GB2568052A

GB2568052A - Improvements in and relating to storage lockers

Info

Publication number: GB2568052A
Application number: GB1718102.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Brialey Thomas
Original assignee: Action Storage Ltd
Current assignee: Action Storage Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-01
Filing date: 2017-11-01
Publication date: 2019-05-08
Also published as: WO2019086844A1; EP3704677A1; GB201718102D0

Abstract

A storage locker 10 is provided having a modular storage-locker door 14. The door 14 has a dedicated and interchangeable lock mounting element 28 which is receivable 5 between front and rear door panels 26, 34. The front and rear panels comprise apertures 56, 58 that are substantially aligned. The lock mounting element forms a seal blocking the apertures. The lock mounting element comprises a bore 60 for receiving a lock. The lock mounting element may be triangular in shape, comprise reinforcement ribs 66 and have a perimeter lip 62. The door may comprise a hinge pin 52 between the front and rear panels. All portions may be formed of high density polyethylene (HDPE). The lock may be a cam, coin return, electronic combination, mechanical combination, coin retain or radial pin lock. The are two other inventions disclosed for i) a system for connecting adjacent modular lockers using snap-fit connections and ii) an apparatus and method therefore of assembling a locker comprising a door and body portion, wherein the body portion comprises first and second portions that can snap-fit together.

Description

The present invention relates to a modular storage-locker door, particularly but not exclusively for use with a storage locker for exterior use. The invention further relates to modular storage-locker door system wherein different locks can be used with a storage locker. An interlocking storage locker system is also provided, as is a modular storage locker.

Storage lockers which are suitable for use in external environments are rare. Metal lockers are prone to oxidation, significantly limiting their operational lifespan. Furthermore, such lockers are typically assembled by engaging a plurality of panels together in a cuboidal configuration, usually using screw-threaded fasteners to engage the panels with one another. As such, there is a significant potential for leak paths developing into the storage areas of the lockers, limiting their utility in external environments, particularly in wet conditions. The method of assembly of such storage lockers is also cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, any visible fasteners are likely to be tampered with by end users, particularly where said end users are children, which may result in damage to the storage lockers.

Furthermore, storage lockers are typically stacked both vertically and horizontally. There are two options for achieving this: either the lockers can be interengaged at the point of manufactured, and then shipped as a bank of lockers; or the lockers can be interengaged on site. There are issues with each of these options. Where lockers are assembled prior to shipping, the cost of transit is large due to the invariable bulk of the lockers, and the end user is not able to customise the bank of lockers according to their requirements.

The risk with assembly of the lockers on site is that this is extremely time-consuming, and a plurality of connector parts must be provided to interconnect each adjacent locker. This is a highly inefficient process, and the need for additional connectors increases the risk of parts becoming lost.

Furthermore, there are a number of different proprietary locks which can be used with storage lockers, and the requirements for installation of the lock into a door of a storage locker may vary greatly. For example, public lockers are much more likely to be coin operable than, for instance, school lockers which may be assigned to a specific individual.

To accommodate different locks, at present, different storage-locker doors must be provided, which is highly inefficient. The manufacturer does not know which door will be required until the storage locker is produced, and therefore must maintain a stock of different storage-locker doors to cover all eventualities.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved storage locker which is able to overcome the above-described limitations.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular storage-locker door comprising: a front door panel having a front access aperture therethrough; a rear door panel which is engagable with the front door panel, the rear door panel having a rear access aperture which is or is substantially aligned with the front access panel when the front and rear door panels are in engagement; and a lock mounting element which is receivable between the front and rear door panels, the lock mounting element having an outward side which in use seals the front access aperture, an inward side which in use seals the rear access aperture, and a lock-mounting bore which extends between the outward and inward sides, through which at least part of a lock mounted to the modular storage-locker door is insertable.

The provision of a replaceable lock mounting element which is assembled in a sandwich between first and second door panels allows the manufacturer to produce a plurality of different lock mounting elements for different lock types. This significantly reduces the manufacturing burden when creating a storage locker which is suitable for use with a wide variety of different locks, without compromising the security of the locker.

Preferably, the lock mounting element may have a triangular or substantially triangular profile.

A triangular profiled lock mounting element is unlikely to break under an applied force, which might be the case for other geometries, whilst also providing an appealing external appearance of the storage locker.

In one embodiment, the lock mounting element may include a plurality of reinforcement ribs on the inward side which are flush which the rear door panel.

In order for a lock to correctly be engagable with the storage locker, it is beneficial for the locking mechanism to be seated so as to be flush with the rear door panel. This may be most readily achieved with the provision of specific reinforcement ribs on the lock mounting element.

Optionally, the lock mounting element may include a perimeter retaining lip which is securable between the front and rear door panels.

The simplest mechanism by which a sandwich construction may be achieved is by location of a perimeter lip of the lock mounting element in a corresponding channel formed between the front and rear door panels. This secures the position of the lock mounting element whilst prohibiting ejection of the lock mounting element.

