Patent Publication Number: US-8113602-B2

Title: Storage unit

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/740,782, filed Apr. 26, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part 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. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a storage unit. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a latch mechanism for the storage unit. 
     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 
     The present invention relates to a locker. The locker comprises a base defining a storage space, a door coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position, and a latch bar moveable relative to the door between an extended and a retracted position. The latch bar defines at least one guide slot configured to receive a projection for guiding the movement of the latch bar between the extended position and the retracted position. The at least one guide slot is at least partially non-linear. The latch bar is moved to the extended position to secure the door in the closed position. 
     The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         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  FIG. 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. 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of a door and latch assembly according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a detailed perspective view of a handle of the latch assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a rear elevation view of the door with the latch assembly of  FIG. 19  shown in an unlatched position. 
         FIG. 22  is a rear elevation view of the door with the latch assembly of  FIG. 19  shown in a latched position. 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view of the latch assembly of  FIG. 19  taken along a line  23 - 23  in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is an elevation view of a latch assembly according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is an elevation view of the latch assembly of  FIG. 24  with a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is an elevation view of a retaining member of a latch assembly according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is an elevation view of a retaining member of a latch assembly according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is an elevation view of a retaining member of a latch assembly according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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 refracted 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 degrees. According to a preferred embodiment, slots  54  are angled between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, slots  54  are angled approximately 30 degrees 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 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 through 23 , a latch mechanism or assembly, shown as a latch assembly  246 , is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Latch assembly  246  includes a retaining member (e.g., latch, bar, etc.), shown as a sliding latch bar  248 , and a user interface (e.g., manipulation device, etc.), shown as a handle  250 . Latch bar  248  is configured to move parallel to door  20  between a first or extended position and a second or retracted position. In the extended position, latch bar  248  is configured to engage the base (e.g., frame  18 , etc.) to secure door  20  in the closed position. For example, front member  30  may be captured or disposed between latch bar  248  and door  20 . In the retracted position, latch bar  248  is configured to disengage from the base so that door  20  may be moved to an open position. 
     To facilitate the securement of door  20  in the closed position, the portion of latch bar  248  that engages the base has a length extending in a vertical direction that spans a substantial portion of the height of door  20 . The portion of latch bar  248  that engages the base may extend continuously in the vertical direction as shown, or alternatively, may extend intermittently in the vertical direction (e.g., by having gaps or spaces between portions that engage the base, etc.). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the retracted position of latch bar  248  is horizontally and vertically offset from the extended position of latch bar  248 . In such an embodiment, latch bar  248  is configured to move in both in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction when moving between the extended position and the refracted position. Referring further to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , and according to the embodiment illustrated, the movement of latch bar  248  in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction is a generally continuous diagonal movement. According to the various alternative embodiments, the movement of latch bar  248  in both the horizontal and vertical directions may be non-linear (e.g., curved, arcuate, bowed, discontinuous, etc.) or may be a combination of both linear and non-linear movement. To facilitate the directional movement of latch  248 , latch assembly  246  utilizes one or more guides. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the one or more guides are in the form of slots  254 . Latch bar  248  includes slots  254  and is coupled to door  20  by one or more projections  256  (e.g., shoulder bolts, screw or bolt with a nylon bushing, etc.) engaging slots  254 . Slots  254  may extend completely through latch bar  248  as shown (i.e. a through-slot), or alternatively, may extend on partially through latch bar  248  and take the form of a recess, groove, channel or the like. According to an exemplary embodiment, latch bar  248  includes recesses around slots  254  to engage or receive a portion of projections  256  and to provide a sliding or bearing surface for the portion of projection  256 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated, slots  254  are generally diagonal so that projections  256  guide latch bar  248  in the generally diagonal movement between the extended position (see  FIG. 22 ) and the retracted position (see  FIG. 21 ). According to the various alternative embodiments, the shape of slots  254  may take any of a variety of forms depending on the desired movement of latch bar  248  (e.g., see  FIGS. 26 through 28 , etc.). The weight of latch bar  248  and the configuration and orientation of slots  254  are intended to bias or urge latch bar  248  in the extended position. According to the various alternative embodiments, a biasing element (e.g., a spring, etc.) may be provided to assist in urging latch bar  248  in the extended position. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, slots  254  are angled less than 90 degrees. According to a preferred embodiment, slots  254  are angled between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, slots  254  are angled approximately 30 degrees from vertical. According to the various 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. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , handle  250  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Handle  250  is coupled to latch bar  248  in a suitable manner so that when handle is manipulated (e.g., moved, actuated, etc.) by a user, latch bar  248  will move between the refracted position and the extended position. When handle  250  is released (i.e., when door is in the open or closed position) latch bar  248  is configured to return to the extended position (e.g., due to the weight of handle  250 , due to the weight of latch bar  248 , due to a biasing force of a spring, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, handle  250  is configured for rotation movement relative to door  20 . In such an embodiment, the rotation movement of handle  250  causes latch bar  248  to move between the extended position and the retracted position (e.g., move in a generally upward direction and away from frame  18 ). 
