Patent Publication Number: US-11382423-B2

Title: Locker with reclining seat and roll-up door

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/732,833, filed 18 Sep. 2018, titled “Locker with Reclining Seat and Roll-Up Door,” which is incorporated herein for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to improvements in lockers or storage cabinets used in athletic or sporting facilities, and more specifically to seating integrated into such lockers. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     The aesthetics and utility of lockers or storage cabinets in “locker rooms” of athletic and sporting facilities of sports teams and country clubs, for example, have become a measure of the quality and prestige of such organizations and an increasingly important aspect of recruiting new team or club members. Modern lockers are a far cry from the simple wood or metal cabinets of the past. 
     Modern lockers incorporate storage for specific items of equipment, such as helmets and shoes, and features promoting comfort and luxury. There is a constant need for improvement in both functional and aesthetic aspects of such lockers. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective views of multiple examples of a locker according to a preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are perspective views of the lockers of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the doors shown in an open position, and the seats shown in an upright position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of three lockers of  FIGS. 1-3  connected in series with a control panel; and 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are enlarged views of a pull-out shoe drawer feature of the lockers of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     
    
    
     While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the locker according to the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in the drawings, lockers  101   a ,  101   b ,  101   c , and  101   d  according to the preferred embodiment of the present application are depicted. Locker  101   a  shows a locker wherein a roll-up door  107  and an overhead door  149  are in closed positions, and a shoe storage unit or compartment  137  is in a retracted position. Locker  101   b  shows a locker wherein roll-up door  107  is in an open position, a compartment door  113  is in a closed position, a seat  121  is in a reclined position, overhead door  149  is in an open position, and a shoe shelf  155  is extended from an overhead compartment  145 . Locker  101   c  shows a locker wherein roll-up door  107  in in an open position, compartment door  113  is in an open position, seat  121  is in an upright position, overhead door  149  is in an open position, and shoe shelf  155  is retracted into overhead compartment  145 . Locker  101   d  shows a locker wherein doors  147  and  113  are in closed positions, seat  121  is in an upright position, shoe storage compartment  137  is in a retracted position, and roll-up door  107  is in an open position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3C and 4  in the drawings, lockers  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  according to the preferred embodiment of the present application are depicted. Locker  301   a  is the same locker as lockers  101   a - 101   d  but further showing a preferred embodiment of door chamber  307 , door-guiding component  305 , and plenum  303 , which are excluded from  FIGS. 1 and 2  for clarity. Locker  301   a  also shows the preferred stored configuration of door  107  when the door is in an open position. Lockers  301   b - 301   c  are alternative embodiments of locker  301   a  that show two different configurations of roll-up door  107 , door chamber  307 , and door-guiding component  305 . Lockers  401   a - 401   c  are the same lockers as lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a , but further showing control panel  403 , which is excluded from  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3C  for clarity. Lockers  401   a - 401   c  also do not show door-guiding component  305  and door  107  for clarity. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  in the drawings, lockers  101   c  and  101   d  from  FIGS. 1 and 2  are shown in an enlarged view to better show shoe storage unit or compartment  137 .  FIG. 5A  shows shoe storage compartment  137 , as well as projections  505 , end walls  501 , and removable tray  509 .  FIG. 5B  shows shoe storage compartment  137 , as well as rear wall  507  and drawer slides  503 . In the preferred embodiment, shoe storage unit  137  includes self-closing soft-close drawer slides that assist with closing shoe storage unit  137  and prevent shoe storage unit  137  from slamming closed, thereby reducing the chance that locker  101   c  and  101   d  are damaged from rough and/or abusive use. 
     Lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  generally comprise a pair of upstanding sidewalls  103  that generally define the extent of the locker. A back wall  105  connects sidewalls  103  at the rear of each locker  101 ,  301 ,  401  (see  FIGS. 1, 3A -C, and  4 ). Sidewalls  103  and back walls  105  may be made various materials, including wood, laminates, polymers, metals, and composites. The material choice will depend upon the properties desired for the chosen application and embodiment of the locker. For example, lockers that will be holding dirty and wet equipment may be better suited for construction from polymer since it is durable and easy to clean, whereas lockers at a prestigious or upscale institution might be made from wood or laminate since it creates a nicer appearance. Each locker  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  may be installed adjacent to another, similar or identical locker, with its rear against a wall, and its front facing the interior of a locker room. Each locker  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  may also be installed behind and facing the opposite direction of another, similar or identical locker, with its rear walls against the rear wall of another locker and its front facing the interior of a locker room. Sidewalls  103  and back walls  105  may be arranged to create an interior area of the locker. 
     Between the sidewalls  103  of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c , a plurality of compartments  111  are defined by shelves or other horizontally extending surfaces or platforms (see  FIGS. 1-5B ). As used herein, “sidewall” or “sidewalls” may refer to either “main” sidewalls  103  or other upstanding or generally vertical sidewalls arranged between the “main” sidewalls. Multiple additional sidewalls  103  may be placed between the “main” or exterior sidewalls  103  to define compartments  111  in cooperation with generally horizontally extending shelves or platforms. The sidewalls and shelves of compartments  111  may be made of the same materials of sidewalls  103  and back walls  105  of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c , or may be made of differing materials, depending on the desired properties of the specific application and embodiment of the locker. Each compartment  111  may be sized and otherwise configured for storage of clothing or sporting equipment or other items and may include at least one door  113 , which may be lockable with lock  115 . Compartments  111  may further contain features such as electrical outlets or charging ports. 
     A plenum  303  may be mounted on the rear or exterior side of back wall  105  (see  FIGS. 3A-3C and 4 , not shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ). Plenum  303  may be connected via duct work  309  to the existing HVAC  311  of the locker room or room in which lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  are disposed or situated. The HVAC  311  system to which plenum  303  is connected may be the conventional heating and cooling system of the building or room in which lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  are disposed, or may be a dedicated system for the lockers themselves. The HVAC  311  system thus provides heated, cooled, and/or dehumidified air to each locker  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  through plenum  303 . 
     Plenum  303  may communicate air from the HVAC  311  system to the interior and various compartments  111 ,  133 ,  137 ,  147  of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  through a plurality of ventilation apertures or grilles  157  formed in back wall  105 . Preferably, a grille or aperture  157  (grille is used herein to mean a single aperture or a group of apertures in any arrangement, e.g. circles, squares, other shapes, arranged in any pattern) is arranged through back wall  105  at least at an upper extent of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  to insure a supply of air to the entirety of the locker or at least the upper compartments thereof. As illustrated, a ventilation aperture or grille  157  is located in an overhead compartment  147 . 
     Grilles  157  may preferably be provided with a damper arrangement or mechanism that permits the partial closure or obstruction of the aperture(s) of grilles  157  to control the flow of air from plenum  303 . One or more front or forward ventilation grilles may be provided in the front panels or surfaces (forward of back wall  105  and generally between side walls  103 ) of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  to permit exhaust or intake of air from or to the locker. Alternatively the natural gaps left between doors and openings in lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  can provide the exhaust or intake of air. Grilles  157  and their dampers may be controlled (opened or closed, fully or partially) manually or automatically, as by a programmed computer. Automatically controlled grilles may operate on a “schedule” (e.g. open or closed at night or during daylight hours) or according to airflow or other parameters, such as relative humidity in the locker room and the like. 
     Thus, airflow may be established through lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  from plenum  303 , through ventilation grille  157 , and out of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  through other grilles or other openings in the front or forward portions of locker. Alternatively, air circulated through the locker may be exhausted through a duct  309  or conduit to an area remote from lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  and/or the locker room or building in which they are located. Ventilation may be assisted by one or more circulation fans located in lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  (not shown). Some embodiments of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  may contain equipment drying fixtures such as glove dryers or shoe dryers. Some embodiments of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  may include components to enable ventilation in a seat assembly. 