The modular storage-locker door may further comprise a hinge pin which is receivable between the front and rear door panels.

The construction of the door can also sandwich the hinge pin, which may assist with the assembly of the storage locker, whilst also reducing a potential point of weakness, thereby increasing the security of the storage locker.

Optionally, the door may include left and right cut-out portions.

The provision of cut-out portions allows the door to be mounted either as a left- or right-handed storage-locker door. This further reduces the need to produce redundant doors for each eventuality, which can further reduce manufacturing waste.

Preferably, the front door panel, rear door panel and lock mounting element may be formed from high-density polyethylene.

The formation of the storage-locker door from HDPE ensures that the door is robust and weather-proof, without being brittle. Such a door is therefore protected from oxidation which might otherwise affect a metal locker door.

A lock may be provided with the modular storage-locker door, having a locking mechanism and a cylinder, the cylinder being engaged through the lock-mounting bore and the locking mechanism being seated within the rear access aperture. Preferably, the lock is selected from any one of: a cam lock; a coin return lock; an electronic combination lock; a mechanical combination lock; an RFID lock; a coin retain lock; or a radial pin lock.

The storage-locker door may be provided as a unit with a particular lock which is compatible with the lock mounting element, therefore providing a usable kit of parts for producing a storage-locker door for a particular configuration.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular storagelocker door system comprising: a front door panel having a front access aperture therethrough; a rear door panel which is engagable with the front door panel, the rear door panel having a rear access aperture which is or is substantially aligned with the front access panel when the front and rear door panels are in engagement; and a plurality of lock mounting elements, each lock mounting element being receivable between the front and rear door panels, each lock mounting element having an outward side which in use seals the front access aperture, an inward side which in use seals the rear access aperture, and a lock-mounting bore which extends between the outward and inward sides, through which at least part of a lock mounted to the modular storagelocker door is insertable; wherein the lock-mounting bore of each lock mounting element is differently dimensioned and/or positioned to receive a different said lock.

As an alternative to the above arrangement, it may be possible to provide the door with a plurality of different lock mounting elements, and in turn, different locks, which may allow the user to select whichever lock is most appropriate for a given use with the modular storage-locker door.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an interlocking storage locker system comprising: a plurality of interlockable storage lockers, wherein each interlockable storage locker comprises: a storage-locker body which defines a storage area; and a storage-locker door which is engagable with the storage-locker body to close the storage-locker body; each storage-locker body including at least one snap-fit engagement element to permit snap-fit engagement of adjacent interlockable storage lockers.

The provision of snap-fit engagable lockers which can be interconnected significantly increases the speed with which a bank of lockers can be assembled, either at the factory or onsite. The storage lockers clip together in a manner which cannot be disassembled without significant effort which would not be feasible for an individual user of a locker. This not only advantageously reduces assembly times, but also removes the need for additional connector elements to be provided, reducing material waste and cost.

Preferably, an upper surface of each storage-locker body may be complementarily shaped to a lower surface of each storage-locker body, at least one upper said snap-fit engagement element being provided on the upper surface and at least one complementary lower said snap-fit engagement element being provided on the lower surface to provide snap-fit engagement between vertically stacked adjacent interlockable storage lockers.

Vertical stacking of the lockers is one possible method by which snap-fit connection can be achieved. Complementarily-shaped upper and lower surfaces which include snap-fit engagement elements makes connection of adjacent storage lockers much more straightforward, since this becomes a toolless process.

The lower surface of each storage-locker body may include a recessed portion within which the or each lower snap-fit engagement element is positioned, in which case, the or each lower snap-fit engagement element may be a cantilever snap-fit engagement element.

Recessing of at least one, preferably the lower, surface of the storage locker provides a space in which a cantilever-type snap-fit engagement element can be positioned. Without such a recess, the tangs of the cantilever would protrude, preventing the storage locker from being stacked directly onto a flat surface as the bottom layer of a bank of lockers.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of each storage-locker body may include a projecting portion which is receivable within the recessed portion of the lower surface of a vertically adjacent interlockable storage locker. Furthermore, the projecting portion may have a sloped uppermost surface.

A projecting upper surface ensures that complementary connection between the upper and lower surfaces of adjacent storage lockers is achieved, and a sloping surface may also advantageously assist with water run-off, which is particularly useful for external environments.

Optionally, one said snap-fit engagement element may be provided on a front surface of the projecting portion.

A further snap-fit engagement element may also be provided to improve the location between adjacent vertically-stacked lockers. The front element prevents dislocation of lockers, whereas the other snap-fit engagement elements may provide a more secure connection between adjacent lockers.

The interlocking storage locker system may further comprise at least one engagement bracket having a plurality of snap-fit engagement elements thereon, wherein each storage-locker body includes a bracket receiving slot, the or each engagement bracket being simultaneously insertable into the bracket receiving slot of horizontally adjacent interlockable storage lockers to provide snap-fit engagement between the horizontally adjacent interlockable storage lockers. Preferably, the or each engagement bracket may comprise a bracket spine having a pair of engagement arms extending therefrom, the snap-fit engagement elements of the engagement bracket being provided on the engagement arms.

