Patent Abstract:
A locker. The locker comprises a first side wall having an interlocking portion, a second side wall having a first interlocking portion engaging the interlocking portion of the first side wall and a second interlocking portion, and a third side wall having an interlocking portion engaging the second interlocking portion of the second side wall. A coin receptacle, coin receptacle locking mechanism, a shelf and a door for the locker are also disclosed. A method of manufacturing a locker is also provided. The method comprises cutting a first wall from a first material to a desired length, cutting a second wall from the first material to the desired length, cutting a third wall to the desired length, and slidingly engaging the first, second and third walls. A method for limiting access to a locking mechanism is also provided, which comprises positioning the locking mechanism adjacent an inward facing surface and fastening the locking mechanism to the locker.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to lockers and, more particularly, to weather resistant coin operated lockers. 
     2. Description of the Invention Background 
     A variety of different methods and apparatuses have been developed for securing personal possessions in public areas. One apparatus that has been developed is a coin operated locker for storage of personal possessions. Such a locker commonly includes two vertical parallel side panels, a vertical rear panel attached to both side panels, a top and a bottom, thereby creating a storage compartment enclosed on five sides. The front of the locker typically has at least one lockable door. A front-mounted coin operated locking mechanism and a coin receptacle located beneath the locking mechanism in a channel are also common components of such lockers. The walls and door of lockers are typically fabricated from flat rolled steel, welded by a skilled mechanic, and arranged along horizontal and vertical planes. The locking mechanism in a typical application maintains the door in an unlocked condition until a coin is inserted therein. Once a coin is inserted into the locking mechanism, a key in the locking mechanism may be rotated to lock the door and then the key may be removed. The key must then be reinserted in the locking mechanism to unlock the door. When placed in the unlocked position, the key of the typical locking mechanism may not be removed unless another coin is inserted. The coin receptacle is typically situated alongside the storage compartment or beneath the storage compartment. Coins that are inserted into the locking mechanism are directed into the coin receptacle where they accumulate until they are periodically removed. Such lockers are commonly found grouped together to provided many separate storage compartments for use by a number of people. Such lockers, however, are not suitable for outdoor use because their steel construction deteriorates rapidly in such conditions. Such steel lockers are, furthermore, disadvantageously heavy and expensive to fabricate. Front-mounted locking mechanisms are disadvantageous because they may be vandalized by prying. In addition, a channel-mounted coin receptacle is disadvantageously small and, thus, will overflow unless emptied regularly. The time and skill required to weld a locker together is another disadvantage of a conventional locker. 
     Another common problem with known lockers is that they often become soiled by way of spills that occur therein, by foods that melt and stick to the compartment or by other means. Such soiling often prevents a locker from being reused until the soiling has been discovered and removed because items placed in a soiled locker may in turn be soiled. Known lockers are also disadvantageously difficult to clean. Pressurized water generally may not be directed into previous steel structures because of the potential for rusting of the structure, particularly in areas that cannot be easily dried. In addition, previous structures having a flat lower surface or shelf tend to retain spilled material and other impurities thereon. Furthermore, when a flat shelf becomes soiled, other items placed on that soiled shelf are likely to become soiled themselves, thereby placing the soiled locker, for all practical purposes, unusable until the impurities are discovered and removed. 
     Therefore, there is a particular need for a locker that is suitable for outdoor use. There is also a need for a locker having a locking mechanism that is not susceptible to prying. There is, furthermore, a need for a locker that has a large coin receptacle that is not prone to overflowing. There is also a particular need for a locker that prevents spilled material and other forms of impurities in the locker from contacting personal possessions later placed in the locker. There is also a need for a locker that may be easily cleaned by directing pressurized water from a hose or other device into the locker storage compartment. There is additionally a need for a locker having a storage compartment that is configured such that liquids spilled or sprayed in the compartment will drain from the compartment. There is also a need for a locker that is strong, lightweight, and that may be produced inexpensively. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a particularly preferred form of the present invention, there is provided a locker. The locker comprises a first side wall having an interlocking portion, a second side wall having a first interlocking portion engaging the interlocking portion of the first side wall and a second interlocking portion, and a third side wall having an interlocking portion engaging the second interlocking portion of the second side wall. The locker may also have at least two side walls that are cut from the same stock. 