     According to the embodiment illustrated, handle  250  generally includes a grip portion  210 , an operating portion (e.g., key, engagement member, etc.), shown as a cam  212  and a linking or transmission member, shown as a pivot shaft  214 , extending from grip portion  210  to cam  212 . Pivot shaft  214  is configured to extend through door  20  and defines the axis of rotation for grip portion  210  and/or cam  212  relative to door  20 . According to an exemplary embodiment, grip portion  210  is a substantially rectangular member having a first end that is configured to receive pivot shaft  214  and an opposite second end that is configured to be engaged by the user. According to the embodiment illustrated, grip portion  210  is configured to be supported at a substantially horizontal orientation when latch bar  248  is in the extended position. 
     According to the various exemplary embodiments, the grip portion may have any of a number of configurations and/or may be designed to be supported at any of a number of orientations when latch bar  248  is in the extended position. For example, the grip portion may include one or more contoured surfaces for providing a more ergonomically friendly handle for a typical user (e.g., the grip portion may include one or more curved surfaces for receiving the palm and or fingers of a user, etc.). Also, the grip portion may be in the form of a knob or dial (e.g., a circular dial, etc.) with the pivot shaft positioned centrally or eccentrically thereto. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 20 , cam  212  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Cam  212  is provided at an end of pivot shaft  214  opposite grip portion  210  and is configured to be supported at an interior side of door  20 . Cam  212  is configured to engage (directly or indirectly) latch bar  248  to move latch bar  248  between the extended position and the retracted position when the user rotates grip portion  210 . According to the embodiment illustrated, the movement of cam  212  is fixed relative to pivot shaft  214  and grip portion  210 . According to the various exemplary embodiments, one or more intermediate members may be provided between cam  212  and pivot shaft  214  such that cam  212  may move relative to pivot shaft  214 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, cam  212  is configured to be received by an aperture (e.g., recess, slot, keyhole, groove, channel, etc.) defined by latch bar  248  or an intermediate member. In such an embodiment, cam  212  and the aperture cooperate to transfer the rotation movement of grip portion  210  to a movement that moves latch bar  248  between the extended position and the retracted position. According to the embodiment illustrated, cam  212  and the corresponding aperture cooperate to transfer the rotation movement of grip portion  210  to latch bar  248  in a manner that moves latch bar  248  in both the vertical and horizontal directions. 
     To open door  20 , the user applies a force to grip portion  210  that is sufficient to move latch bar  248  between the extended position and the retracted position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the force must be great enough to overcome the weight of latch bar  248 . As detailed above, grip portion  210  is supported at a substantially horizontal orientation when latch bar  248  is in the extended position. According to the embodiment illustrated, the open door  20 , the user applies a downward force at the second end of grip portion  210  which causes pivot shaft  214  to rotate relative to door  20  which causes cam  212  to rotate relative to door  20  which causes cam  212  to engage a peripheral surface of the aperture which in turn causes latch bar  248  to move between the extended and retracted position. 
