

P111141GB1 Spec

STORAGE SYSTEM

The present invention relates to storage systems. In particular, the invention relates to a system for providing secure storage for a vehicle.

It is known to provide a storage shed for a vehicle, into which a vehicle may be driven.

Such sheds are commonly found in residential environments and provide valuable security for vehicles, as well as protecting the vehicle from the effects of rain and heat from the sun.

The problem exists that when a vehicle owner parks their vehicle away from their residence, the vehicle becomes vulnerable to theft, vandalism and environmental damage. Theft is a particular problem for motorcycles, since some of the components of a motorcycle may be readily removed. These components are often essential to motorcycle safety, and may be expensive to replace.

There is therefore a need for a secure storage system for a vehicle suitable for public use.

In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle storage unit, comprising: a container; an aperture through which a vehicle may pass; and a door operable to close the aperture, wherein the unit is provided with locking means, the locking means being operable by a user on an outer side of the container to lock the door and to unlock the door, the locking means being further operable by a user on an inner side of the container to unlock the door, wherein the unit is further provided with permission-determining means, the permission- determining means comprising means for determining whether a user is permitted to lock the door or to unlock the door, the permission- determining means being adapted to allow a user to lock the door or to unlock the door when it is determined that a user has permission.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle storage unit comprising P11I141GB1 Spec s: ..

:. .:. :.: : : :.

* I I * I I S I

III I S S S

a container; an aperture through which the vehicle may pass; and a door operable to close the aperture, wherein the unit is provided with locking means, wherein the unit is further provided with permission-determining means, the permission- determining means comprising means for determining whether a user is permitted to lock the door or to unlock the door, the permission- determining means being adapted to allow a user to lock the door or to unlock the door when it is determined that a user has permission.

By the term vehicle' is included motorcycles, other motor vehicles such as cars and quad bikes, wheelchairs, bicycles, watercraft, aircraft, and any other suitable vehicle.

Preferably the locking means is operable by a user on an outer side of the container to lock the door and to unlock the door, the locking means being further operable by a user on an inner side of the container to unlock the door.

The invention has the advantage that the door may be unlocked from inside the container in the event that a person becomes locked within the container. Furthermore, since a secure storage system according to the present invention is provided with permission-determining means, it may be conveniently located for public access and use.

The locking means may comprise a release member, the release member being operable from inside the container to unlock the door.

Preferably a pedal is provided, the pedal being operable from the inner side of the container to operate said release member.

Alternatively or in addition a button may be provided on the inner side of the container, the unit being adapted to unlock the door when the button is actuated.

This feature has the advantage that the door may be unlocked easily from inside the container by persons of low height such as a child. Furthermore, in systems having a lock powered by an external power supply, the presence of a release member comprising a pedal operable without the need for an external power supply enables the P111141GB1 Spec.. , : ..

:,. : .. :.: door to be unlocked by a person inside the unit even in the event of a power failure.

That is, the pedal can unlock the door by a direct non-powered mechanical linkage Alternatively or in addition, the means for unlocking the door by direct non-powered mechanical linkage may comprise any other suitable nonpowered mechanical linkage.

Preferably the locking means comprises at least one bolt, slidably connected to the door, the at least one bolt being operable to assume an extended condition or a retracted condition, the container being provided with a bolt-receiving aperture, such that with the door in a closed condition and the bolt in an extended condition the bolt is received through said bolt-receiving aperture, to lock the door.

Alternatively, the locking means may comprise at least one bolt, slidably connected to the container, the at least one bolt being operable to assume an extended condition or a retracted condition, the door being provided with a bolt-receiving aperture, such that with the door in a closed condition and the bolt in an extended condition the bolt is received through said bolt-receiving aperture, to lock the door.

Thus, whether the bolt is mounted on the door or the container, with the bolt-receiving aperture provided in a corresponding location of the container or the door, respectively, the door may be locked by sliding the bolt to the extended condition, and unlocked by sliding the bolt to the retracted condition.

Preferably, the locking means is provided with biasing means, the biasing means being adapted to urge the at least one bolt towards said extended condition.

Preferably the locking means comprises a pantograph-type mechanism. Such a mechanism provides a convenient means for releasing a plurality of bolts by translation of a single link member.

The release means may comprise a Ieadscrew operable by an electric motor.

In an open condition, the door may be substantially contained within the unit.

This has the advantage that the door does not protrude from the door when in the open condition, where it is at risk of damage due for example to collision of objects with the P111141GB1 Spec *.. , *.

