Abstract:
Apparatus for protecting, from wear, tear and abuse, the interior walls (e.g., the side and back walls) of a conventional storage locker of the type commonly used in schools, gymnasia, clubs and work places for temporarily storing various possessions of the locker user. Such apparatus preferably comprises a foldable protective panel made of a durable textile, cloth fabric, plastic, textile/plastic blends or other flexible material that is shaped and sized to overlay a major portion of at least one of the interior walls of such locker. A plurality of attachment elements, such as magnets, serves to releasably attach such panel to the locker wall(s) at spaced locations over the surface of the panel. Preferably, the panel is made of denim, and the denim panel supports a plurality of organizing pockets and/or loops of different sizes and shapes that are adapted to temporarily receive and/or support various possessions of the locker user, e.g., a cell phone, wallet, coins, writing utensils, tools, books, food, etc.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to improvements in storage lockers, particularly school lockers and the like, which are widely used to temporarily store a wide variety of personal articles for subsequent retrieval by the locker user. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus that serves to protect the interior walls of a storage locker while functioning to organize articles to be stored within the locker interior. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Most schools, as well as many institutions and businesses, offer storage lockers in which students, employees and visitors may temporarily “off-load” their personal possessions while attending classes and/or performing activities that do not require the use of such possessions. Most Americans encounter such lockers for the first time when they reach junior high-school age and are assigned a school locker in which to store books and other school-related paraphernalia, as well as items of clothing, food and other personal items. It is generally understood that such locker facilities are only assigned to individuals for a limited time period (e.g., for the school year) and, thereafter, the lockers are to be surrendered in a condition that reflects only reasonable wear and tear. Unfortunately, many storage lockers, and particularly the interior walls of school lockers, are inordinately scratched, marred, dented or otherwise abused, defaced or “grafettyized” by their users, thereby requiring premature refurbishing and repair before being reassigned to another user. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide apparatus that not only provides protection for the interior of such storage lockers from such abuse, but also tends to dissuade any defacing of the locker interior by the user. 
         [0005]    A typical school locker measures about 12 inches in width, between 12 and 18 inches in depth, and between 3 and 6 feet in height. The locker walls are commonly made of sheet-metal, most often, steel. Aside from a few clothing hooks attached to the opposing side walls and back wall of the locker, and one or two horizontal shelves located about 12 inches down from the top of the locker, conventional school lockers usually provide nothing else by which the student may organize the items to be stored. To address this problem, various “locker organizers” have been developed over the years that operate to vertically compartmentalize the locker interior. See, for example, the respective disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,537,451; 5,746,331; and 6,814,418 which describe different types of auxiliary shelving apparatus, each comprising a plurality of shelves that are horizontally supported one above the other within the locker interior. The supporting structure for such shelving either hangs vertically downward from either the lowest permanent shelf at the top of the locker, or from the above-noted clothing hooks. Alternatively, the shelves are supported by a collapsible stand that rests on the floor of the locker. While such “auxiliary” shelving does serve to vertically compartmentalize the major storage volume of the locker, and thereby provide a certain degree of organization to the locker, it inherently interferes with the storage of winter garments, book bags, back-packs and other relatively bulky or elongated items that cannot fit within the vertical compartments defined by such additional shelving, or along side such shelving. Thus, there is still a need to provide a locker organizer that preserves most of the interior volume of the locker itself for the storage of relatively large items. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the foregoing discussion, an object of this invention is to provide apparatus that not only shields interior locker walls from marring and abuse by the locker user, but also provides a plurality of compartments for storing various items of the locker user in an organized fashion. 
         [0007]    Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus of the above type that readily lends itself to personalization by the locker user and thereby provides an outlet to those who might be inclined to draw on the walls of the locker or otherwise deface the locker walls, e.g. by place hard-to-remove stickers on the locker walls. 
         [0008]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a locker organizer of the type described that, optionally, is readily removable from the locker interior and converted to a portable bag that holds within it all of the items previously stored within the organizer. 