     The interior area of the lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  may be closed and secured by a roll-up door  107  that slides between sidewalls  103 . Roll-up door  107 , in a preferred embodiment, is a roll-type door comprising a single panel made of segments of aluminum, but may be made with varying designs and materials depending on the desired properties and application of the lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  and door  107 . For example, in the embodiment seen in  FIG. 3C , door  107  is made of two distinct segmented aluminum panels that retract into and behind locker  301   c  in opposite directions. 
     The placement and the direction of roll-up door  107  is defined by door guiding components  305  (see  FIGS. 3A-3C ). The door guiding components  305  preferably comprise systems commonly used to guide roll-up or sliding type doors, such as the track or slide systems typically found on garage or loading bay doors. Other embodiments of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  may utilize guiding components  305  comprising various other parts or systems, depending on the design of the lockers. As illustrated, components  305  are shown as only being present on the right sidewall of the interior area of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c , but in the preferred embodiment components  305  are present on both sides of the interior area so that door  107  is supported along both sides. 
     When roll-up door  107  is opened, the door retracts into a door chamber  307 . In the preferred embodiment, chamber  307  is a contained opening (see  FIG. 3A ) wherein door  107  winds into a coiled arrangement. The preferred embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 3A  shows door  107  wound into a generally oval-shaped coil arrangement, but door  107  may be stored in multiple arrangements, such as various wound coil arrangements, arrangements wherein door  107  is layered but not coiled, or arrangements where door  107  is stored in a single layer. 
     In other embodiments, chamber  307  is a chamber which is open through back wall  105  into a plenum  303  (see  FIGS. 3B-3C ), and may be a single chamber or split into multiple chambers depending on whether door  107  moves as a single panel or splits into multiple panels upon opening. In the embodiments seen in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , door  107  passes into and through chambers  307  into plenum  303 , and is stored as a single layer behind back wall  105 . As shown in  FIGS. 3C and 4 , door chamber  307  can be split into two chambers, upper door chamber  307   a  and lower door chamber  307   b . In other preferred embodiments with chambers  307  open to a plenum  303 , door  107  may be wound into coiled or layered arrangements as described with regard to  FIG. 3A . 
     Door  107  may operate in a variety of ways. Door  107  may operate manually such that a user supplies all the force and movement used to open the door. This preferably may be accomplished using a handle  109 , or in other embodiments, may be accomplished with the use of a pull chain, strap, or other component which is linked mechanically to a door drive system housed within lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c.    
     Handle  109  is preferably a fabric strap or a rigid handle movably attached to door  107 . Door  107  may have a slot or recess which houses handle  109  such that the handle is retracted into the recess in order that handle  109  does not catch on or otherwise contact components of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  during the opening and closing of door  107 . In other embodiments, handle  109  may be an opening, recess, or other formed feature in door  107  such that no additional strap or handle components are necessary. Alternatively, door  107  may not have any handle  109  and may instead open with the use of a chains, cables, gears, or other mechanical drive systems. 
     Door  107  may require manual opening as previously described, but may further contain an assisted-opening action such as a spring drive, hydraulic drive, or counter-weight. In an assisted-opening design, such as designs wherein springs, hydraulics, or counterweights supply opening force to door  107 , the system may be perfectly balanced such that no additional components are necessary to keep door  107  in an open or closed position. Alternatively, an assisted-opening system may not be perfectly balanced and may require some form of latching, clamping, braking, or other securing component to keep door  107  in an open or closed position. 
     Door  107  may be a self-opening design which uses some form of door-driving components, such as electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic motors, connected to door  107  either directly or in combination with an arrangement of mechanical components such as straps, chains, gears, and fasteners. 
     Roll-up door  107  may be locked and unlocked, opened and closed, or otherwise controlled with control panel  403 . (See  FIG. 4 ). As depicted in the preferred embodiment of the present application, control panel  403  is an electronic keypad which, in combination with an electronic locking mechanism, locks roll-up door  107 . Panel  403  may simply unlock door  107 , or may actually control the opening of door  107  if the door is operated automatically. Control panel  403  is depicted as being mounted on the front of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  on shoe storage compartment  137 , but may be mounted at any exterior or interior point of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c , depending on the desired design and configuration of the lockers. In some embodiments, control panel  403  may be an interactive touch screen that controls more advanced features of a locker, such as lighting, ventilation, or any electronic displays, in addition to the unlocking and opening of door  107 . 