Horizontal interengagement of the storage lockers may be achieved by the provision of brackets which snap-fit engage across adjacent storage lockers. Again, such an arrangement provides a toolless mechanism of interengagement of the storage lockers, significantly improving the speed of assembly of a bank of lockers. Snap-fit engagement across a pair of lockers also prevents disengagement by individual end users, since an end user would need access to both adjacent lockers to stand any chance of extracting an engagement bracket.

There may also be provided at least one engagement blank which comprises a blank spine and an engagement arm extending therefrom, the or each engagement blank being insertable into a bracket receiving slot of an interlockable storage locker.

Given the provision of engagement slots into which engagement brackets can be inserted, it will be appreciated that, where a locker has no immediate neighbour, that is, at the end of a bank of lockers, a blanking element is desirable to prevent interference with the bracket receiving slot by end users, and/or to limit ingress of inclement weather.

Each storage locker door may include a hinge pin, a said engagement bracket or engagement blank being receivable over the hinge pin to cover the hinge pin.

The engagement brackets or blanks may add an additional layer of security to the storage locker by covering and protecting a hinge pin of the storage-locker door, significantly reducing unauthorised access thereto.

Preferably, a said bracket receiving slot may be provided at or adjacent to each vertical edge of the storage-locker body.

Providing the bracket receiving slots along vertical edges of the storage-locker body provides an extended contact area between adjacent lockers, improving the strength of the connection between the brackets.

Optionally, each storage-locker body may include left and right hinge mounts to which a hinge pin of the storage-locker door may be selectively mounted.

Preferably, each storage-locker door of the interlocking storage locker system may be a modular storage-locker door in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Each storage-locker body may comprise at least first and second body portions which are interconnectable via complementary snap-fit engagement elements.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular storage locker comprising: a storage-locker body which defines a storage area; and a storage-locker door which is engagable with the storage-locker body to close the storage-locker body;

the storage-locker body comprising at least first and second body portions which are interconnectable via complementary snap-fit engagement elements.

The provision of a storage-locker body which can be assembled by the interconnection of only two main parts advantageously reduces the construction time of any given locker. The snap-fit engagement of the parts also provides an aesthetically pleasing outer surface, whilst significantly limiting the ability of a user to deflect the snap-fit engagement elements from inside the storage locker. The snap-fit engagement elements also cannot be disengaged whilst the storage locker is part of a larger bank of interconnected storage lockers, which significantly improves the security of the lockers.

Preferably, the first body portion may define upper, lower and side walls of the storage area, and the second body portion defines a rear wall of the storage area.

Where the second body portion is removable as the entire rear of the locker, this provides an advantage to insertion of internal components of the storage locker, such as shelves. Such features can be inserted through the rear of the storage locker prior to assembly, which might not otherwise be achievable with vacuum-moulded plastics products.

The complementary snap-fit engagement elements may be cantilever snap-fit engagement elements, the first body portion includes a plurality of female said snap-fit engagement element and the second body portion includes a plurality of male said snapfit engagement elements.

Such snap-fit engagement elements are automatically urged into engagement by the natural shapes of the first and second body portions, such that disengagement of the engagement elements is extremely difficult, thereby improving security.

In one embodiment, the first body portion may have an upper surface which includes a projecting portion having a sloped uppermost surface.

The first body portion may include a pair of forward bracket receiving slots for receiving engagement brackets for interengagement of adjacent storage lockers.

Optionally, the second body portion may include a pair of rear receiving slots for receiving engagement brackets for interengagement of adjacent storage lockers.

Preferably, the first body portion may include left and right hinge mounts to which a hinge pin of the storage-locker door may be selectively mounted.

The first and second body portions may be formed from different plastics materials, and more preferably, the first body portion may be formed from high-density polyethylene and the second body portion may be formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

The manufacture of the components from different materials provides different advantages. HDPE is more cost-effective and durable than ABS, which can be brittle. However, ABS can be manufactured to a much higher tolerance, which is important for ensuring that the positioning of the tangs of the cantilevered snap-fit engagement elements is correct for engagement with the other body portion.

The modular storage locker may further comprise at least one shelf and/or drawer which is insertable into the first body portion.

The provision of the two-part body of the modular storage locker advantageously allows for the insertion of shelving or similar runner-requiring elements which could otherwise not be installed into a unitary construction.

