# Patent

## Title
Storage unit

## Abstract

A storage unit providing a storage space is disclosed. The storage unit comprises a base and a panel moveable relative to the base to expose and conceal a storage space a handle configured for at least vertical movement, at least one connector configured for at least vertical movement, and a member coupled by the connector to the handle through the panel and configured for at least horizontal movement.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/869,633 filed Oct. 9, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,510,249, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/405,267 filed Apr. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,695, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/770,165 filed Feb. 2, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,078, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/143,552 filed May 10, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,285, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/290,132 filed May 10, 2001, the full disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a latch mechanism for a locker.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to provide a storage unit, such as a locker, for use in a workplace, or other institutional, public, government, educational, commercial, or municipal facility such as schools, health clubs, athletic facilities, parks, aquatic centers, military facilities, food processing plants, police departments, recreation centers, theme parks, transportation facilities (e.g., airports, bus stops, train stations, etc.), and the like. Known storage units typically include a plurality of walls, a door, and a latch mechanism, and may be made from plastic, metal, and other materials.
However, known storage units may present disadvantages, such as a large amount of material waste generated during fabrication, a large number of parts to assemble the latch mechanism, restrictive tolerances or undue precision required for assembly and installation of the latch mechanism, cost and time burden in assembly, the costs of skilled labor, inspection and occasional repair or quality control during and after assembly or installation, and other problems that tend to be associated with assembling and installing such known storage units.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a less costly storage unit that is of a configuration that is relatively easy to assemble and install. It would also be advantageous to provide a storage unit that generates less material waste during fabrication. It would also be advantageous to provide a storage unit that is constructed of fewer components and/or fabricated from fewer parts (e.g., integrally molded or machined).
It would further be advantageous to provide a storage unit with or providing any one or more of these or other advantageous features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a storage unit providing a storage space. The storage unit comprises a base, a panel movable between an open position and a closed position, and a retaining member. The retaining member is configured for movement between a first position and a second position, the first position being vertically and horizontally offset from the second position. The retaining member engages the base when the panel is in the closed position and the retaining member is in the first position.
The present invention also relates to a storage unit providing a storage space. The storage unit comprises a base, a panel coupled to the base and movable between an open and a closed position, and a retaining member configured for diagonal movement between an extended and a retracted position. The retaining member is configured to engage the base when in the extended position to retain the panel in the closed position. The retaining member is configured to disengage the base when in the retracted position so that the panel is movable between the open and closed positions.
The present invention further relates to a method of forming a door and frame for a storage enclosure. The method comprises machining a first groove on a first surface of a sheet, and machining a second groove on a second surface opposite the first surface. The first and second grooves define the door and at least partially separate the door from the frame. The first groove is at least partially offset with the second groove. The door is then preferably rotated so that the first surface of the door is generally in the same plane as the second surface of the frame.
The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments.



DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a locker system according to a preferred embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the locker system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view from outside the locker of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view from inside the locker of FIGURE 3.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section view of a latch assembly for the locker of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of a handle assembly according to a preferred embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of latch assembly of an open locker door according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the latch assembly of FIG. 6 with the locker door closed.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a sheet machined to form a door and a frame according to a preferred embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view schematic of the door and frame of FIG. 9 after being aligned for installation.
FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the door and frame of FIG. 10 from outside the locker.
FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the door and frame from inside the locker.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a door and frame being machined according to an alternative embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the door and frame being machined according to an alternative embodiment.
FIGS. 15-18 are sectional views of a door and frame being formed from a single sheet of material before and after being realigned according to alternative embodiments.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
As shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2, a storage unit (shown as a locker system 10 having one or more lockers 12) is configured to provide improved (among other things) manufacturing and assembly, and functionality. Locker 12 includes a base (shown as a box 14 and a frame 18, or one or more other components), and a panel (shown as a door 20).
Box 14 includes a plurality of walls (e.g., a pair of side walls 22, a top wall 24, a rear wall, and a bottom wall 28) and a front member 30 that define an interior storage space 32. According to exemplary embodiments, box 14 may have any of a variety of configurations, shapes, sizes, number of walls, etc. (For example, the box may be made of one or more walls that may provide a rectangular space or a non-rectangular space (e.g., circular, arcuate, ovular, elliptical, cylindrical, etc.). Space 32 may be configured to include one or more shelves 34, hooks, and other accessories or options intended to provide for a variety of storage arrangements. A panel (shown as a divider 36) may be included to provide multiple lockers 12 for a single box 14.
Side walls 22, rear wall, and front members 30 of box 14 may be fabricated using any of a variety of techniques. According to exemplary embodiments, the walls may be secured together using dove tail joints, welding, adhesive, and/or fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, pins, etc.). According to a preferred embodiment, the walls are formed from a single sheet of material. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a plastic weld gun is used to secure the walls, shelf and/or divider in place with a plurality of welds. The weld gun may be any of a variety of commercially available weld guns configured to melt adjacent material (e.g., with heat) and/or apply a bonding material (e.g., melted plastic, adhesive, etc.). According to an alternative embodiment, the shelves are secured in place before the box is formed.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, frame 18 is secured to front members 30 and is intended to provide a front surface 42 for locker 12. Frame 18 may be attached using any of a variety of techniques (e.g., dove tail joints, fasteners, adhesive, welding etc.). According to a preferred embodiment, frame 18 and box 14 are joined (e.g., welded, fused, bonded, etc.). According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a plastic weld gun is used to secure the frame in place with a plurality of welds on the top and bottom, and near the underside of the divider. According to an alternative embodiment, the frame is attached to the side walls using any of a variety of methods (e.g., mechanical fasteners, etc.).
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, door 20 is attached to frame 18 by one or more hinges 44 and a latch assembly 46. Hinges 44 may be any of a variety of hinge configurations that hingedly couple door 20 to frame 18 (e.g., hinge 44 may be any of a combination of one or more hinges of any type coupling door to box from any side). According to an alternative embodiment, the door is hingedly coupled directly to the side wall 22 or other structure that may support the door.
Latch assembly 46 includes a latch bar (shown as a sliding retaining member 48), a handle 50, and a hasp 120. Retaining member 48 is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, retaining member 48 is configured to engage frame 18 to secure door 20 in the closed position. (Preferably, front member 30 is captured or disposed between member 48 and door 20.) In the retracted position, retaining member 48 is configured to disengage from front member 30 so that door 20 may be moved to an open position.
According to a preferred embodiment, retaining member 48 is configured for diagonal movement between the extended position and the retracted position. Retaining member 48 includes one or more slots 54 and is coupled to door 20 by one or more projections 56 (e.g., shoulder bolts, screw or bolt with a nylon bushing, etc.) extending through slots 54. According to a preferred embodiment, retaining member 48 includes recesses around slots 54 to engage or receive a portion of projections 56 and to provide a sliding or bearing surface for the portion of projection 56.
Slots 54 are generally diagonal so that projections 56 guide retaining member 48 in a generally diagonal movement between the extended position (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and the retracted position (see FIG. 1). The weight of retaining member 48 (and attached hardware such as handle 50) and the angle and orientation of slots 54 are intended to urge retaining member 48 in the extended position. According to an exemplary embodiment, slots 54 are angled less than 90°. According to a preferred embodiment, slots 54 are angled between about 20° and about 70°. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, slots 54 are angled approximately 30° from vertical. According to alternative embodiments, the slots may be any of a variety of angles and orientations configured to allow engagement and disengagement of the retaining member and the frame. Additionally, the retaining member may have any number of slot and projection combinations depending on the size and configuration of the door, and desired performance characteristics.