     In other embodiments, roll-up door  107  may not make use of control panel  403  at all. Door  107  may simply make use of a simple mechanical lock (not pictured) and be opened manually, or may open automatically and be unlocked and opened remotely with some combination of locker transceiver and remote transceiver. For example, door  107  could be opened remotely by a short range transmitter, such as a common radio wave garage door opener, or such as a Bluetooth-enabled device. Door  107  could also be connected to the internet and controlled wirelessly through the use of software on any internet-capable device, such as a smartphone. In an alternative embodiment, a series of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  may not contain control panels  403 , and doors  107  may all be remotely controlled from one common control panel which controls all the connected lockers together or individually. 
     The interior area of the lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  contains several features, including preferably and most notably a reclining seat  121  (see  FIGS. 1-4 ). Each seat  121  generally comprises a bench  123 , a seatback  125 , a footrest  131 , and a headrest  127  according to the preferred embodiment in the present application. Bench  123 , seatback  125 , footrest  131 , and headrest  127  may be disposed and extended between sidewalls  103  or other sidewalls defined between sidewalls  103 . 
     Seat  121  is operably moveable between an upright position and a reclined position. When seat  121  is in an upright position, bench  123  is in a generally horizontal position or orientation, and footrest  131 , seatback  125 , and headrest  127  are in a generally vertical position or orientation. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , locker  101   c  depicts a locker wherein seat  121  is in an upright position. When seat  121  is in a reclined position, bench  123  and footrest  131  are in a generally horizontal position, headrest  127  may be in a generally upright or generally reclined position depending on the design of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c , and seatback  125  is in a generally reclined position and may be oriented at any degree between horizontal and vertical depending on the design of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , locker  101   b  is a locker wherein seat  121  is in a reclined position. 
     Seat  121  components bench  123 , seatback  125 , footrest  131 , and headrest  127  are preferably padded and upholstered with an appropriate material, such as vinyl or leather or other textile material. The material and design choices for seat  121  will depend on the desired application and embodiment of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c . Graphics may be present on components of seat  121 . For example, referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , logo  129  is preferably present on headrest  127 . As depicted, the logo is a school name, but in other embodiments may be a symbol, institution name, image, other graphic, or any combination thereof. Logo  129  may be an embroidered logo, a printed logo, an embedded feature, or a separate piece which is removably or permanently attached to headrest  127 . Logo  129  may also be present on other components of seat  121  in addition to or instead of headrest  127 . 
     Seat  121  contains some form of recliner operation assembly. The operation assembly comprises various combinations of operating components such as hinges, brackets, fasteners, linkages, levers, bearings, slides, pivots, springs, or pistons. The assembly operates and controls the reclining of seat  121  and attaches the seat to lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c . According to the preferred embodiment of the present application, the operation assembly is at least partially housed in and concealed by compartments of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  such as lower compartment  133  (see  FIGS. 1-2 ). The operation assembly may also be concealed by other locker features such as seat  121  instead of or in addition to lower compartment  133 . 
     For seat  121  to be moved from an upright position into a reclined position, some force must be applied to the recliner operation assembly. This force may be supplied from a user, such as by applying or shifting body weight or other force, or may be supplied from components within the operation assembly such as springs, hydraulic pistons, pneumatic cylinders, and/or electric motors. Locker  101 ,  301 ,  401  may further contain some form of recliner release such as a lever, switch, handle, strap, or button, and may operate mechanically or electrically, alone or in combination with motion-arresting components, such as latches, brakes, pins, or magnets, which prevent the reclining of seat  121  until a user operates the recliner release. 