Each storage-locker door of the modular storage locker may be a modular storagelocker door in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Each storage-locker body may preferably include at least one snap-fit engagement element to permit snap-fit engagement of adjacent modular storage lockers.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of improving the speed of assembly of a storage locker, the method comprising the steps of a] providing a modular storage locker preferably in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention; b] interengaging the first and second body portion to one another via the snap-fit engagement elements to form the storage-locker body; and c] attaching the storage-locker door to the storage-locker body.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective representation of one embodiment of a modular storage locker in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, having a modular storage-locker door in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a front perspective representation of the modular storage locker of Figure 1, with the modular storage-locker door in an open condition;

Figure 3 shows an exploded front perspective representation of the modular storage locker of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a front perspective representation of the modular storage locker of Figure 1, showing an exploded perspective representation of the modular storagelocker door;

Figure 5 shows a rear perspective representation of the modular storage locker of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a top perspective representation of the modular storage locker of Figure 1;

Figure 7 shows a bottom perspective representation of the modular storage locker of Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows a front perspective representation of a first embodiment of an interlocking storage locker system in accordance with the third aspect of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a partially exploded front perspective representation of the interlocking storage locker system of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a rear perspective representation of the interlocking storage locker system of Figure 8;

Figure 11 shows a partially exploded rear perspective representation of the interlocking storage locker system of Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows a front perspective representation of a second embodiment of an interlocking storage locker system in accordance with the third aspect of the invention;

Figure 13 shows an exploded rear perspective representation of a second embodiment of a modular storage locker in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention; and

Figure 14 shows an enlarged rear perspective representation of the modular storage locker of Figure 13, inclusive of a cap element.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is indicated a modular storage locker, shown globally at 10, and which is used for the storage of items by a user. The modular storage locker 10 comprises a storage-locker body 12 which defines a storage area within which items may be stored, and a storage-locker door 14 which lockably covers an opening 16 of the storage-locker body 12.

In the depicted embodiment, the storage-locker body 12 is formed in two parts. A first body portion 18 is formed as a unitary piece which defines at least a majority of the top, bottom and side walls of the storage-locker body 12. The first body portion 18 preferably has a plurality of projecting or recessed panels 20 thereon which provide strength to the unitary first body portion 18.

Preferably, the opening 16 of the storage-locker body 12 is smaller a maximum outer perimeter of the storage-locker body 12 in a plane of the front or rear walls thereof. In practice, this results in the first body portion 18 having an overhang 22 which extends to form a perimeter of a front wall of the modular storage locker 10 against which the storage-locker door 14 may close.

The second body portion 24 is engagable with the first body portion 18 to thereby form a rear wall of the storage-locker body 12. In the depicted embodiment, the shape of the second body portion 24 is such that it also forms a rear portion of each of the top, bottom and side walls of the storage-locker body 12.

Preferably, the first and second body portions 18, 24 are formed from different plastics materials. In the depicted embodiment, the first body portion 18 is formed from highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) and the second body portion 24 is formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). HDPE is more readily mouldable, and is typically more robust and cost-effective than ABS. However, ABS can be manufactured to a greater tolerance than HDPE, which is important for complementary snap-fit engagement of the first and second body portions 18, 24, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Whilst it may be advantageous to form the storage-locker body 12 in two portions, it will be appreciated that a storage-locker body formed from several interconnected parts, or formed as a unitary piece, could alternatively be considered.

The storage-locker door 14 is here formed as a modular storage-locker door, and this will be described in more detail below. However, it will be appreciated that in certain aspects of the invention, a unitarily formed storage-locker door could be provided without limiting the scope of the invention. In Figure 1, a front door panel 26 of the modular storage-locker door 14 can be seen, as can a front surface of a lock mounting element 28 to which a lock associated with the modular storage locker 10 can be mounted and/or positioned.

The storage-locker body 12 preferably includes at least one, and more preferably a plurality of, engagement slots 30a, 30b via which adjacent modular storage lockers 10 may be interconnected, preferably via one or more brackets. In Figure 1, an engagement blank 32a is shown which has been inserted into the visible bracket engagement slot 30a.

Figure 2 shows the modular storage locker 10 with the storage-locker door 14 in an open condition, so as to illustrate the rear door panel 34 thereof. The rear door panel 34 may include a recessed or projecting portion which is complementarily engagable with a corresponding projection or recess of the storage-locker body 12 to provide a seal for the modular storage locker 10 at its opening 16. Here this is formed as a recessed portion 36 on the rear door panel 34 and a projecting lip 38 on the storage-locker body 14. Preferably, each of the front door panel 26, rear door panel 34 and lock mounting element 28 may be formed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

As can be seen in Figure 2, the storage-locker door 14 preferably includes left and right cut-out portions 40 which are complementarily seatable around the front bracket engagement slots 30a of the storage-locker body 12. The storage-locker door 14 can be mounted to the storage-locker body 12 on either side, in this case, to either open as a left- or right-hand door. In this arrangement, a hinge pin associated with the modular storage-locker door 14 is held captive within one bracket engagement slot 30a, and is then covered by a respective engagement blank 32a.

