GB2594040A

GB2594040A - Locker

Info

Publication number: GB2594040A
Application number: GB2003564.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Galen Hamlyn Jason
Original assignee: BIKEAWAY Ltd
Current assignee: BIKEAWAY Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-11
Filing date: 2020-03-11
Publication date: 2021-10-20
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-11
Also published as: GB2594040B; GB202003564D0

Abstract

A locker with a securable door 24. A locking mechanism comprising an axially sliding bolt/shaft 30 with a locking plate 42 at its rear; the bolt and locking plate rotating between an unlocked position and locked position; the bolt/axle 30 is axially movable between an inserted position (pushed in) permitting rotation of locking plate and a retracted position (pulled out) preventing rotation of the locking plate. A separate front guard plate 32 protects a padlock shackle; when the bolt is retracted a padlock can be locked behind the plate 32 preventing the bolt from being pushed in and preventing rotation of the locking plate 42. Preferably the locking plate includes protruding orthogonal lip 50 to engage in a keeper (fig. 952) upon retraction of bolt/shaft 30. Preferably the bolt/shaft 30 rotates freely to protection plate 32 which may be restrained by walls of a housing 38. It may be a bike locker to store a bicycle.

Description

LOCKER

The present invention relates generally to the storage of items and particularly to a locker for the storage of items.

There is a general need for securing items against theft and vandalism, for example in open or public places such as business and work areas, shopping areas, blocks of flats, school premises etc. In order for such lockers to function effectively it is important they cannot easily be accessed other than by the user. Usually the locker will be provided with some form of lock. However, many existing locks, such as shutter pins, can be easily overcome with the use of simple tools such as crowbars.

An aspect of the present invention provides a locker comprising an access door, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the door in a closed position and for preventing movement to an open position, the locking mechanism comprises a sliding bolt movable between a retracted position and an inserted position, a separate front protection plate for protecting a detachable lock in use is carried on or by the sliding bolt, the bolt carries a back locking plate, the back locking plate is moveable between an engaged position which secures the door in the closed position and a released position in which the door can be opened, rotation of the bolt is used to move the back locking plate between the engaged and released position, the bolt can be rotated only when in the inserted position. i

In the engaged position the back plate may prevent levering of the door.

The access door may be supported in a frame. In the engaged position the back plate may engage the frame and prevent levering of the frame away from the door.

The back plate may comprise a return for grabbing a sidewall and/or a frame member in the engaged position.

The back plate may comprise a return for grabbing a frame in the engaged position.

The locker may include opposing side walls which provide or on which is provided at least part of a frame.

The locking mechanism may be provided adjacent one of the side walls and the back plate may engage a section of sidewall and/or a frame provided on/by that side wall.

In some embodiments the front protection plate cannot rotate. For example it may be positioned in a frame/cowling that prevents rotation.

In some embodiments the bolt is rotatable relative to the front protection plate.

The front protection plate may be axially fixed relative to the bolt In some embodiments, when fitted, a detachable lock (such as a padlock) may prevent movement of the bolt from the retracted position to the inserted position. The lock must therefore be removed before the bolt can be pushed inwards and in turn before the back plate can be turned to release the door.

The bolt may be formed from hardened steel.

The front protection plate is formed from mild steel. In some embodiments damaging the plate is not detrimental to the lock.

In some embodiments the bolt has an alien key or hex head. The bolt may be formed as a hex bolt or hex screw.

A ball bearing may be fitted into the bolt head. This can be used to prevent tools being inserted into a bolt head to try to turn the bolt whilst is in the retracted position.

A washer may be provided between the bolt head and the front protection plate. The present of the washer can mean, for example, that even if the protection plate is damaged or even removed the bolt head cannot pass through a padlock shackle, The washer may be formed from hardened steel.

The bolt or washer, where present, may be formed from 12.9 steel.

The present invention provides a storage locker comprising an access door, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the door in a closed position and for preventing movement to an open position, the locking mechanism comprises a back plate which is moveable between an engaged position which secures the door in the closed position and a released position in which the door can be opened.

In some aspects and embodiments, in the engaged position the back plate engages a locker frame member and prevents levering of the frame away from the door.

The locking mechanism therefore prevents the frame from being moved away from the door to overcome the mechanism.

The back plate may comprise a return for grabbing the frame in the engaged position.