     The distance that the user must rotate grip portion  210  before latch bar  248  moves from the extended position to the retracted depends upon various design criteria (e.g., the configurations of the latch bar, the cam, the aperture and/or the grip portion, etc.). According to the embodiment illustrated, the user rotates grip portion  210  approximately 90 degrees about pivot shaft  214  to move latch bar  248  from the extended position to the retracted position. According to the various alternative embodiments, grip portion  210  may be configured to rotate distances greater than or less than 90 degrees for allowing door  20  to be opened. 
     Grip portion  210  may be configured to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to open door  20 . According to the embodiment illustrated, the user rotates grip portion  210  in the clockwise direction to open door  20 . According to the various alternative embodiments, the arrangement of handle  250  on door  20  may be reversed (e.g., if the location of hinges  44  is moved to an opposite side of door  20 , etc.) and a downward force on the gripping portion may cause the grip portion to move in a counterclockwise direction. Further still, the handle may be configured to so that the user must apply an upward force to the grip portion to open the door. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , a latch mechanism or assembly, shown as a latch assembly  346 , is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Latch assembly  346  includes a retaining member (e.g., latch, bar, etc.), shown as a sliding latch bar  348 , and a user interface (e.g., manipulation device, etc.), shown as a handle  350 . Latch bar  348  is configured to move parallel to door  20  between a first or extended position and a second or retracted position. In the extended position, latch bar  348  is configured to engage the base (e.g., frame  18 , etc.) to secure door  20  in the closed position. In the retracted position, latch bar  348  is configured to disengage from the base so that door  20  may be moved to an open position. 
     To facilitate the securement of door  20  in the closed position, the portion of latch bar  348  that engages the base has a length extending in a vertical direction that spans a substantial portion of the height of door  20 . The portion of latch bar  348  that engages the base may extend continuously in the vertical direction as shown, or alternatively, may extend intermittently in the vertical direction (e.g., by having gaps or spaces between portions that engage the base, etc.). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, latch bar  348  is configured to move in both in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction when moving between the extending position and the retracted position. According to the embodiment illustrated, such movement results in the retracted position being horizontally and vertically offset from the extended position. Referring further to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , and according to the embodiment illustrated, latch bar  348  is configured for diagonal movement between the extended position and the retracted position. Latch bar  348  includes one or more guides, shown as slots  354 , and is coupled to door  20  by one or more projections  356  (e.g., shoulder bolts, screw or bolt with a nylon bushing, etc.) engaging slots  354 . Slots  354  may extend completely through latch bar  348  as shown (i.e. a through-slot), or alternatively, may extend on partially through latch bar  348  and take the form of a recess, groove, channel or the like. According to an exemplary embodiment, latch bar  348  includes recesses around slots  354  to engage or receive a portion of projections  356  and to provide a sliding or bearing surface for the portion of projection  356 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated, slots  354  are generally diagonal so that projections  356  guide latch bar  348  in the generally diagonal movement between the extended position (shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 ) and the retracted position (not shown). According to the various alternative embodiments, the shape of slots  354  may take any of a variety of forms depending on the desired movement of latch bar  348 . The weight of latch bar  348  and the configuration and orientation of slots  354  are intended to bias or urge latch bar  348  in the extended position. According to the various alternative embodiments, a biasing element (e.g., a spring, etc.) may be provided to assist in urging latch bar  348  in the extended position. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, slots  354  are angled less than 90 degrees. According to a preferred embodiment, slots  354  are angled between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, slots  354  are angled approximately 30 degrees from vertical. According to the various 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. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , handle  350  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Handle  350  is coupled to latch bar  348  in a suitable manner so that when handle is manipulated (e.g., moved, actuated, etc.) by a user, latch bar  348  will move between the retracted position and the extended position. When handle  350  is released (i.e., when door is in the open or closed position) latch bar  348  is configured to return to the extended position (e.g., due to the weight of handle  350 , due to the weight of latch bar  348 , due to a biasing force of a spring, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, handle  350  is configured for rotation movement relative to door  20 . In such an embodiment, the rotation movement of handle  350  causes latch bar  348  to move between the extended position and the retracted position (e.g., move in a generally upward direction and away from frame  18 ). 