The storage area of the modular storage locker 10 can be seen in Figure 2, highlighting the castellations and crenellations formed by the plurality of projecting or recessed panels 20. One or more shelving runs or ledges 42 could also be provided, which would allow shelves to be inserted into the modular storage locker 10. The overhang 22 of the first body portion 18 may advantageously prevent removal of any inserted shelves, and insertion of the shelves may be necessary prior to assembly of the first and second body portions 18, 24.

Figure 3 shows the way in which the storage-locker body 12 is assembled. The first body portion 18 includes a plurality of snap-fit engagement elements, preferably formed as female cantilevered snap-fit engagement elements 44, and may preferably extend from a rear portion of each of the top, bottom and side walls of the first body portion 18.

The second body portion 24 is formed such that a plurality of complementary snap-fit engagement elements is provided, here in the form of male cantilevered snap-fit engagement elements 46, which can couple to the corresponding female cantilevered snap-fit engagement elements of the first body portion 18. The male cantilevered snapfit engagement elements 46 are arranged such that the engagement heads thereof point inwards, that is, towards the storage area. Such an arrangement conceals the snap-fit engagement elements from the exterior of the modular storage locker 10, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to disassemble the modular storage locker 10 from the outside.

Front bracket engagement slots 30a of the first body portion 18 can also be seen in more detail in Figure 3; left and right, upper and lower hinge mounts 48 are provided respectively associated with each front bracket engagement slot 30a to receive a hinge pin of the modular storage-locker door 14. Snap-fit engagement elements 50 of the engagement blanks 32a, 32b are also visible.

Front engagement blanks 32a may be provided which are engagable with the front bracket engagement slots 30a, and corresponding rear engagement blanks 32b may be provided which are engagable with rear bracket engagement slots 30b. The rear bracket engagement slots 30b may be preferably formed in the second body portion 24 of the storage-locker body 12. Each engagement blank 32a, 32b preferably comprises a blank spine and an engagement arm extending therefrom, the or each engagement blank 32a, 32b being insertable into its respective bracket receiving slot 30a, 30b, which are preferably positioned at and/or aligned with vertical edges of the modular storage locker 10 when assembled.

Figures 4 and 5 show the various components of the storage-locker door 12 of the present invention. The front door panel 26, lock mounting element 28, and rear door panel 34 may be assembled in a sandwich arrangement, with the lock mounting element 28 being held between the front door panel 26 and rear door panel 34. A hinge pin 52 may also be provided as part of the sandwich construction, with one or more hinge pin mounting elements 54 being provided to secure the position of the hinge pin 52.

The front door panel 26 has a front access aperture 56, through which a front surface of the lock mounting element 28 may be accessible. The front surface of the lock mounting element 28 includes the user-interactable portions of any lock associated with the storage locker 10.

The rear door panel 34 has a rear access aperture 58, via which a rear surface of the lock mounting element may be accessible. The rear surface of the lock mounting element 28 includes at least part of the locking mechanism of any said lock.

The lock mounting element 28 is formed as a unitary piece having a lock-mounting bore 60, most visible in Figure 2, therethrough via which at least part of the said lock is receivable to interconnect the user-interactable portion of the lock with its locking mechanism.

The lock itself may be any commercially available or bespoke lock having a locking mechanism and a cylinder. The cylinder may be engaged through the lock-mounting bore 60 with the locking mechanism being seated within the rear access aperture 58.

Examples of locks which may be used include: a cam lock; a coin return lock; an electronic combination lock; a mechanical combination lock; an RFID lock; a coin retain lock; or a radial pin lock.

The lock mounting element 28 is preferably formed having a geometric shape, such as a triangle or substantially as a triangle, as shown, and more preferably includes a perimeter retaining lip 62 which is complementarily seatable between the front and rear door panels 26, 34 in the sandwich construction, to thereby prevent ejection of the lock mounting element 28 through either of the front or rear access apertures 56, 58. The perimeter retaining lip 62 may also include one or more secondary locators 64, preferably formed as notches or projections thereon, which further assist with location and/or orientation of the lock mounting element 28. As such, the front and rear door panels 26, 34 preferably include a receiving channel within which the perimeter retaining lip 62 is seatable in the assembled condition, and may include one or more complementary locators which are engagable with the or each secondary locator 64.

The lock mounting element 28 preferably includes a plurality of reinforcement ribs 66, which may be formed as parallel ribs, on the inward surface which are flush which the rear door panel 34. This advantageously allows the locking mechanism of any lock mounted thereto to be flush with the inward surface of the rear door panel 34. Other support means could be considered, however, which could achieve this same end; for example, the rear surface of the lock mounting element 28 could be formed so as to be flush with the inward surface of the rear door panel 34. This may, however, increase manufacturing costs.

The modular construction of the storage-locker body 12 and/or the storage-locker door 14 provides many advantages. The modular construction of a storage-locker door 14 allows for the lock mounting element 28 to be interchanged; the lock-mounting bore 60 is dimensioned and/or positioned for a specific type of proprietary lock. As such, providing interchangeable lock mounting elements 28 permits the use of several different lock types with a single storage-locker door 14. Previously, bespoke doors must have been provided to accommodate all of the different lock varieties. The specific construction of this modular storage-locker door 14 ensures that the security of the storage locker is not compromised even whilst allowing for the replacement of lock types within the storage-locker door 14.