In some embodiments the back plate is secured to the bolt. For example, it may be prevented from axial and/or rotational movement relative to the bolt.

The locker may include opposing side walls (or panels) which provide at least part of the door frame.

In some embodiments the locker comprises opposing side walls, opposing top and bottom walls and a rear wall which is opposite the door (which could be considered to comprise or be included as part of a front wall). In some embodiments the walls/panels are fabricated from metal, such as aluminium or steel.

The locking mechanism may be provided adjacent one of the side walls and the back plate engages a section of frame provided by that side wall.

The back plate may comprise one or more strengthening flanges which can be used to prevent bending of the plate during an attempt to open the locker.

The back plate may be carried on or by the sliding bolt A lock may be provided to prevent movement of the sliding bolt, such as a padlock. In some embodiments the protection plate is provided for protecting a padlock shackle.

The bolt may pass through the locker door.

In some embodiments the bolt must be rotated to release the locking mechanism and the back plate may prevent rotation of the bolt in the engaged position.

In some embodiments the bolt must be pushed inwards to release the back plate from the frame and then subsequently rotated to allow the back plate to pass the frame when the door is opened.

The locker may have an overall vertical dimension greater than a horizontal dimension.

The locker may be a generally cube or generally cuboid shape.

In some embodiments the locker is formed as a bicycle locker. The locker may, for example, comprise means for retaining the front wheel of a bicycle in an elevated position In some embodiments a bicycle can be stored in a generally upright position, with its front wheel in an elevated position.

The present invention also provides a bank of two or more lockers as described herein.

The locker may comprise means for retaining the front wheel of a bicycle in an elevated position.

The locker may comprise means for supporting the rear wheel of a bicycle generally below the front wheel. The rear wheel support means may comprise a support surface spaced from the bottom wall and ramp wheel access means to the support surface.

In some embodiments a bicycle retention system generally of the type described in the Applicant's PCT International Patent Application Number PCT/GB00/004280 may be provided.

A further aspect provides a locker comprising an access door, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the door in a closed position and for preventing movement to an open position, the locking mechanism comprises a locking member movable between a retracted position and an inserted position, a front protection plate for protecting a detachable lock in use is carried on or by the locking member, the locking member carries a back locking plate, the back locking plate is moveable between an engaged position which secures the door in the closed position and a released position in which the door can be opened, rotation of the locking member is used to move the back locking plate between the engaged and released position, the bolt can be rotated only when in the inserted position.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

Figure 1 shows a storage locker generally indicated 10.

The locker 10 is compartment with a generally cuboid shape.

The locker 10 comprises a pair of opposed side panels/walls 12, 14, a top panel or roof 16 and an opposed base or floor 18, and a rear panel 20.

Opposite the rear panel an access door 24 is provided. The door 24 is hinged to one end of the side panel 14 so as to be movable from the closed position shown in Figure 1 to the open position shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3 shows the rear of the locker door 24 magnified in the region of a retention flange 29 including a return that grabs the side wall 14 when the door is closed to prevent the sidewall and the door from being driven apart The locker 10 is provided with a locking mechanism 28 for locking the door. The structure and operation of the locking mechanism is described in detail below.

Figure 4 illustrates a push bolt member 30 shown in a withdrawn, locked position. At the head end of the member 30 a front protection plate 32 is provided. A washer 33 is provided between the bolt head and the plate.

In this embodiment a hex head/allan key bolt head 31 is used and a ball bearing 35 has been pressed into the head to prevent insertion of tools. In this embodiment the length of the hex head flats is approximately 14mm. A 9/16th ball bearing is used with a diameter of approximately I 4.3mm, ensuring a very tight fit and preventing removal.

Figures 5 and 6 show the bolt/washer/plate assembly removed from the locker for clarity. A clip 37 or the like is provided (not shown) on the bolt shaft 27 at the rear of the plate 32 to keep the plate pressed against the head and prevent it from moving down the shaft.

In this embodiment the bolt and the washer are formed from hardened steel. The plate is formed from mild steel.

A padlock 34 is provided and fits around the bolt, behind the plate 32. In this embodiment a generally disc-shape padlock is used.

The plate 32 provides enhanced protection for the padlock shackle.

A metal cowling plate 38 is bolted onto the door; the bolt member extends through the plate 38 and the door. The cowling prevents the plate 32 from rotating.

The padlock prevents the bolt member 30 from being be pushed inwards because the head 31 cannot pass through the padlock shackle.