* II * 4 * I I * I I II. III I I * I * I I S I S I S

III I S S I

door. For example, the door may be a retractable door that swings to lie substantially parallel to a roof of the container, in an upper portion of the container.

The door may be adapted to move from a closed condition to an open condition such that the door remains substantially contained within the unit.

This feature has the advantage that a risk of impingement of the door upon an object outside the unit as the door is opened is substantially reduced. Thus, risk of damage to an object such as a vehicle, or injury to an object such as a person, is substantially reduced. Furthermore, a constraint on the presence of nearby objects such as bollards or other obstacles is reduced. For example, the door may be of a canopy door type.

The door may be adapted to open by folding of the door. Thus, the door may be of a design such as a sectional door design or a roller door design.

The door may be adapted to open or close by rotation of the door about an axis that is not substantially at one end of the door. This has the advantage that if the unit is placed on a slope, a gravitational force acting to promote opening or closure of the door may be reduced.

Preferably the unit is provided with a keypad, the unit being adapted to request a security code from a user, the unit being further adapted to lock the door after the security code has been provided.

Preferably the permission-determining means is adapted to lock the door if the security code entered by a user corresponds to an authorised security code.

Preferably the unit is adapted to request a security code from a user before unlocking the door.

Preferably the permission-determining means is be adapted to unlock the door if the security code entered by a user corresponds to an authorised security code.

The authorised security code may correspond to a code transmitted to the unit by a remote server.

Pllll4lGBlSpec *, * S SI S S S I S St S S * II SI. I * I S * I S S S I I I 555. S S S Preferably the unit comprises payment means.

The unit may be adapted to ensure that a credit value of a user is sufficient before allowing the door to be unlocked.

Preferably the unit is adapted to request a user to make further payment before unlocking the door when a credit value of a user is too low.

Preferably the unit is provided with occupant detection means for detecting an occupant.

This has the advantage that safety functions may be implemented in order to enhance safety and security of the unit.

Preferably, the unit is adapted to unlock the door in the event that an occupant is detected by the occupant detection means when the door is in a locked condition.

Preferably, the unit is adapted to maintain the door in an unlocked condition in the event that an occupant is detected by the occupant detection means when the door is in an unlocked condition.

Preferably, the unit is adapted to ensure that the door is in a closed condition before allowing the door to assume a locked condition.

The unit may be provided with means for automatically opening the door when a signal is received from a user, such that a vehicle may be driven into the container. The means for automatically opening the door may comprise at least one selected from amongst an electric motor, a gas strut, or any other suitable device.

The unit may be further provided with means for automatically closing the door when a signal is received from a user. The means for automatically closing the door may comprise at least one selected from amongst an electric motor, a gas strut, or any other

suitable device.

Alternatively or in addition, the unit may be adapted automatically to close the door when the following conditions are metS a predetermined time period has expired since the door was opened, no signal is received from a user, and no occupant is detected by the means for detecting an occupant.

P111141GB1 Spec, : . * 4 S * * 5 4 I.

V S I SIR ISV

* I S S I I * V 555. S * S Preferably, the unit further comprises storage means for storing a user's gear. The gear may comprise a motorcycle helmet, protective clothing, and/or portable luggage. The storage means may comprise at least one selected from amongst a shelf, a cupboard, a hanger, or any other suitable storage means.

Embodiments of the invention have the feature that heat from the vehicle may be used to dry items of gear that may be wet.

The unit may comprise means for indicating whether a unit is occupied. The means for indicating whether a unit is occupied may comprise at least one selected from amongst an indicator lamp, an illuminated panel, and a flag.

Preferably the payment means comprises means for receiving at least one selected from amongst coins, bank notes, tokens, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, or any other suitable payment means.

The advantage of accepting tokens is that payment for the use of a unit may be made, for example, by a retail establishment that the user is visiting during the period the vehicle is stored in the unit. When the user returns to the unit, the token may be entered into the payment means, and a security code typed at the keypad, enabling the door to be unlocked. Similarly, smart card systems may be employed, for example by subscription parking systems, whereby a user purchases use of a unit for a period of (say) one month or one year.

The unit may be provided with a secure receptacle for receiving at least one selected from amongst coins, bank notes and tokens.