     A coin receptacle for a coin operated locker is also provided. The coin receptacle comprises a channel having a cross-section and at least one coin operated locking mechanism, and defining an opening through which coins may fall, and a coin tray disposed below the channel having a cross-section greater than that of the channel. In a particular embodiment, the coin receptacle may further comprise a coin deflector mounted in the channel for deflecting coins into the coin tray. 
     A coin receptacle locking mechanism for mounting on a frame is also provided. The coin receptacle locking mechanism comprises a key operated barrel, a cam attached to the barrel, and a lock bar attached to the cam. The cam includes at least three lobes, wherein the first lobe engages the frame at a first point, the second lobe engages the frame at a second point, and the third lobe is pivotaly connected to the lock bar which engages the frame at a third point when the barrel is placed in a locked position. The coin receptacle locking mechanism may further comprise a tray attached to the locking mechanism and having a notch that engages the frame when the tray is placed in a closed position. 
     A self draining locker shelf is also provided. The shelf includes a member having a sloping surface and a perimeter, a plurality of parallel ribs upstanding from the sloping surface and defining a channel between each pair of ribs and above the sloping surface, and a rim attached to the perimeter of the member, wherein said rim has at least one opening in fluid communication with each channel. In one embodiment, the shelf also includes at least one interlocking member formed on the rim for slidable engagement with at least one complimentary interlocking member of a frame. 
     In addition, a locker door is disclosed, wherein the locker door includes a front cover, a backing member, and top and bottom caps. The front cover includes opposed interlocking members and the backing member has second opposed interlocking members for engagement with the opposed interlocking members of the front cover, whereby the front cover and the backing member define a gap therebetween. The top cap includes at least one ridge, wherein the top cap ridge is fitted within the gap between said front cover and said backing member and the bottom cap has at least one ridge, wherein bottom cap ridge is fitted within the gap between the front cover and the backing member. 
     A lock for a locker is also disclosed. The lock comprises a support member having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface opposite the outward facing surface, and a locking mechanism attached to the inward facing surface. 
     A method of manufacturing a locker is also provided. The method comprises cutting a first wall from a first material to a desired length, cutting a second wall from the first material to the desired length, cutting a third wall to the desired length, and slidingly engaging the first, second and third walls. 
     A method of limiting access to a locking mechanism on a locker is furthermore provided. The method includes positioning the locking mechanism adjacent an inward facing surface and fastening the locking mechanism to the locker. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides solutions to the shortcomings of prior lockers. The present invention is suitable for outdoor use, is strong and simple to manufacture, and may be formed primarily of light weight plastic if desired. A feature of the locker of the present invention is that it prevents spilled material and other forms of impurities in the locker from contacting personal possessions later placed in the locker. Another feature of the locker of the present invention is that it may be easily cleaned by directing pressurized water from a hose or other device into the locker storage compartment. It is also a feature of the present invention that it provides a storage compartment that is configured such that liquids spilled or sprayed in the compartment will drain from the compartment. An additional feature of the present invention is that it includes a large coin receptacle and a locking mechanism that secures the coin receptacle on each of four sides. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, however, that these and other details, features and advantages will become further apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the accompanying Figures, there are shown present preferred embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate like parts and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a locker of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the locker of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the locker of FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the locker of FIGS. 1-3; 
     FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the locker of FIGS. 1-3; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged top view of the locker of FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged bottom view of the locker of FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of a locker frame of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged top view of the left rear corner of the locker of FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the locker of FIGS. 1 and 2 that includes a hinge channel; 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the locker of FIGS. 1 and 2 that includes a lock channel: 
     FIG. 12 is a front view of the lock channel of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of the lower portion of the lock channel of FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is a rear view of the lock channel of FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 15 is an enlarged rear view of the lower portion of the lock channel of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower portion of the lock channel of FIGS. 12 and 14; 