     Parts of seat  121  such as headrest  127  and seatback  125  may be easily removable or interchangeable. Seatback  125  may be made of multiple portions, such as an upper and lower portion, or may be a single portion. Seatback  125 , whether a single portion or multiple portions, may be hinged such that the seatback portions may be moved about their respective hinges and open the seatback to allow a user to store and access equipment behind the seat. Parts of seat  121  such as headrest  127 , seatback  125 , and bench  123  may be ventilated and connected through lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  to plenum  303  such that air flows through seat  121  to a user. Airflow to seat  121  may be warm or cool air and may be used to cool or warm a person sitting in seat  121 . Seat  121  may also be heated or cooled with other components, such as electrical heating elements, used alone or in combination with ventilation. 
     The interior area of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  further contains a lower compartment  133  (see  FIGS. 1-2 ). In the preferred embodiment according to the present application, compartment  133  serves as a housing for the recliner operational assembly for seat  121 . Compartment  133  has a front panel  135  that conceals the assembly within the compartment. In an alternative embodiment, compartment  133  may contain chamber  307  for storage of roll-up door  107  instead of or in addition to housing and concealing components of a recliner operational assembly (not shown). In other embodiments, compartment  133  may be a functional footlocker wherein front panel  135  opens to allow access to the compartment, or wherein compartment  133  is actually a drawer that slides forward from underneath seat  121 . Front panel  135  is depicted as containing apertures or vents through the panel. In the preferred embodiment according to the present application, these apertures or vents may be used in combination with the plenum  303  and other ducting to ventilate lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c.    
     The interior area of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  further contains various features designed to help store and organize equipment and apparel. For example, in the preferred embodiment according to the present application, lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  contain a game day hook  117  (see  FIGS. 1-5 ). Game day hook  117  preferably is removably mounted inside and at the top of the interior area of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  in front of compartment  111 . Game day hook  117  may be easily installed and removed such that hook  117  is only present on days when a user will be wearing game-day equipment Game-day equipment may be hung in locker  101 ,  301 ,  401  before a game or event, after which hook  117  is removed, until the next game or event. Lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  also contain interior equipment hooks  119 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  preferably contain a plurality of hooks  119  mounted on the front surface of back wall  105 . Hooks  119  may be mounted elsewhere within the lockers, such as on locker sidewalls on the interior area and within compartments  111 ,  147 . Hooks  117  and  119  may be made of various materials such as metal, wood, laminate, composite, or polymer, depending on the designs of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  and the type of equipment that will be stored on hooks  117 ,  119 . 
     To the side of the interior area, lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  preferably contain shoe storage compartment  137 . Referring now to  FIG. 5 , shoe-storage compartment  137  includes a pair of spaced-apart, opposed or opposing front and rear end walls  501 , which are connected at the top and bottom. Heavy-duty drawer slides  503  may be mounted at the top and bottom of end walls  501  and are secured to the interior of sidewalls  103  to permit compartment  137  to slide or move between extended (see  FIG. 5 ) and retracted positions (as shown in  FIGS. 3A-C  and  4 ). Slides  503  may be located elsewhere along the vertical dimension of compartment  137 , as well. Compartment  137  may vary in height, width, and depth but should be large enough in all dimensions to accommodate at least one pair of shoes and preferably two or more pairs. Compartment  137  may be provided with illumination in the form of LED lights or other illumination sources. Such illumination may be controlled by switches that turn it on or off as compartment  137  is opened and closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of pairs of generally opposed or opposing projections  505  are secured to end walls  501  in a slightly staggered fashion. Projections  505  serve to temporarily secure and support shoes in a storage position within compartment  137 . In the preferred embodiment according to the present application, projections  505  are designed to support shoes from underneath, but in other embodiments may support footwear by fitting inside the footwear and holding it either upright or upside down. Projections  505  preferably are formed of sheet stainless steel, bent at an angle, with a vertical portion riveted, screwed, or otherwise fastened to end walls  501 . Projections  505  may be shorter or longer than illustrated to accommodate different sizes or types of shoes (e.g. provided with notches for “flip flops,” or shaped differently to accommodate boots or other high-topped shoes) and to accommodate gloves (with or without individual finger projections). Projections  505  may be provided with electric resistance or other heating elements to assist drying of shoes or other equipment. Projections  505  may be provided with anti-odor, anti-fungal, or anti-bacterial coatings or inserts to prevent odor or infections. Projections  505  may also be adjustable as to length or angle via, hinges and other mechanisms so that they can be customized to accommodate different types of shoes, gloves, and other equipment. Projections  505  may also be hollow and connected to a forced-air ventilation system to provide additional air circulation within and about any footwear or equipment contained in compartment  137 . 