Preferably, the receptacle is adapted such that access to the receptacle may be provided only from an outer side of the container. The unit may be adapted such that access to the receptacle does not permit access to the inner side of the unit. This has the advantage that a person emptying the receptacle is not able to access a vehicle or gear stored within the container, thus providing greater security for the vehicle. If access is provided only from outside the unit, it is possible to prevent tampering from within the unit.

P111I41GB1Spec. : .. .* I. * * * . , a.

a I a., *11 * :1. *. * : . Preferably the unit is provided with communication means for communicating with an external computing device. The communication means may comprise a telephone connection, a wireless connection, or a port adapted for connection to a portable computing device.

Preferably the communication means is adapted to provide override control of the locking means. This has the advantage that the locking means may be opened by said external computer in the event that a user forgets their security code.

The unit may be adapted to unlock the door when an administration code is entered into the unit by a user.

The advantage of this feature is that if a user forgets their security code, the user may telephone an administrator, If the administrator is satisfied that the user is entitled to access the vehicle within the unit, the administrator may provide the user with an administration code, which the user enters into the unit via the keypad. In response to this administration code, the locking means may unlock the door.

Alternatively or in addition, the unit may be adapted to generate an administration code response code in the event that a user enters an administration code into the unit.

Preferably the administration code response code enables an administrator to generate an access code, the unit being adapted to unlock the door when said access code is entered into the unit. The access code may correspond to the security code entered by the user.

The feature of generating an administration code response code may be implemented by an algorithm stored in computing means of the unit.

Alternatively or in addition the access code may be generated from the administration code response code using an algorithm stored in external computing means.

Preferably, internal lighting is provided.

Preferably, power for the unit is provided by a solar power system.

P111141GB1Spec,. , : . a'.

a I * I I' a, , .1* I I I I I I * I S a.. P 6 0 Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference shall now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention with the door in a closed condition; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention with the door in an open condition; FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of a locking mechanism according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4 is an engineering drawing of a locking mechanism according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; with the mechanism in an unlocked condition; FIGURE 5 is an engineering drawing of a locking mechanism according to the preferred embodiment of the invention with the mechanism in a locked condition; FIGURE 6 shows an instruction panel provided on an outer side of the unit for a user; P111141GB1 Spec - * I, 4 * 4 8 8 I 484 8*, S I I 4 8 8 * I 4 ,* 4 4 4 FIGURE 7 shows a sequence of instructions provided to a user by a unit according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 8 shows a schematic view of the interconnections between the control electronics.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention a vehicle storage unit 10 comprises a steel container 100 of rugged construction, as shown in Fig. 1. A storage unit 10 according to the present embodiment is designed to store a motorcycle 20 (Fig. 2). However, it will be clear to the skilled person that the storage unit 10 is readily adaptable to store other kinds of vehicles such as cars, quad bikes, tricycles, bicycles, watercraft, aircraft or any other suitable vehicle.

The container 100 is provided with a control console 300 having a keypad 310 and a display 320. The control console 300 also has a coin insertion slot 330 and a coin changegiver 340. An instruction poster 350 is also provided, reproduced in Fig. 6.

The storage unit 10 is further provided with a door 200, connected to the container by hinges, the door having a series of three bolts 210 protruding from a leading edge 205 of the door (Fig. 2). A further three bolts 210 protrude from corresponding locations of the trailing edge 207 of the door 200, as shown in Fig. 3.

The bolts are operated by a pantograph-like mechanism as shown in Figs. 3 to 5. The bolts 210 are slidable in a lateral direction, engaging with corresponding bolt-receiving apertures 110 of a wall of the container. Link arms 220 connect each bolt 210 to a release member 230 oriented in a substantially vertical plane. The release member 230 is slidable in a slot in an inner panel of the door. A spring 280 provides biasing means to urge the release member 230 against a leadscrew 260 located above the release member 230. The leadscrew 260 is connected to a drive motor 270 (Fig. 3).

When it is desired to lock the door, the drive motor 270 retracts the leadscrew. The release member 230 is thus raised in an upwards direction under the influence of the spring 280, and the bolts 210 are urged laterally outwards to locate within the corresponding bolt-receiving apertures 110 of the container.

P111141GB1 Spec., , 10:: :. ,, When it is desired to unlock the door, the drive motor is operated in a reverse direction.

Thus, the lead screw 260 is driven substantially vertically downwards; the release member 230 is lowered, thus retracting the bolts 210 Alternatively, the release pedal 240 may be depressed. Since the leadscrew 260 is not attached to the release member 230, the release member 230 moves vertically downwards away from the leadscrew 260, thereby retracting the bolts 210.