For the modular construction of the storage-locker body 12 there are different advantages. Firstly, the storage-locker body 12 can be assembled in a toolless fashion, which still resulting in an arrangement which cannot be readily disassembled. The engagement of the second body portion 24 as an entire rear end of the modular storage locker 10 allows for bulky components to be inserted from the rear of the modular storage locker 10 during the assembly process. This would otherwise be extremely difficult to achieve for plastic-moulded storage lockers.

Preferably, the storage lockers 10 are formed as interlockable storage lockers 10, and need not necessarily be modular to achieve this arrangement. The interlocking of the storage lockers 10 will, however, be illustrated in the context of the above-described modular storage locker 10.

The top of an interlocking storage locker 10 is shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. The top wall has an upper surface 68 which is complementarily shaped to a lower surface 70, as can be seen in Figure 7, thereby allowing two adjacent storage lockers 10 to be vertically stacked. Preferably, the lower surface 70 of each interlocking storage locker 10 may include one or more receivers, preferably screw-threaded receivers, for receiving and engaging with foot elements, which allow the user to adjust a height and/or level of each locker which is mounted on the ground. Preferably, four such receivers may be provided, one for each corner of the lower surface 70, in which case, there may be two at the front of the first body portion 18, and two at the rear of the second body portion 24.

At least one, and preferably a plurality of upper snap-fit engagement elements is provided on the upper surface 68, which are here provided as receiving apertures 72 which do not alter the vertical profile of the top wall.

At least one corresponding complementary lower snap-fit engagement element is provided on the lower surface 70 which is or are engagable with the upper snap-fit engagement elements. As can be seen in Figure 7, these may be provided as male cantilevered snap-fit engagement elements 74 which are recessed relative to a lowermost edge of the lower surface 70. As such, the lower snap-fit engagement elements preferably are seated within a recessed portion 76 of the lower surface 70 of the storage-locker body 12.

The upper surface 68 of each storage-locker body 12 preferably includes a projecting portion 78 which is receivable within the recessed portion 76 of the lower surface 70 of a vertically adjacent interlockable storage locker, the projecting portion 78 itself having a preferably sloped uppermost surface. One or more support elements, such as bracing ridges 80 may be provided within the recessed portion 76 to assist with stable stacking of adjacent interlockable storage lockers 10.

To improve the engagement between vertically stacked storage lockers 10, further snapfit engagement elements may be provided. One example is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, in which a forward snap-fit engagement element 82 is provided on a front surface of the projecting portion 78, here formed as a male engagement element. This can be provided so as to hook into or otherwise engage with a corresponding snap-fit engagement element, shown as a female engagement element 84 in Figure 7, thereby providing a locator function; snap-fit engagement may only be achievable if the engagement of the forward snap-fit engagement element 82 has been correctly performed. It will be appreciated that the positioning of the forward snap-fit engagement element is indicative only; such a lateral snap-fit engagement element could be provided on any appropriate interface between the projecting portion 78 and recessed portion 76 of adjacent interlockable storage lockers 10.

Figure 7 also illustrated that at least one drainage aperture 86 may be provided in or on the lower surface 70 of the storage-locker body 12. The sloping profile of the projecting portion 78 of any lower-stacked storage locker 10 may help with run-off of any liquid therefrom, which is particularly useful as the interlockable storage lockers 10 are intended for external use.

The interlockable storage lockers 10 are not only connectable in a vertical direction, but can also be interconnected horizontally, and this is the primary function of the bracket engagement slots 30a, 30b herebefore described. Two horizontally interengaged storage lockers 10 are illustrated in Figures 8 to 11, illustrating an interlockable storage system 100 comprising two storage lockers 10.

To connect two adjacent storage lockers 10 together, the engagement blanks 32a, 32b from adjacent bracket engagement slots 30a, 30b can be removed. One or more engagement brackets 88a, 88b can then be provided which can span and interconnect the engagement slots 30a, 30b.

The engagement brackets 88a, 88b preferably comprise a bracket spine 90 having a pair of engagement arms 92 extending therefrom, snap-fit engagement elements 94 of the engagement bracket 88a, 88b being provided on the engagement arms 92, thereby allowing each engagement bracket 88a, 88b to be simultaneously insertable into adjacent engagement slots 30a, 30b.

Preferably, front engagement brackets 88a are provided to interengage front engagement slots 30a of the interlockable storage lockers 10, and preferably the bracket spines 90 thereof are formed so as to be aesthetically pleasing, optionally forming a flush surface with the adjacent storage-locker doors 12. A disengaged front engagement bracket 88a is visible in Figure 9.