     At least one side of compartment  137  must be open-faced when compartment  137  is extended from lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  to permit access to projections  505 . A perforated rear wall  507  may extend between end walls  501  to add strength to enclosure or compartment  137 . The perforations permit air circulation to allow stored shoes to dry. Air may be supplied to compartment  137  by a forced-air ventilation system (either wholly or partially self-contained or coupled to building HVAC). Such ventilation may include anti-odor, anti-fungal, or anti-bacterial treatments. A removable debris tray  509  may be disposed at the bottom of enclosure  137  to catch mud, grass, and other debris from shoes stored in compartment  137 . Tray  509  may be removed and debris emptied and replaced. 
     In operation, the locker user pulls shoe compartment  137  from the retracted position into the extended position by using handle  139 . The locker user places recently worn, dirty, and sweaty or otherwise wet shoes onto projections  505 . Compartment  137  then may be closed, and any shoes or equipment contained within compartment  137  will dry. Any dried mud or grass or other debris falling from shoes may land on tray  509 , which may be removed for disposal of the debris. Components of shoe storage compartment  137  may be made of various materials such as metal, wood, laminate, composite, or polymer, depending on the designs of locker lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c . In the preferred embodiment according to the present application, compartment  137  and its components are primarily made of stainless steel. 
     In the preferred embodiment according to the present application, compartment  137  is shown as being to the right of the reclining seat  121  and interior area as seen from the front of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c , but could be mounted to the left instead. Other embodiments may have multiple compartments  137 , located on either or both sides of seat  121 . In the preferred embodiment, compartment  137  extends from the base of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  to the bottom edge of overhead compartment  147 , but in other embodiments could be shorter to allow more usable space for the rest of the locker. For example, in other embodiments compartment  137  may extend upward only enough such that an arm rest may be mounted above compartment  137  for a user in seat  121 . Compartment  137  may also be split into multiple pieces. For example, an alternative locker embodiment may have one enclosure for compartment  137  but contain two separate shoe storage drawers within the enclosure, one mounted above the other. Alternatively, a locker may not contain shoe storage compartment  137  at all, and may either be more compact as a result or provide a wider seat  121 . 
     Above the interior area, lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  contain an upper panel  143 . In the preferred embodiment according to the present application, panel  143  is located in front of door chamber  307  and serves to conceal door  107  when the door is in an open position. Panel  143  also serves to conceal any portion of guiding components  305  and any door operational components, such as a drive system or tension system, which are located within chamber  307 . 
     Panel  143  preferably is removably coupled to lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  so that panel  143  may be easily removed or changed. The removable panel gives maintenance personnel easy access behind panel  143  to maintain or replace any components held behind the panel. In other embodiments, panel  143  is hinged along an upper or lower edge such that it is not completely removable but still allows easy access behind the panel, or is fixed to a locker such that maintenance personnel would need to undue fasteners such as screws or bolts to access components behind the panel. 
     In the preferred embodiment according to the present application, panel  143  contains a logo  145  (see  FIGS. 1-2 ) laser etched into the front surface of panel  143  and filled with paint, ink, or other substances. This logo may be in any form, including symbols, written words, or other visual depictions. 