         [0009]    According to a preferred aspect of the invention, apparatus is provided for protecting, from ordinary wear and tear, the interior walls (e.g., the side and back walls) of a conventional storage locker of the type commonly used in schools, gymnasia, clubs and work places for temporarily storing various possessions of the locker user. Such apparatus preferably comprises a foldable protective panel of durable fabric, plastic or other flexible material that is shaped and sized to overlay a major portion of at least one, and more preferably three or more, of the interior walls of such locker. A plurality of attachment elements, such as magnets, serves to releasably attach such panel to the locker wall(s) at spaced locations over the surface of the panel. Preferably, the panel is made of denim, and the panel supports a plurality of organizing pockets or loops of different sizes and shapes that are adapted to temporarily receive and support various possessions of the locker user, e.g., a cell phone, wallet, coins, writing utensils, tools, books, etc. 
         [0010]    According to a preferred feature of the invention, a zipper or Velcro sealing mechanism is attached to the perimeter of the panel, whereby the panel, upon being removed from an operable position within a locker and suitably folded so that its opposing edges may be zipped or otherwise releasably sealed together, will convert to a storage bag that contains all of the previously stored items in the organizer. 
         [0011]    The invention, its features and its advantages will be better understood from the ensuing detailed description of preferred embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters denote like parts. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is perspective illustration showing a conventional storage locker; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective illustration of a portion of the locker of  FIG. 1  showing the  FIG. 2  apparatus in combination therewith; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective illustration of the  FIG. 2  apparatus in a travel bag configuration; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are cross-sectional and top illustrations, respectively, of a preferred magnetic member used to releasably connect the apparatus of  FIG. 2  to the walls of a metal storage locker; and 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  7 A,  7 B,  8 A,  8 B,  9 A and  9 B illustrate alternative devices for releasably attaching the apparatus of  FIG. 2  to locker walls. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional school locker L of the type in which the apparatus of the invention is particularly useful. From the ensuing description, it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the invention is useful in any type of storage locker of the configuration described herein and where both locker integrity and organization of stored articles are goals of interest. As shown, a school locker typically comprises a sheet-metal structure  10  having a parallelepiped configuration defined by a pair of opposing rectangular side walls  12 A and  12 B, a rectangular back wall  14 , and an access door  16  (also rectangular in shape) that is pivotally-mounted along one vertical edge  16 A to a frame that supports the locker walls. Completing the locker structure is a floor  18 , and a top plate  20 . In use, the walls and door are vertically oriented, and the top plate and floor are horizontally oriented. A horizontal shelf  22  is commonly arranged in the upper region of the storage enclosure defined by the locker walls, as shown, and a plurality of clothing hooks  24  are mounted on the opposing side walls. Typically, several lockers are connected together side-by-side so that the side walls of each locker are shared with the adjacent lockers on opposite sides. 
         [0019]    For various reasons, the vertical walls of the above-described sheet-metal structure  10  are typically made of a relatively thin-gauge steel panel, each having a thickness of between about 25 and 50 mils (i.e., about 0.025 and 0.005 inch). Being made of steel, the locker walls are apt to oxidize (rust) upon being scratched and exposed to moisture. Being relatively thin, the locker walls can be easily dented and otherwise abused by physical force applied by the locker user. Thus, unless continuously maintained by painting and repair, most school lockers have a lifetime that is sub-optimum. 