     According to the embodiment illustrated, handle  350  generally includes a grip portion  310 , a first gear  312  and a second gear  314 . Grip portion  310  is supported at the exterior of door  20 , while first gear  312  and second gear  314  are supported at the interior of door  20 . First gear  312  is in meshing engagement with second gear  314 . The rotation of grip portion  310  causes the rotation of first gear  312  which causes the movement of second gear  314  relative to first gear  312  which in turn causes latch bar  348  to move between the extended position and the retracted position. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, first gear  312  is in the form a pinion and second gear  314  is in the form of a gear rack. By fixing the axis of rotation of first gear  312  relative to door  20 , and fixing the movement of second gear  314  relative to latch bar  348 , the rotation of first gear  312  causes latch bar  348  to move parallel to door  20  (e.g., between the extended position and the retracted position, etc.). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, grip portion  310  is in the form of a knob or dial. A drive shaft (not shown) extends through door  20  between grip portion  310  and first gear  312 . The drive shaft may extend directly between grip portion  310  and first gear  312 , or alternatively, may extend indirectly via a gear set. For example, the drive shaft may extend directly from grip portion  310  to a third gear (not shown) that is concentrically aligned with the drive shaft and in meshing engagement (directly or through or more intermediate gears) with first gear  312  that is offset from the drive shaft and the third gear. According to the various alternative embodiments, the grip portion may have a configuration similar to that of the various grip portions detailed above. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, second gear  314  is coupled to latch bar  348 . Second gear  314  is shown as being integrally formed with latch bar  348 , but alternatively, may be provided as a separate member that is attached to latch bar  348 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape of second gear  314  substantially corresponds to the shape of slots  354  to provide for a generally smooth transition of latch bar  348  between the extended and retracted positions. According to the embodiment illustrated, second gear  314  is generally diagonal and extends linearly at an angle less than 90 degrees. According to a preferred embodiment, second gear  314  is angled between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, second gear  314  is angled approximately 30 degrees from vertical and substantially matches the angle of slots  354 . According to the various alternative embodiments, the second gear may be provided at any of a variety of angles and/or orientations. Also, the second gear may be non-linear (e.g., curvilinear, made up of more than one linear segment having different slopes, made up of both curvilinear and linear segments, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , handle  350  is further shown as including a locking device  320  for preventing door  20  from being opened. Locking device  320  is shown as having a locking projection  322  supported at grip portion  310  and an aperture  324  defined by first gear  312 . With latch bar  348  in the extended position, locking projection  322  can be selectively moved between a first or unlocked position (not shown) and a second or locked position (shown in  FIG. 25 ). In the locked position, locking projection  322  engages aperture  324  to prevent the rotation of first gear  312 . Locking device  320  may be configured as a key lock as shown, or alternatively, may be configured as a combination lock, a coin lock or any other known or otherwise suitable lock that is intended to prevent an unauthorized user for moving locking projection  322  from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     To open door  20 , the user rotates grip portion  310  to move latch bar  348  between the extended position and the retracted position. Rotation of grip portion  310  rotates first gear  312  which causes second gear  314  to walk up first gear  312  and thereby move from the extended position to the retracted position. The distance that the user must rotate grip portion  310  before latch bar  348  moves from the extended position to the retracted depends upon various design criteria (e.g., the configurations of the latch bar and/or the grip portion, the number and size of the gears, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 26 through 28 , various latch bars are shown according to exemplary embodiments. Such latch bars are suitable for use with any of the embodiments detailed above. Referring to  FIG. 26  in particular, a latch bar  448  is shown having one or more guides, shown as slots  454 . Slots  454  are configured to receive one or more projections (e.g., shoulder bolts, screw or bolt with a nylon