Similarly, dedicated rear engagement brackets 88b may be provided, and the emphasis for such rear engagement brackets 88b may therefore be on structural integrity, rather than appearance. As such, a plurality of reinforcing ridges could be provided on rear engagement brackets 88b, not only improving the function of the rear engagement brackets when engaged with rear engagement slots 30b, but also providing a visible distinguishing feature between the front and rear engagement brackets 88a, 88b. A disengaged rear engagement bracket 88b is visible in Figure 11.

Whilst each of the engagement brackets 88a, 88b and engagement blanks 32a, 32b are indicated as being unitary pieces, it will be apparent that multi-part construction could be considered, with snap-fit engagement elements being using in conjunction with one or more wedging engagement elements which are formed separately to the snap-fit engagement elements. This may assist with avoiding accidental disengagement of the snap-fit engagement elements, in particular if manufacturing tolerances are poor.

A full interlocking storage locker system is shown globally in Figure 12 at 200, in which storage lockers 10 are stacked both vertically and horizontally at the same time. Vertical stacking is achieved by snap-fit engagement of upper and lower surfaces 68, 70 of the storage-locker bodies 12, whilst horizontal engagement is achieved via the use of engagement brackets 88a, 88b.

A variant of a modular storage locker is indicated globally at 310 in Figure 13. Identical or similar components to those previously described will be referred to using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

This arrangement shows how shelves 311 and/or drawers 313 may be incorporated into the first body portion 318 of the storage locker body 312 whilst the second body portion 324 is removed. Preferably, each drawer 313 may include a runner 315 and a drawer body 317 which is movable relative to the runner 315, and which can be extracted through the opening 316 of the modular storage locker 310.

Preferably, the first body portion 318 and runner or runners 315 are shaped so as to be mutually interengagable. The depicted first body portion 318 is sized so as to receive three said runners 315 in a stacked arrangement, and the shelves 311 may be interspersed between runners 315. Each runner 315 is here sized so as to surround its respective drawer body 317.

The shelves 311 may be used without the drawers 313, as can be seen in Figure 14, which shows a cut-away version of the second body portion 324. Each shelf 311 may be dimensioned so as to complementarily couple with both the first and second body portions 318, 324.

A cap element 319 is also illustrated, and this may include one or more snap-fit engagement elements 321 which are interconnectable with an upper surface 368 of the storage locker body 312. The cap element 319 can be used to improve the waterproofing of the modular storage locker 310, in particular for a modular storage locker 310 which would otherwise be positioned at the top of a vertical stack. A pitched upper surface 323 of the cap element 319, which allows water run-off, may be advantageous.

It is therefore possible to provide an improved storage locker which can have a simplified method of construction, by providing a two-part body which is snap-fittably engagable to assemble, a simplified method of interconnection to adjacent lockers, again by the provision of snap-fit engagement elements, and also a modular storagelocker door which allows the use of different types of lock to be utilised therewith. The storage locker is readily assemblable, thereby significantly reducing the difficulty of providing bespoke locker arrangements for end users.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A modular storage-locker door comprising:

a front door panel having a front access aperture therethrough;

a rear door panel which is engagable with the front door panel, the rear door panel having a rear access aperture which is or is substantially aligned with the front access panel when the front and rear door panels are in engagement; and a lock mounting element which is receivable between the front and rear door panels, the lock mounting element having an outward side which in use seals the front access aperture, an inward side which in use seals the rear access aperture, and a lock-mounting bore which extends between the outward and inward sides, through which at least part of a lock mounted to the modular storage-locker door is insertable.

2. A modular storage-locker door as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock mounting element has a triangular or substantially triangular profile.

3. A modular storage-locker door as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lock mounting element includes a plurality of reinforcement ribs on the inward side which are flush which the rear door panel.

4. A modular storage-locker door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lock mounting element includes a perimeter retaining lip which is securable between the front and rear door panels.

5. A modular storage-locker door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hinge pin which is receivable between the front and rear door panels.

6. A modular storage-locker door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door includes left and right cut-out portions.

7. A modular storage-locker door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front door panel, rear door panel and lock mounting element are formed from high-density polyethylene.

8. A modular storage-locker door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lock having a locking mechanism and a cylinder, the cylinder being engaged through the lock-mounting bore and the locking mechanism being seated within the rear access aperture.

9. A modular storage-locker door as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lock is selected from any one of: a cam lock; a coin return lock; an electronic combination lock; a mechanical combination lock; an RFID lock; a coin retain lock; or a radial pin lock.

10. A modular storage-locker door system comprising:

a front door panel having a front access aperture therethrough;

a rear door panel which is engagable with the front door panel, the rear door panel having a rear access aperture which is or is substantially aligned with the front access panel when the front and rear door panels are in engagement; and a plurality of lock mounting elements, each lock mounting element being receivable between the front and rear door panels, each lock mounting element having an outward side which in use seals the front access aperture, an inward side which in use seals the rear access aperture, and a lock-mounting bore which extends between the outward and inward sides, through which at least part of a lock mounted to the modular storage-locker door is insertable;

wherein the lock-mounting bore of each lock mounting element is differently dimensioned and/or positioned to receive a different said lock.