     FIG. 17 is an enlarged left side view of the lower portion of the lock channel of FIGS. 12 and 14; 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a lock channel reinforcement channel of the present invention; 
     FIG. 19 is a left side view of the lock channel reinforcement channel of FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 20 is a front view of the lock channel reinforcement channel of FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 21 is an end view of the lock channel reinforcement channel of FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism cover of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a coin deflector of the present invention; 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a shelf of the present invention; 
     FIG. 25 is a top view of the shelf of FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the shelf of FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the shelf of FIGS. 24-26; 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a shelf support of the present invention; 
     FIG. 29 is a front view of the shelf support of FIG. 28; 
     FIG. 30 is a side view of the shelf support of FIG. 28; 
     FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a top cap of the present invention; 
     FIG. 32 is an exploded assembly view of a door of the present invention; 
     FIG. 33 is a front view of the door of FIG. 32 shown in perspective; 
     FIG. 34 is a rear view of the door of FIG. 32 shown in perspective; 
     FIG. 35 is a rear elevation view of the door of FIG. 32; 
     FIG. 36 is a top plan view of a front cover of the door of FIGS. 32 and 33; 
     FIG. 37 is a top plan view of a rear member of the door of FIGS. 32,  34  and  35 ; 
     FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the bottom of an upper end cap of the door of FIG. 32; 
     FIG. 39 is a top view of the upper end cap of FIG. 38; 
     FIG. 40 is a bottom view of the upper end cap of FIG. 38; 
     FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the top of a lower end cap of the door of FIG. 32; 
     FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the lower end cap of FIG. 41; 
     FIG. 43 is a top view of the lower end cap of FIG. 41; 
     FIG. 44 is an exploded assembly view of a coin receptacle of the present invention; 
     FIG. 45 is a top view of the coin receptacle of FIG. 44 shown in perspective; 
     FIG. 46 is another top view of the coin receptacle of FIG. 44 shown in perspective; 
     FIG. 47 is a bottom view of the coin receptacle of FIG. 44 shown in perspective; 
     FIG. 48 is a top view of the coin receptacle of FIG. 44; 
     FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of the coin receptacle of FIG. 44; 
     FIG. 50 is a front elevational view of the coin receptacle of FIG. 44; 
     FIG. 51 is a top view of a face member of the coin receptacle of FIG.  44  and  46 - 50 ; 
     FIG. 52 is a front elevational view of the face member of FIG. 51; 
     FIG. 53 is a right side elevational view of the face member of FIG. 51; and 
     FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a locking cam of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It is to be understood that the Figures and descriptions of the present invention included herein illustrate and describe elements that are of particular relevance to the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements found in a typical locker. Because the construction and implementation of such other elements are well known in the art, and because a discussion of them would not materially facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, discussion of those elements is not provided herein. It is also to be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are described herein are illustrative only and are not exhaustive of the manners of embodying the present invention. For example, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the positions of the frame components including, for example, the hinge channel  40  and the lock channel  38 , may be reversed if an alternate embodiment is preferred. 
     Referring now to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a locker  20  of the present invention having four storage compartments  22  and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the locker  20  of FIG.  1 . FIGS. 3-7 are a front, a right side, a back, a top and a bottom view, respectively, of the locker  20  of FIGS. 1 and 2. The locker  20  of FIGS. 1-7 includes a frame  24 , a door  26 , a locking mechanism  28  for locking the door  26  and a coin receptacle  30 . The frame  24  includes a rear panel  32 , a left side panel  34 , a right side panel  36 , a lock channel  38 , a hinge channel  40  and one or more shelves  42 . Each of those components may be fabricated from many materials including, for example, plastic, steel and stainless steel. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the material from which the locker components described herein are fabricated may be advantageously selected based on their compatibility with, for example, the ambient conditions in which the locker will be utilized and the method and/or solvents utilized in cleaning the locker  20 . For example, a locker  20  having a frame  24  fabricated of extruded plastic may advantageously be used in outdoor applications and may be cleaned by directing pressurized water on the frame  24  because an extruded plastic frame  24  is not prone to damage, such as rust, caused by precipitation or pressurized water. Furthermore, while the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes four separately accessible compartments  22 , the invention may include any number of compartments  22  desired. Thus, the invention should not be limited to a four compartment  22  arrangement. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a right side view of the locker  20  of FIGS. 1-3. The left side panel  34  and right side panel  36  may be cut to any desired length from the same side panel sheet (not shown). Use of a single panel sheet advantageously minimizes panel manufacturing costs by reducing the number of machines required to make the side panels and minimizing the variety of panels to be stored. The ability to simply cut the panels to any desired length also makes for simple manufacture of lockers of any height desired. The side panels  34  and  36  may be corrugated for strength and may include a plurality of L-locking tabs  44  running vertically along the inside surface  46  of the left side panel  34  and the inside surface  48  of the right side panel  36 . One or both of the side panels  34  and  36  may also include a finger joint  50  along the rear vertical edge  52  and a T-locking tab  54  on the front vertical edge of the side panels  34  and  36 . The rear panel  32 , which is illustrated in FIG. 5, may also have one or more L-locking tabs  44  that run vertically along the inside surface  58  of the rear panel  32  and finger joints  50  along the left vertical edge  60  of the rear panel  32 . FIG. 8 is a top view of the locker frame  24  without shelves  42  wherein the right side panel  36 , left side panel  34  and rear panel  32  are interconnected by way of finger joints  50 . FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the left rear corner  64  of the locker  20 , showing the interconnected finger joints  50  of the left side panel  34  and the rear panel  32 . FIG. 9 also depicts a shelf  42  that is interlocked with the L-locking tabs  44  of the left side panel  34  and the rear panel  32 . The interconnection of the shelf  42  with the side panels  34  and  36  and rear panel  32  is discussed further hereinbelow. The finger joint  50  of the right side panel  36  may also be slidingly interlocked with the finger joint  50  of the right vertical edge  62  of the rear panel  32 . The use of finger joints  50  to connect the side and rear panels  34 ,  36  and  32  is beneficial because the sliding connection simplifies manufacture. This is because the left rear frame corner  64  and right rear frame corner  66  formed by the interconnecting finger joints  50  are difficult to separate and because those corners  64  and  66  form rigid vertical supports. 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the locker  20  that includes the hinge channel  40  of the locker frame  24 . The hinge channel  40  includes a U-shaped section  68  to which hinge components such as a torsion spring (not shown) for biasing the door  26  closed and any frontally positioned component may be attached. A T-locking channel  72  may be formed along the rear vertical edge  88  of the hinge channel  40  for receiving the T-locking tab  54  of the left side panel  34 . In that embodiment, the T-locking tab  54  slides into the T-locking channel  72  to interlock those components. Also in the embodiment illustrated, a reinforcement channel  76  is inserted into the hinge channel  40 . Thus components attached to the hinge channel  40  may be fastened through the reinforcement channel  76  to provide additional strength. The reinforcement channel  76  may be fabricated from aluminum or stainless steel so as to provide added strength for secure connection of frontally positioned components and to resist corrosion. The hinge channel  40  and reinforcement channel, therefore, beneficially provide a strong, continuous attachment area. 
     FIG. 11 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the locker  20  that includes the lock channel  38 . The lock channel  38  is sized to hold a standard locking mechanism  28  and to direct coins that have been inserted into the locking mechanism  28  to the coin receptacle  30 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the lock channel  38  is provided in two sections: a flat side section  78 , and a U-shaped section  80  into which a locking mechanism  28  is inserted. A shortcoming of many known lockers is that locking mechanisms  28  are typically inserted into a locker frame  24  from the front  82  of the locker  20  and attached through the front  82  of the locker  20 . When a locking mechanism  28  is so inserted, vandals have been known to disconnect the locking mechanism  28  and thereby gain access to the storage compartment  22  or coins held inside the lock channel  38 . The locking mechanism  28  of the present invention may be inserted into the lock channel  38  from the rear  86  of the channel and secured from the rear  86 , making removal of the locking mechanism  28  by prying or pulling through the front  82  of the locker  20  difficult. In the embodiment illustrated, the flat side section  78  has a T-locking channel  72  formed along a rear vertical edge  88  that slidingly accepts the T-locking tab  54  of the right side panel  36 . The front vertical edge  90  of the flat side section  78  of the lock channel  38  has a first bead channel  92  formed thereon, and a second bead channel  94  is located on an inner surface  96  of the flat side section  78 . Also in the embodiment illustrated, the U-shaped section  80  of the lock channel  38  has a first bead  98  formed along a front edge  100  and a second bead  102  formed along a rear edge  104 . The first bead  98  slidingly engages the first bead channel  92  and the second bead  102  slidingly engages the second bead channel  94  to form the lock channel  38 . FIG. 12 is a front view of the lock channel  38  having locking mechanisms  28  mounted therein and FIG. 13 is an enlarged front view of the lower portion of the lock channel  38 . FIG. 14 is a rear view of the lock channel  38  having locking mechanisms  28  mounted therein and FIG. 15 is an enlarged rear view of the lower portion of the lock channel  38 . In addition, FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower portion of the lock channel  38  and FIG. 17 is an enlarged left side view of the lower portion of the lock channel  38 . FIGS. 16 and 17 also illustrate a portion of the coin deflector  126  which is described hereinbelow. 