bushing, etc.) for coupled latch bar  448  to a door. Slots  454  may extend completely through latch bar  448  as shown (i.e. a through-slot), or alternatively, may extend on partially through latch bar  448  and take the form of a recess, groove, channel or the like. Slots  454  are generally non-linear (e.g., arcuate, bowed, having more than one linear line with different slopes, having a combination of linear and non-linear portions, etc.), shown as being curvilinear or curved, and configured to guide the one or more projections so that latch bar  448  is guided in both a vertical direction and horizontal direction when moving between the extended and retracted positions. According to the embodiment illustrated, slots  454  first extend in a substantially upward direction and then extend in a substantially outward direction. In such an embodiment, slots  454  face substantially downwards. The weight of latch bar  448  and the configuration and orientation of slots  454  are intended to bias or urge latch bar  448  in the extended position. Latch bar  448  may have any number of slot and projection combinations depending on the size and configuration of the door, and desired performance characteristics. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27  in particular, a latch bar  548  is shown having one or more guides, shown as slots  554 . Slots  554  are configured to receive one or more projections (e.g., shoulder bolts, screw or bolt with a nylon bushing, etc.) for coupled latch bar  548  to a door. Slots  554  may extend completely through latch bar  548  as shown (i.e. a through-slot), or alternatively, may extend on partially through latch bar  548  and take the form of a recess, groove, channel or the like. Slots  554  are generally non-linear (e.g., arcuate, bowed, having more than one linear line with different slopes, having a combination of linear and non-linear portions, etc.), shown as being curvilinear or curved, and configured to guide the one or more projections so that latch bar  548  is guided in both a vertical direction and horizontal direction when moving between the extended and retracted positions. According to the embodiment illustrated, slots  554  first extend in a substantially outward direction and then extend in a substantially upward direction. In such an embodiment, slots  554  face substantially upwards. The weight of latch bar  548  and the configuration and orientation of slots  554  are intended to bias or urge latch bar  548  in the extended position. Latch bar  548  may have any number of slot and projection combinations depending on the size and configuration of the door, and desired performance characteristics. Further, the curvature of the slots may be any of a variety of shapes and/or sizes suitable for providing the desired path of movement for the latch bar. 
     Referring to  FIG. 28  in particular, a latch bar  648  is shown having one or more guides, shown as slots  654 . Slots  654  are configured to receive one or more projections (e.g., shoulder bolts, screw or bolt with a nylon bushing, etc.) for coupled latch bar  648  to a door. Slots  654  may extend completely through latch bar  648  as shown (i.e. a through-slot), or alternatively, may extend on partially through latch bar  648  and take the form of a recess, groove, channel or the like. Slots  654  are generally curved and configured to guide the one or more projections so that latch bar  648  is guided in both a vertical direction and horizontal direction when moving between the extended and retracted positions. According to the embodiment illustrated, slots  654  first extend in an upward direction, then extend in an outward direction and then again extend in the upward direction. The weight of latch bar  648  and the configuration and orientation of slots  654  are intended to bias or urge latch bar  648  in the extended position. Latch bar  648  may have any number of slot and projection combinations depending on the size and configuration of the door, and desired performance characteristics. Further, the curvature of the slots may be any of a variety of shapes and/or sizes suitable for providing the desired path of movement for the latch bar. 
     It should be noted that any references to “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “interior,” and “exterior” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGURES, with “right” and “left” being relative to a user position in front of and facing the door of the storage unit. These terms are not meant to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications. 
     It should also be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     It should further be noted 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. Further, the placement of the projections and the slots relating to the latch bar may be reversed. For example, the slots may be defined by a portion of the door while the projections are supported by the latch bar. 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.