The control console 300 is provided with control electronics 600 to control the drive motor 270 of the locking mechanism and the payment system.

An indicator flag on the control console 300 is provided to indicate whether or not the unit is vacant, If the unit is vacant, a user is invited to insert payment (Fig. 7). Once sufficient funds have been provided, the user enters a four digit personal identification number (PIN). The PIN is entered again to confirm the correct number.

A control electronics unit 600 then unlocks the door by operating the drive motor 270, and the user is invited to put their motorcycle and gear inside the unit. The door will automatically close after a fixed period of time. Alternatively the user may press a button to close the door at an earlier time.

An occupancy detector detects whether or not a person is contained within the unit before allowing the door to close and lock. If a person is detected, the door will not be permitted to be locked. The occupancy detector may have a movement detector such as a passive infrared (PIR) detector. In alternative embodiments an ultrasonic movement detector is used in addition to or as an alterative to the PIR detector. An ultrasonic detector has the advantage that the detector is less likely to be triggered by heat from a vehicle stored in the unit.

According to the present invention the door is closed automatically by a door drive motor (not shown), but in alternative embodiments the door may be manually closed.

Since a motorcycle to be stored in the unit is likely to be warm, care must be taken in the selection of a suitable occupancy detector, since certain types of passive infra-red sensor may be activated by the heat from the motorcycle. Ultrasonic movement detectors may be used to detect the movement of a person within the unit, for example.

P111141GB1 Spec * : * :: :.

11::: : ** : :: :: The control console 300 displays a time on the display 320 indicating the storage time (credit) remaining for which the user has paid.

When the user returns, the user enters their PIN again and, provided there is still credit remaining, the door will be unlocked and automatically opened If the user does not have any credit remaining, they will be requested to provide further payment before the door can be unlocked and opened.

Once the door has been opened, a timer is activated. After expiry of a certain time period the door will automatically close, provided no movement is detected within the unit.

If the unit detects movement within the unit, and the door is in a locked condition, the door is automatically unlocked.

In the unlikely event that a person did become trapped within the unit with the door in a locked condition, the person may depress the pedal 240 in order to unlock the door.

Power to the unit is provided by a solar panel, thus enhancing the flexibility of location of the unit. The unit may therefore be located in places where external electric power service is not available.

In the event that a person forgets their PIN, the control electronics unit 600 is provided with an algorithm to enable a remote operator to provide the user with their PIN.

The remote operator first confirms that the user is entitled to open the door (e.g. they are the owner of the vehicle stored inside the unit). The operator then provides the user with an administration code which the user enters at the keypad. According to the present embodiment the administration code is the same for each unit at a given geographical location. In some embodiments the administration code may differ between units.

In response, the control electronics 600 provides an administration code response code on the display 320 which the user supplies to the administrator. The administration code response code is generated using an algorithm and the user's PIN. The administrator enters the administration code response code into the computer terminal, which is * 00 * ** : * * * P111141GB1 Spec: :* : : : : * * * *** Ii * * * * * S * 0 * a,, S provided with the same algorithm. The computer terminal is therefore able to recreate the user's PIN, which the administrator may then supply to the user.

If a user returns to the unit during the period for which they still have credit, the user can open the door, and then re-close and lock the door. This feature is useful for example when a user wishes to temporarily store items purchased during the period for which the motorcycle is being stored.

The unit 10 is provided with a receptacle (not shown) that fits into a chamber 400 in a wall of the container 100 for receiving coins that the user may supply. The chamber 400 is designed such that access to the interior of the container via the chamber 400 is prevented, thus enhancing the security of the unit 10.

In some embodiments of the invention, the control electronics 600 are accessible remotely, using a GSM modem 610. The status of the system may be monitored externally via the GSM modem, including usage information such as the amount of payment received by the unit 10. This information is helpful in monitoring the profitability of a unit 10.

A diagnostic port 500 (Fig. 7) is also provided, within the chamber 400. The diagnostic port enables the control electronics 600 to be overridden in the event of a fault, allowing the unit 10 to be unlocked. For example, a computing device may be connected to the diagnostic port 500 in order to interrogate the control electronics 600.

In embodiments of the invention, the control electronics are adapted for connection to a remote server, for example by a telephone connection, a wireless connection, or ny other suitable connection. The remote server may communicate with the control electronics to determine a status of the unit. For example, the server may access data regarding usage of the unit, such as revenue generated and a length of time for which a unit has been occupied. Statistical data may be obtained such as the average length of a user's use of the unit, and periods of peak demand for units at a particular location.