11. An interlocking storage locker system comprising:

a plurality of interlockable storage lockers, wherein each interlockable storage locker comprises:

a storage-locker body which defines a storage area; and a storage-locker door which is engagable with the storage-locker body to close the storage-locker body;

each storage-locker body including at least one snap-fit engagement element to permit snap-fit engagement of adjacent interlockable storage lockers.

12. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in claim 11, wherein an upper surface of each storage-locker body is complementarily shaped to a lower surface of each storage-locker body, at least one upper said snap-fit engagement element being provided on the upper surface and at least one complementary lower said snap-fit engagement element being provided on the lower surface to provide snap-fit engagement between vertically stacked adjacent interlockable storage lockers.

13. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lower surface of each storage-locker body includes a recessed portion within which the or each lower snap-fit engagement element is positioned.

14. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the or each lower snap-fit engagement element is a cantilever snap-fit engagement element.

15. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the upper surface of each storage-locker body includes a projecting portion which is receivable within the recessed portion of the lower surface of a vertically adjacent interlockable storage locker.

16. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the projecting portion has a sloped uppermost surface.

17. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein one said snap-fit engagement element is provided on a front surface of the projecting portion.

18. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising at least one engagement bracket having a plurality of snap-fit engagement elements thereon, wherein each storage-locker body includes a bracket receiving slot, the or each engagement bracket being simultaneously insertable into the bracket receiving slot of horizontally adjacent interlockable storage lockers to provide snap-fit engagement between the horizontally adjacent interlockable storage lockers.

19. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the or each engagement bracket comprises a bracket spine having a pair of engagement arms extending therefrom, the snap-fit engagement elements of the engagement bracket being provided on the engagement arms.

20. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising at least one engagement blank comprising a blank spine and an engagement arm extending therefrom, the or each engagement blank being insertable into a bracket receiving slot of an interlockable storage locker.

21. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein each storage locker door includes a hinge pin, a said engagement bracket or engagement blank being receivable over the hinge pin to cover the hinge pin.

22. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein a said bracket receiving slot is provided at or adjacent to each vertical edge of the storage-locker body.

23. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein each storage-locker body includes left and right hinge mounts to which a hinge pin of the storage-locker door may be selectively mounted.

24. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 23, wherein each storage-locker door is a modular storage-locker door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

25. An interlocking storage locker system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 24, wherein each storage-locker body comprises at least first and second body portions which are interconnectable via complementary snap-fit engagement elements.

26. A modular storage locker comprising:

27. A modular storage locker as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first body portion defines upper, lower and side walls of the storage area, and the second body portion defines a rear wall of the storage area.

28. A modular storage locker as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the complementary snap-fit engagement elements are cantilever snap-fit engagement elements, the first body portion includes a plurality of female said snap-fit engagement element and the second body portion includes a plurality of male said snap-fit engagement elements.

29. A modular storage locker as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the first body portion has an upper surface which includes a projecting portion having a sloped uppermost surface.

30. A modular storage locker as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the first body portion includes a pair of forward bracket receiving slots for receiving engagement brackets for interengagement of adjacent storage lockers.

31. A modular storage locker as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the second body portion includes a pair of rear receiving slots for receiving engagement brackets for interengagement of adjacent storage lockers.

32. A modular storage locker as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the first body portion includes left and right hinge mounts to which a hinge pin of the storage-locker door may be selectively mounted.

33. A modular storage locker as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the first and second body portions are formed from different plastics materials.

34. A modular storage locker as claimed in claim 33, wherein the first body portion is formed from high-density polyethylene and the second body portion is formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

35. A modular storage locker as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 34, further 5 comprising at least one shelf and/or drawer which is insertable into the first body portion.

36. A modular storage locker as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 35, wherein each storage-locker door is a modular storage-locker door as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

10

37. A modular storage locker as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 36, wherein each storage-locker body including at least one snap-fit engagement element to permit snapfit engagement of adjacent modular storage lockers.

38. A method of improving the speed of assembly of a storage locker, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a modular storage locker as claimed in any one of 15 claims 26 to 37; b] interengaging the first and second body portion to one another via the snap-fit engagement elements to form the storage-locker body; and c] attaching the storage-locker door to the storage-locker body.

Intellectual Property Office

Application No: GB1718102.5

Claims searched: 1-10

Examiner: Mr James Tagg

Date of search: 16 April 2018

Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17

Documents considered to be relevant:

Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance A,E DE102016110395 Al (XFACH GMBH) See WPI Abstract Accession No. 2017-82558N and Figures. Machined translation discloses door 30 is able to accommodate a plurality of different lock types. A CN204531961 U (CHI YIFAN) See WPI Abstract Accession No. 2015-59331R. Example of a security door comprising outer & inner panels. The steel core can be construed as a 'lock mounting element1.