According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, retaining member 48 includes an interface portion 58 that is configured to engage and disengage an interface portion 59 on front member 30 to secure door 20 in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 5, front member 30 is configured to inhibit door 20 from further rotation into interior space 32 of locker 12. Interface portion 58 and/or 59 may include grooves for improved engagement of retaining member 48 and front member 30.
According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a latch stop 60 is provided as an attached component and configured to couple with retaining member 48 to secure door 20 in the closed position. Latch stop 60 may also be positioned to inhibit door 20 from rotating into interior space 32 of lockers 12. Latch stop 60 may be coupled to frame 18, front members 30, and/or box 14, (e.g., with fasteners 61 (e.g., screw, bolt, pins, etc.), or otherwise secured in place by welding, brazing, heat staking, joining, dovetail slots, adhesive, etc.). Latch stop 60 and frame 18 (or front member 30) define a space configured to receive interface portion 58 to “capture” retaining member 48 when door 20 and latch assembly 46 is secured in a closed position. Latch stop 60 is also configured to inhibit door 20 from rotating into interior space 32 of lockers 12 Latch stop 60 and/or interface portion 58 may have angled surfaces to guide or facilitate engagement.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, retaining member 48 is configured to engage frame 18 and/or front members 30. Alternatively, internal structure such as latch stop 60 may be included to inhibit door 20 from rotating into interior space 32 of lockers 12. According to a preferred embodiment interface position 58 of retaining member 48 includes a flange 63 that defines a groove or notch between interface portion 58 and door 20. (Alternatively, the groove or notch may be between flange 63 and frame 18 or front member 30.) The notch defined by door 20 and flange 63 is configured to receive (e.g., “capture”) latch stop 60 when door 20 and latch assembly 46 is secured in the lowered or extended position. Flange 63 may have any of a variety of configurations that are adapted to engage latch stop 60 (e.g., alternating depressions, detents, notches, etc.).
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, handle 50 is attached to retaining member 48 through slots 116 so that when handle 50 is raised, retaining member 48 moves in a generally upward direction and away from frame 18 (i.e., between the extended and retracted positions). When handle 50 is released (i.e., when door is in the open or closed position) retaining member 48 is configured to return to the extended position (e.g., due to the weight of handle 50 and retaining member 48, retaining member 48 is biased generally downward due to gravity).
Referring to FIG. 6, handle 50 includes a base portion 110, a grip 112 (shown as a ledge projecting downwardly from base portion 110), and a pair of projections 114 extending from the back of base portion 110. Projections 114 are configured to extend through slots 116 and couple to retaining member 48 (e.g., with fasteners 118, interference fit, etc.). A hasp 120 is coupled to base portion 110 and includes a pair of brackets 122 having apertures 124, 125. According to a preferred embodiment, brackets 122 are “L”-shaped. One of brackets 122 is configured to engage a recess or groove 126 in base portion 110 of handle 50. The other of brackets 122 is configured to reside in a recess 128 in a back surface of door 20 and partially extend through a slot 130 in door 20. As such the aperture 124 on one bracket 122 aligns or registers with aperture 125 on the other bracket 122 when the door 20 is in the closed position and retaining member 48 is in the extended position (e.g., so that a lock can be inserted to lock door 20). To open door 20, the user lifts up on grip 112. Projections 114 slide within diagonal slots 116, and projections 56 slide within slots 54. The angle of slots 116 or slots 54 provide the diagonal (e.g., angular), or horizontal and vertical direction movement of retaining member 48 and handle 50.
According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-12, door 20 and frame 18 are fabricated from a single piece of material by one or more machining operations (e.g., milling, routing, etc.) that remove material from one or both sides of a sheet 62 of material (e.g., plate, blank, etc.). As such, separate sheets of material are not used for a single door and frame assembly, which is intended to reduce waste that would be generated from fabricating frame 18 and discarding material that was the interior or middle portion of the sheet, and would be generated from fabricating door 20 and discarding material that surrounds door 20.
Referring to FIG. 9, door 20 is formed by grooves 64, 65, 66, 67 that are machined into surfaces 68, 70 of sheet 62. Grooves 64, 66 are located on surface 68 and grooves 65, 67 are located on surface 70 such that groove 64 is partially misaligned with groove 65, and groove 66 is substantially aligned with groove 67 (e.g., offset).
Referring to FIG. 10, during assembly of door 20 and frame 18, door 20 is positioned (i.e., reversed and rotated) so that groove 66 remains aligned with groove 67 to provide a clearance slot where hinge 44 is attached, and groove 64 and groove 65 face interior space 32. In the assembled condition, the edges along adjacent grooves 64, 65 are spaced apart a smaller distance (shown as a gap 71) compared to the slot defined by grooves 66, 67. Providing grooves 64, 66 in surface 68, and grooves 65, 67 in surface 70, is intended to allow for use of a standard machining apparatus with a standard tool. The misaligned grooves 64, 65 are intended to allow for a reduced gap between frame 18 and door 20 when door 20 is moved (e.g., rotated and/or shifted) into position.
According to a preferred embodiment, groove 64 and groove 66 overlap between approximately 0.01 inches and 0.02 inches. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, groove 64 and groove 65 overlap approximately 0.016 inches. Alternatively, the grooves overlap more than 1/32 inch. Alternatively, groove 64 and groove 65 overlap between about 1/16 inch and about 1/32 inch. According to alternative embodiments, the grooves may be aligned to provide any of a variety of gaps and/or overlaps between the assembled frame and door according to the desired configuration or performance of the door.
According to an exemplary embodiment, grooves 64, 66 are machined into surfaces 68, 70 with a depth of approximately one-half the thickness of sheet 62. According to a preferred embodiment, grooves 64, 65, 66, 67 have a depth that is more than one-half the thickness of sheet 62. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, grooves 64, 65, 66, 67 have a depth of approximately 0.01 inch greater than one-half the thickness of sheet 62. According to alternate embodiments, the grooves have any of a variety of depths (which may be the same or may be different) that allow for separation of door 20 from frame (e.g., by an additional step).