Furthermore, the server may be adapted to provide the unit with a date regarding a reservation of the unit by a user. Thus, for example, a user may log on to a server via an internet connection or other means, or send a text message, to reserve usage of a unit at a particular location at a particular time on a particular day. Alternatively or in I * I II I * * P111141GB1 Spec: : . * : : : : . :. :; I:. * : . 1.1 addition a user may reserve a unit for a block period of time, or for certain time periods on workdays or at weekends. Once the reservation has been made, the user is provided with a PIN code. The user may also be requested to pre-pay for the time period for which the unit has been reserved.

The unit that has been reserved is then unable to be used by another person for the time period for which the unit has been reserved. When the user arrives at the unit at the pre-booked time, the user may enter their PIN code into the unit, to open the unit.

This feature has the advantage that a user may be confident that a secure parking area will be available at his or her destination before arriving at the destination.

In embodiments of the invention, if the user has pre-paid for use of the unit, the user is not required to make further payment for use of the unit. In alternative embodiments, a user is still required to make payment when they arrive at the unit to use the unit, having reserved use of the unit.

An indicator on the control console 300 provides an indication of a status of the unit. For example, the console may indicate that the unit is vacant, or that the unit is in use. In addition, in embodiments of the invention the unit provides an indication of a time period during which use of unit is reserved. Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention, the unit is adapted to refuse to accept payment that extends a time period for which use of the unit has been paid for into a time period during which use of the unit has been reserved. Furthemore, in embodiments of the invention, the unit is adapted to automatically open when a vehicle is inside the unit not corresponding to a vehicle associated with a user that has reserved use of the unit, if the user associated with the vehicle in the unit has not returned to unit by the commencement of the period for which use of the unit has been reserved by the other user.

Claims

* S. * * S P111141GB1 Spec: : . * * * : * * * ** : . * * * * S * . *5* S

CLAIMS: 1. A vehicle storage unit, comprising: a container; an aperture through which a vehicle may pass; and a door operable to close the aperture, wherein the unit is provided with locking means, the locking means being operable by a user on an outer side of the container to lock the door and to unlock the door, the locking means being further operable by a user on an inner side of the container to unlock the door, wherein the unit is further provided with permission-determining means, the permission- determining means comprising means for determining whether a user is permitted to lock the door or to unlock the door, the permissiondetermining means being adapted to allow a user to lock the door or to unlock the door when it is determined that a user has permission.
2. A vehicle storage unit, comprising: a container; an aperture through which the vehicle may pass; and a door operable to close the aperture, wherein the unit is provided with locking means, wherein the unit is further provided with permission-determining means, the permissiondetermining means comprising means for determining whether a user is permitted to lock the door or to unlock the door, the permissiondetermining means being adapted to allow a user to lock the door or to unlock the door when it is determined that a user has permission.
3. The unit of claim 2 wherein the locking means is operable by a user on an outer side of the container to lock the door and to unlock the door, the locking means being further operable by a user on an inner side of the container to unlock the door.
4. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the locking means comprises a release member, the release member being operable from inside the container to unlock the door.

P111141GBI Spec * ::. : : .
5. The unit of claim 4 wherein a pedal is provided, the pedal being operable from inside the container to operate the release member.
6. The unit of any preceding claim wherein a button is provided on the inside of the container, the unit being adapted to unlock the door when the button is actuated.
7. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the locking means comprises at least one bolt, slidably connected to the door, the at least one bolt being operable to assume an extended condition or a retracted condition, the container being provided with a bolt- receiving aperture, such that with the door in a closed condition and the bolt in an extended condition the bolt is received through said bolt- receiving aperture, to lock the door.
8. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the locking means comprises at least one bolt, slidably connected to the container, the at least one bolt being operable to assume an extended condition or a retracted condition, the door being provided with a bolt-receiving aperture, such that with the door in a closed condition and the bolt in an extended condition the bolt is received through said bolt-receiving aperture, to lock the door
9. The unit of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the locking means is provided with biasing means, the biasing means being adapted to urge the at least one bolt towards said extended condition.
10. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the locking means comprises a pantograph-type mechanism.
11. The unit of claim 10 wherein the release means comprises a leadscrew operable by an electric motor.
12. The unit of any preceding claim wherein, in an open condition, the door is substantially contained within the unit.
13. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the door is adapted to move from a closed condition to an open condition such that the door remains substantially contained within the unit. * *

P111141GB1 Spec: : . : : :.