To open the door 24 the padlock 34 must be removed. In this embodiment the padlock is operated by a key 40; other embodiments may use different systems such as combination locks or the like. The padlock is shown removed and the bolt pushed in in Figure 7.

When the bolt member 30 is pushed fully inwards it can then be rotated (in this embodiment anti-clockwise) to rotate a back plate (described below).

Figure 8 show the inside view of the locker door when the bolt member 30 is fully inserted. At the opposite end of the bolt member to the front plate 32 a back plate 42 is provided and retained by a nut 43. The back plate cannot be rotated relative to the bolt and also cannot move axially relative to the bolt The back plate 42 comprises a rectangular main plate 44 which extends generally parallel to the door.

A pair of strengthening flanges 46, 48 extend along each of the longer sides of the main plate 44.

At one side of the plate 44 a return 50 is provided. The return 50 is generally orthogonal to the plate 44.

The inside of one end of the wall 12 is shown in Figure 9. A rectangular hole 52 is positioned to receive the return 50.

It will be noted that engagement of the return 50 in the hole 52 prevents the plate 44 from being turned by the bolt. In addition, the return 50 prevents the door and wall 12 section from being levered apart.

Figures 10 to 17 show an opening sequence.

Figures 10 and 11 show the locking mechanism fully secured, with the door closed and the padlock installed.

To release the return 50 from the hole 52 the padlock must be removed (Figures 12 and 13), allowing the bolt 31 to be pushed in (Figures 14 and 15). This moves the return axially clear of the hole and means the plate can then be rotated by the bolt (Figure 17 shows the plate 42 partially rotated) until the plate is clear of the wall 12 (Figure 16). The door can now be opened.

To lock the door again the above process is reversed.

Figure 18 shows a stack/bank/array of lockers 110, each having a lock of the type described herein.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A locker comprising an access door, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the door in a closed position and for preventing movement to an open position, the locking mechanism comprises a sliding bolt movable between a retracted position and an inserted position, a separate front protection plate for protecting a detachable lock in use is carried on or by the sliding bolt, the bolt carries a back locking plate, the back locking plate is moveable between an engaged position which secures the door in the closed position and a released position in which the door can be opened, rotation of the bolt is used to move the back locking plate between the engaged and released position, the bolt can be rotated only when in the inserted position.
2. A locker as claimed in claim I, in which the access door is supported in a frame.
3. A locker as claimed in claim I or claim 2, in which in the engaged position the back plate prevents levering of the door.
4. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the back plate comprises a return for grabbing a sidewall and/or a frame member in the engaged position.
5. A locker as claimed in any of claimed 2 to 4, in which the locker includes opposing side walls.
6. A locker as claimed in claim 5, in which the locking mechanism is provided adjacent one of the side walls and the back plate engages a side wall or a section of frame provided on/by that side wall.
7. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the front protection plate cannot rotate.
8. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the bolt is rotatable relative to the front protection plate.
9. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the front protection plate is axially fixed relative to the bolt.
10. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which, when fitted, a detachable lock prevents movement of the bolt from the retracted position to the inserted position.
11. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the bolt is formed from hardened steel.
12. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the front protection plate is formed from mild steel.
13. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the bolt has an alien key or hex head.
14. A locker as claimed in claim 13, in which a ball bearing is fitted into the head.
15. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a washer is provided between the bolt head and the front protection plate.
16. A locker as claimed in claim 15, in which the washer is formed from hardened steel.
17. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the bolt or washer, where present, is formed from 12.9 steel.
18. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a detachable lock
19. A locker as claimed in claim 18, in which the detachable lock comprises a padlock.
20. A locker comprising an access door, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the door in a closed position and for preventing movement to an open position, the locking mechanism comprises a locking member movable between a retracted position and an inserted position, a front protection plate for protecting a detachable lock in use is carried on or by the locking member, the bolt carries a back locking plate, the back locking plate is moveable between an engaged position which secures the door in the closed position and a released position in which the door can be opened, rotation of the bolt is used to move the back locking plate between the engaged and released position, the bolt can be rotated only when in the inserted position.
2 I. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the locker is formed as a bicycle locker.
22. A locker as claimed in claim 21, comprising means for retaining the front wheel of a bicycle in an elevated position
23. A bank of two or more lockers as claimed in any preceding claim.