According to a preferred embodiment, groove 64, 65, 66 and/or 67 have side walls that are generally perpendicular to the surface of sheet 62. According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-15, one or more of the grooves have angled side walls 74 relative to surfaces 68, 70 of sheet 62 (e.g., to provide a dovetail configuration formed by cutting tools 76, 78). As door 20 is positioned (e.g., rotated) during assembly, an interface portion 60 formed by one of angled side walls 74 of frame 18 provides an interference to an interface portion 79 of door 20. According to further alternative embodiments, the grooves may have any of a variety of shapes and configurations according to the desired configuration or performance of the door.
According to an alternative embodiment of FIG. 15, door 20 and frame 18 are formed by providing a groove 82 on at least one side of door, and a groove 80 on the other side of door 20. Groove 80 and/or 82 may be formed by one or more operations (e.g., milling, cutting, etc.), depending on whether the grooves are provided on one or both sides of the sheet. Groove 80 includes side walls 84 that are generally perpendicular to surfaces 68, 70 of sheet 62. Groove 82 has side walls 86 that are angled relative to surfaces 68, 70 of sheet. To assemble, door 20 is moved (e.g., shifted) and positioned within frame 18 so that groove 82 becomes smaller and groove 80 becomes larger (wider). Door 20 is shifted about 0.125 inches so that groove 80 opposite groove 82 is about 0.25 inches.
According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16, door 20 and frame 18 are formed by providing a groove 88 on one or more sides of door 20, and grooves 90, 92 on the other side of door 20. Grooves 88, 90, 92 include side walls 92 that are generally perpendicular to surfaces 68, 70 of sheet 62. Groove 90, 92 are offset to provide an overlap. To assemble, door 20 is moved (e.g., shifted) and positioned within frame 18 so that grooves 90, 92 become smaller and the overlap becomes larger. Door 20 is shifted about 0.125 inches so that groove 88 opposite grooves 90, 92 is about 0.25 inches.
According to an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, door 20 and frame 18 are formed by providing grooves 94, 96 on surface 68, and grooves 98, 100 on surface 70 (see FIG. 17). To assemble, door 20 is rotated and positioned within frame 18 so that groove 94 is adjacent 96 and groove 98 is adjacent groove 100 (see FIG. 18). Door 20 opens by rotating about grooves 98, 100 (see arrow in FIG. 18). A latch stop 102 is coupled to frame 18 and retaining member (shown as a latch bar 104) is coupled to door 20 and configured to engage latch stop 102 to secure door 20 in a closed position.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, shelves 34 may be inserted into grooves 38 and held in place by any of a variety of ways (e.g., by frame 18, by an interference fit between shelf 34 and groove 38, adhesive, fasteners, welding, etc. or any combination thereof). According to a preferred embodiment, shelf 34 is located by inserting one side into groove 38 on box 14 at an angle. The other side is pivoted (e.g., slid along the wall) until edges of the shelf is are in the slot in rear wall (e.g., “snaps” into place). After positioning shelf in the desired location (i.e., secured in groove 38 in side walls 22 and back wall), shelf 34 is secured in place (e.g., with welds, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, divider 36 may be positioned by inserting (e.g., sliding) through a pair of grooves in front members 30 and into a slot in the walls of box 14. An edge of divider 36 remains substantially flush with front side of box 14.
It is important to note that the terms “storage unit,” “locker system,” and “locker” are intended to be a broad term and not a term of limitation. The latch assembly may be used with any of a variety of storage unit structures and is not intended to be limited to use with lockers.
The lockers may be provided with any of a variety of additional components, including key locks, built in combination locks, coin operated locks, end panels, solid plastic bases, mesh doors, drawers, bins, engraved logos, number plates, hooks, drawers, trim, and the like.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the box top wall, bottom wall, frame, and/or door are made from high density polyethylene (“HDPE”). According to an alternative embodiment, any of a variety of plastic materials may be used (e.g., polypropylene, HDPE, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), nylon, acrylics, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics with special additives, filled or unfilled, reinforced or unreinforced, etc. According to an alternative embodiment, other materials may be used.
According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining member is made from high density polyethylene (“HDPE”). According to an alternative embodiment, the box may be made from any of a variety of plastic materials (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), nylon, acrylics, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics with special additives, filled or unfilled, reinforced or unreinforced, etc.) According to an alternative embodiment, the cap may be made from any of a variety of materials.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the latch mechanism as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, while the components of the disclosed embodiments will be illustrated as a locker, the features of the disclosed embodiments have a much wider applicability. The latch mechanism is adaptable for other storage units, bins, containers, and other office, home, or educational products which employ a storage space with a door. Further, the size of the various components and the size of the containers can be widely varied. Also, the particular materials used to construct the exemplary embodiments are also illustrative. For example, extruded high density polyethylene is the preferred method and material for making the top and base, but other materials can be used, including other thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene, other polyethylenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polyurethane nylon, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics with special additives, filled plastics, etc. Also, other molding operations may be used to form these components, such as blow molding, rotational molding, etc. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A locker comprising:
a base defining a storage space;
a door coupled to the base;
a handle accessible from an exterior side of the door and configured for at least vertical movement;
a latch bar supported at an interior side of the door and configured for at least horizontal movement; and
at least one projection configured to engage a slot for at least partially controlling the movement of the latch bar, the slot having at least one edge extending vertically and horizontally.