* * * *. : * * * * * S * a * S..
14. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is provided with a keypad, the unit being adapted to request a security code from a user, the unit being further adapted to lock the door after the security code has been provided.
15. The unit of claim 14 wherein the permission-determining means is adapted to lock the door if the security code entered by a user corresponds to an authorised security code
16. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is adapted to request a security code from a user before unlocking the door.
17. The unit of claim 16 wherein the permission-determining means is adapted to unlock the door if the security code entered by a user corresponds to an authorised security code.
18. The unit of claim 15 or 17 wherein the authorised security code corresponds to a code transmitted to the unit by a remote server.
19. The unit of any preceding claim further comprising payment means.
20. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is adapted to ensure that a credit value of a user is sufficient before allowing the door to be unlocked.
21. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is adapted to request a user to make further payment before unlocking the door when a credit value of a user is too low.
22. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is provided with occupant detection means for detecting an occupant.
23. The unit of claim 22 wherein the unit is adapted to unlock the door in the event that an occupant is detected by the occupant detection means when the door is in a locked condition S ** P111141GB1 Spec: .:.
24. The unit of claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the unit is adapted to maintain the door in an unlocked condition in the event that an occupant is detected by the occupant detection means when the door is in an unlocked condition.
25. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is adapted to ensure that the door is in a closed condition before allowing the door to assume a locked condition.
26. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit comprises means for automatically opening the door when a signal is received from a user, such that a vehicle may be driven into the container.
27. The unit of claim 26 wherein the means for automatically opening the door comprises at least one selected from amongst an electric motor, a gas strut or any other

suitable device.
28. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is provided with means for automatically closing the door when a signal is received from a user.
29. The unit of claim 28 wherein the means for automatically closing the door comprises at least one selected from amongst an electric motor, a gas strut or any other

suitable device.
30. The unit of claim 28 or claim 29 wherein the unit is further adapted automatically to close the door when the following conditions are met: a predetermined time period has expired since the door was opened, no signal is received from a user, and no occupant is detected by the means for detecting an occupant.
31. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit further comprises storage means for storing a user's gear.
32. The unit of claim 31 wherein the storage means comprises at least one selected from amongst a shelf, a cupboard, a hanger or any other suitable storage means.
33. The unit of claim 31 or claim 32 wherein said storage means is provided in a location such that heat from a vehicle parked within the container may be used to dry items of gear that are wet.

S

P111141GB1 Spec: :: **
34. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit comprises means for indicating whether a unit is occupied.
35. The unit of claim 34 wherein the means for indicating whether a unit is occupied comprises at least one selected from amongst an indicator lamp, an illuminated panel, and a flag.
36. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the payment means comprises means for receiving at lest one selected from amongst coins, bank notes, tokens, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, or any other suitable payment means.
37. The unit of claim 36 wherein the unit is provided with a secure receptacle for receiving at least one selected from amongst coins, bank notes and tokens.
38. The unit of claim 37 wherein the unit is adapted such that access to the receptacle is provided only from an outer side of the container.
39. The unit of claim 37 or claim 38 wherein the unit is adapted such that access to the receptacle does not permit access to the inner side of the unit.
40. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is provided with communication means for communicating with an external computing device.
41. The unit of claim 40 wherein the communications means comprises at least one selected from amongst a telephone connection; a wireless connection, and a port adapted for connection to a portable computing device.
42. The unit of claim 40 or claim 41 wherein the communication means is adapted to provide override control of the locking means.
43. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is adapted to unlock the door when an administration code is entered into the unit by a user.
44. The unit of claim 43 wherein the unit is adapted to generate an administration code response code in the event that a user enters an administration code into the unit.
S. . S P111141GB1 Spec: .* .:. :.: :.. . . The unit of claim 44 wherein the administration code response code corresponds to an access code, the locking means being adapted to unlock the door when said access code is entered into the unit.
46 The unit of claim 45 wherein the access code corresponds to the security code entered by the user.
47. The unit of any one of claims 44 to 46 wherein the unit comprises computing means for generating said administration code response code.
48. The unit of claim 45 or any claim depending therefrom, wherein the access code is generated from the administration code response code using an algorithm stored in external computing means.
49. The unit of any preceding claim wherein the unit is provided with internal lighting.
50. The unit of any preceding claim wherein power is provided to the unit by a solar power system.
51. A unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.