         [0020]    To enhance the lifetime and appearance of storage lockers of the above type, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, an apparatus  30 , shown in plan view in  FIG. 2 . Apparatus  30  comprises a flexible panel  32 , generally rectangular in shape, that is sized to overlay a major portion of the interior surfaces of the locker side walls  12 A and  12 B, and back wall  14 . Preferably, the length L of the panel is approximately equal to the spacing between a plane P defined by the lowermost portions of the clothing hooks, and locker floor  18 ; and the width W of the panel is substantially equal to the combined widths of locker walls  12 A,  12 B and  14 . In  FIG. 2 , the locker walls are shown in phantom lines, indicating that panel  32  overlies the entire portion of the locker walls between the horizontal plane P and floor  18 . Preferably, panel  32  is releasably attached to the steel locker walls by a plurality of magnetic members  34  (shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ) that are releasably attached, as described below, to panel  32  through openings  40  arranged at spaced locations. Preferably, panel  32  is made of a durable textile, cloth or fabric, and most preferably, panel  32  is made of denim or a light-weight canvas; however, panel  32  may be made of other flexible materials, including plastics and blends (e.g., cotton and polyester), and quilted or multilayered fabrics, so long as such material is reasonable durable and can conform to the interior surfaces of the locker. 
         [0021]    Still referring to  FIG. 2  which shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, panel  32  supports a plurality of pockets  35 A- 35 L by which the various possessions of a student (or other locker user) can be organized. The location and size of some these storage pockets (e.g., pockets  35 A,  35 B,  35 C,  35 D,  35 E and  35 F) resemble that found in a conventional pair of blue jeans; other, significantly larger, pockets (e.g., “cargo” pockets,  35 H,  35 I and  35 J) are provided to hold books, food and other relatively large objects. An elongated but shallow pocket  35 G and zippered pockets  35 K and  35 L serve to provide storage for smaller items. A series of loops  38  (like belt loops) are provided at the top of the panel to support clip-on items such as keys. A zipper Z, or the like, is sewn to the perimeter of the panel  32 , one-component of the zipper Z′ being arranged on the right side (as viewed in  FIG. 2 ) of the zipper tab T, with the complementary side Z″ of the zipper being arranged on the left side of the zipper tab. Thus, upon detaching panel  30  from the locker interior, folding the panel along the central vertical axis S so that the panel pockets become located inside the folded panel, engaging the mating ends of the zipper and pulling on the zipper tab T along the panel perimeter, the panel will take the shape of a duffel bag  42  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) which may be used to carry the entire assembly from the locker environment with the stored possessions inside. The top of such duffel bag may be closed by a drawstring  44  passing through an enclosed channel located along the top edge of panel  32  in the vicinity of the loops  38 . Various alternatives to the zippered closure of the duffel bag may be used, e.g., mating strips of Velcro®, can be used to releasably connect opposite sides and the bottom edges of the panel, one Velcro strip being sewn to one side of the panel in place of one of the zipper members, and the complementary Velcro® strip being sewn to the other side of the panel in place of the complementary zipper member. Such a Velcro®, coupling can be used to close the duffel bag as well. Preferably, an adjustable shoulder strap  60  is suitable affixed to the rear surface of the panel (i.e., the panel surface adjacent the locker walls) to facilitate the transport of the duffel bag. 
         [0022]    As indicated above, the preferred approach for releasably attaching panel  32  to the locker walls is to use a plurality of magnetic couplers  34 , shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . While a plurality of relatively strong permanent magnets positioned at spaced locations on the outer surface of panel  32  (i.e., the exposed surface of the panel shown in the drawings) may be used to releasably connect the panel to the steel walls of the locker (in which case the magnetic field of the magnets will penetrate the panel and interact with the underlying steel surface of the locker wall to achieve coupling), it is preferred that less powerful magnets be used, as is possible using the magnetic coupling structure illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . Using this structure, the magnets couple directly to the steel locker walls (rather than through the panel), and panel  32  is mechanically connected to the magnets, preferably by the “cuff-link” style connector shown in the drawing. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a preferred magnetic coupler  34  comprises a cup-shaped metal housing  50  that is adapted to receive a disc-shaped permanent magnet  52 . Magnet  52  may be permanently secured to the bottom of the concave housing by a suitable adhesive or the like. Preferably, the circular flange  53  of housing  50  is co-extensive with the thickness of the magnet; thus, the exposed surface  52 A of the magnetic disc is substantially co-planar with the plane of the exposed circular edge of the flange. A bifurcated stem  55  extends outwardly from the rear surface of housing  50 . A pivot pin  56  extends between the spaced stem portions  55 A and  55 B, and the pin supports an elongated rocker member  57 . Thus, rocker member  57  is pivotally mounted between the stem portions  55 A and  55 B for movement between a loading position, and a locking position that is perpendicular to the stem portions. Thus, a “cuff-link” style connector is provided on the rear side of housing  50 . In use, such a coupling first operates in its loading position to enter and engage a small opening or “eyelet”  40  formed in panel  32 ; thereafter, the rocker member  57  is pivoted to its locking position, thereby capturing the panel between the base of member  57  and the rear surface  50 A of housing  50 . The panel is then positioned within the locker interior at a desired location, and the magnet is moved towards the steel wall of the locker until there is a magnetic coupling. 