     Above panel  143  and at the top of the lockers, lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  contain an overhead compartment  147 . This compartment is defined by the sidewalls  103  of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  and shelves or other horizontally extending surfaces or platforms (see  FIGS. 1-2 ). An overhead door  149  is attached at the front of compartment  147  and is hinged along a top edge so that door  149  may be opened upwards to allow access to the contents of compartment  147 . 
     Compartment  147  preferably contains a door opening mechanism (not shown) wherein components such as springs, hydraulic pistons, levers, pivots, other components, or any combination thereof are used to apply an opening force to overhead door  149 . Depending on the magnitude of the opening force supplied to door  149 , and on the design of the opening mechanism, overhead door  149  may stay closed when put in a closed position and stay open when placed in an open position without the use of a releasable fastener, or door  149  may use some type of releasable fastener like a latch or magnet to hold door  149  in a closed position. 
     In other embodiments, compartment  147  may not contain any components which assist in the opening of door  149 , and may contain other features or components which hold door  149  open when door  149  is put in an open position. 
     Overhead door  149  preferably comprises a border panel  151  and a lighted panel  153 . Lighted panel  153  may have its own backlighting attached to door  149  behind panel  153 , or panel  153  may simply be a translucent or transparent panel that is illuminated by lights within compartment  147 . In other embodiments, panel  153  may not be lighted and instead may be an opaque material such as wood, metal, or laminate. In the preferred embodiment, a logo  159  is attached to border panel  151  in front of lighted panel  153 . Other embodiments, overhead door  149  may not contain a logo  159 . 
     Overhead compartment  147  preferably contains an extending and retracting shoe shelf  155  (see  FIGS. 1-2 ). Shelf  155  slides forward partially out of compartment  147  and pivots down toward a user so that a user has easier access to shoes or other equipment or items stored on shelf  155 . Compartment  147  also preferably contains ventilation apertures or a grille  157  through back wall  105  to allow ventilation created by fans or an HVAC system through plenum  303  to circulate air in compartment  147 . This circulation in overhead compartment  147  helps dry or keep fresh any shoes or other gear and equipment kept in overhead compartment  147 . 
     Lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  preferably contain additional features on the exterior of the lockers. Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , display panel  141  is present on the front of the lockers. In the preferred embodiment according to the present application, display panel  141  is located on the front of shoe storage compartment  137 . In other embodiments, display panel  141  may be located at any exterior point on a locker. 
     Display panel  141  is shown as a simple backlit panel with an image, but display panel  141  should be understood to include any kind of display. For example, display panel  141  may be a programmable electronic display wherein the display is controlled individually and in series with display panels  141  on other lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c . Display panel  141  may be an interactive programmable electronic display such as a touch-screen display, and may function to control various features and components of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  such as lighting, ventilation, and the opening and closing, and the locking and unlocking of doors  107 ,  149 ,  113  and compartment  137 . In embodiments wherein display panel  141  is a touch-screen display, control panel  403  may have limited function or may be excluded altogether. 
     In some embodiments, a programmable electronic display (not pictured) may be mounted on or above door  149  in place of or in addition to lighted panel  153  and logo  159 . In such other embodiments, display panel  141  or control panel  403  may control the programmable display on door  149 . Alternatively, a programmable display on or above door  149  may be controlled, individually and in series with other overhead displays or display panels  141  on the same or other lockers, by an external computer or other electronic device. 
     Lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  contain various features and components. It should be understood that certain features, such as upper panel  143 , or images displayed on display panel  141  or an overhead display, are easily interchangeable. For example, displays and logos in lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  may be changed for important events such as tournaments, playoffs, championships, and bowl games. Furthermore, displayed images or logos which are specific to a certain user, such as a specific player on a team, must be changed in certain normal circumstances, such as when a player leaves a team and a new player begins using the locker. It should also be understood that any features of lockers  101   a - 101   d ,  301   a - 301   c ,  401   a - 401   c  such as any handles, locks, levers, or latches (for example: hooks  117  and  119 , handle  139 ) may be customized to be in the shape of any logos, promotional indicia, or other specific shapes a user or organization prefers. 
     It is apparent that a system with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered, modified and/or combined, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description and claims. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.