2. The locker of claim 1 wherein the at least one edge of the slot is diagonal.

3. The locker of claim 1 wherein the at least one edge of the slot is an upper edge of the slot.

4. The locker of claim 3 wherein the slot further comprises a second edge extending vertically and horizontally.

5. The locker of claim 4 wherein the second edge of the slot is a lower edge of the slot.

6. The locker of claim 5 wherein the upper edge of the slot and the lower edge of the slot are parallel.

7. The locker of claim 1 wherein the at least one projection extends outward relative to the interior side of the door.

8. The locker of claim 7 wherein the at least one projection is coupled to the handle.

9. The locker of claim 8 wherein the at least one projection is coupled directly to the handle.

10. The locker of claim 7 wherein the at least one projection is coupled to the door.

11. The locker of claim 10 wherein the at least one projection is coupled directly to the door.

12. The locker of claim 1 wherein the slot is provided in the latch bar.

13. The locker of claim 1 wherein the slot is provided in the door.

14. The locker of claim 1 wherein the latch bar moves from an extended position to a retracted position when the handle is raised relative to the door.

15. The locker of claim 14 wherein the latch bar returns to the extended position when the handle is released.

16. The locker of claim 15 wherein the latch bar is biased toward the extended position by at least one of the weight of the handle and the weight of the latch bar.

17. The locker of claim 1 wherein the base is formed of at least one panel, the at least one panel and the door are made of plastic.

18. The locker of claim 1 wherein the latch bar is a substantially rectangular bar.

19. The locker of claim 18 wherein the latch bar is made of plastic.

20. The locker of claim 19 wherein the handle is made of plastic.

21. A locker comprising:
a base defining a storage space;
a door coupled to the base and defining a first slot;
a latch bar supported at an interior side of the door and configured for at least horizontal movement between an extended position and a retracted position, the latch bar defining a second slot; and
a handle accessible from an exterior side of the door and configured for at least vertical movement;
a projection configured to engage one of the first slot and the second slot to allow the latch bar to move between the extended position and the retracted position upon movement of the handle,
wherein at least one of the first slot and the second slot has at least one edge extending vertically and horizontally.

22. The locker of claim 21 wherein the at least one edge is diagonal.

23. The locker of claim 21 wherein the second slot is diagonal.

24. The locker of claim 21 wherein the projection is coupled to the handle and engages the first slot.

25. The locker of claim 24 wherein the latch bar moves from the extended position to the retracted position when the handle is raised relative to the door.