         [0024]    In addition to the above coupling scheme, other coupling schemes for releasably connecting the panel and the magnetic members  52  will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. For example, referring to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, conventional push-together snaps can be used, with one portion, e.g., the male portion  65  of the snap (shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B ), being attached to the panel  32 , and the complementary portion, e.g., the female portion (shown in  FIG. 6A ), being carried by either the rear side of housing  50 A, shown in  FIG. 6B , or directly to the wall of the locker itself. While the latter approach does not use any magnets to achieve coupling and, thus, can be used when the locker walls are not magnetically attractive, it does require that one portion of the snap be mechanically connected to the locker wall. Still another alternative coupling scheme for releasably connecting panel  32  to the locker walls is shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . Here, a “button” B, plastic or metal, is attached to the rear surface  50 A of housing  50  using a short plastic fiber  62 , whereby the button is allowed sufficient freedom of manipulative movement to enter and engage a button hole formed in panel  32 . Thus, in this case, each opening or eyelet  40  in panel  32  is in the form of a slot-shaped button hole that is adapted (i.e., sized) to receive such button, rather than a circular hole  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , as is desirable to receive the aforementioned stem  55 . Further, in this latter variation, the magnetic disc  52  is replaced with a magnetic ring  52 A (shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ), the open center of which provides space for the T-shaped ends  62 A of the plastic fiber used to secure the button B to the housing  50  through a hole  50 B therein. 
         [0025]    A further scheme for releasably attaching panel  32  to the locker wall is shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  where a threaded bolt  68 , extending outwardly through a hole formed in housing  50 , passes through a preformed eyelet formed in panel  32 . A wing-nut  70 , or the like then releasably secures panel  32  to the magnetic structure. 
         [0026]    From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that a new, useful and non-obvious apparatus has been provided for protecting the interior vertical surfaces of a conventional storage locker of the type used in schools gyms, sports clubs and work environments. Such apparatus affords storage opportunities in the form of various pockets formed in the protective panel itself, rather than in the form of flimsy horizontal shelving that often interferes with the storage of bulky items that are often hung from hooks within the locker. Being readily removable from the locker, protective/storage panel  32  can be easily cleaned and/or laundered. Further, if the panel is made of fabric or textile, it can be easily mended, decorated and/or personalized (e.g., with pins and iron-on images) to suit the desires and personality of the locker user. In such case, any tendency to abuse or otherwise deface the locker interior will be lessened, much to the satisfaction of the locker owner. By being convertible to a duffel bag, the user (e.g., a student) can easily remove the contents of the locker, as may be required by a school over lengthy holiday intervals. 
         [0027]    While the invention has been described with reference to particularly preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such variations are also intended to fall within the scope of the following claims. For example, panel  32  may be sized to overlie only one vertical surface of the locker interior, e.g., the inside surface of the access door. Alternatively, panel  32  may be sized to overlie a major portion of all four vertical surfaces within the locker&#39;s major storage area.