     FIGS. 18-21 illustrate the lock channel reinforcement channel  107 . FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lock channel reinforcement channel  107 , FIG. 19 is a left side view of the lock channel reinforcement channel  107 , FIG. 20 is a front view of the lock channel reinforcement channel  107  and FIG. 21 is an end view of the lock channel reinforcement channel  107 . Like the hinge channel reinforcement channel  76 , the lock channel reinforcement channel  107  may be fabricated, for example, from aluminum or stainless steel so as to provide added strength for secure connection of frontally positioned components, to resist corrosion and to protect the locking mechanism  28  and the portion of the lock channel  38  through which coins are directed from access by vandals. The lock channel reinforcement channel  107  is sized to fit inside the lock channel  38 . The reinforcement channel  107  also includes an opening  108  along the front  110  and left side  112  of the reinforcement channel  107  through which a key barrel  114  and bolt  116  of the locking mechanism  28  may extend. 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism cover  118  of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the lock channel  38  may include a cover channel  120  in which the locking mechanism cover  118  may be secured. The locking mechanism cover  118 , in turn, may provide a structure for retaining a standard locking mechanism  28  in proper position. The locking mechanism cover  118  includes an outer surface  119  and an inner surface  121  and may include a fastener such as, for example the upper clamp  123  and lower clamp  125  illustrated in FIG. 22, to which the locking mechanism  28  may be fastened. The locking mechanism cover  118  may also include one or more cover deflectors  122  to deflect coins falling from above the cover to the open rear portion  124  of the lock channel  38 , through which the coins may pass in transit to the coin receptacle  30 . 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a coin deflector  126  having a first angled side  127  and a second angled side  129  and which may be disposed at the lower portion  128  of the lock channel  38  to deflect coins toward the center  130  of the coin receptacle  30 . In conventional lockers, coins fall into a small receptacle located beneath the locking mechanism  28 . The present invention, however, beneficially provides for the lock channel  38  to be cut away so that coins may be stored in a much larger receptacle  30 . Therefore, the coin deflector  126  is useful in that it deflects falling coins toward the center  130  of the coin receptacle  30 , thereby avoiding build-up and overflow of coins in the coin receptacle  30 . The coin receptacle  30  is discussed in more detail hereinbelow. 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the shelf  42  of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a top view and FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the shelf  42  of FIG.  24 . One or more shelves may be inserted into the frame  24  to separate compartments  22 . Shelves may also be utilized as an upper cover  132 , as a base  134  and as a separator  136  to be placed above the coin receptacle  30  as shown in FIG.  2 . In the embodiment illustrated, each shelf  42  includes a member  138  and an endless upright rim  140  attached to the perimeter  142  of the member  138 . The rim  140  furthermore includes a plurality of L-locking channels  144 , each of which is sized to accept one of the L-locking tabs  44  of the side and back panels  34 ,  36  and  32 . By interlocking the frame  24  with the shelves, additional structural rigidity is provided to the frame  24  of the present locker  20 . The vertical location of each shelf  42  within the locker  20  is infinitely adjustable because the L-locking channels  144  of each shelf  42  will slide along the L-locking tabs  44  to any desired location. Known mechanisms for fastening may be utilized to attach the shelf  42  to the frame  24  in the desired location. For example, holes  146  may be punched in the side and back panels  34 ,  36  and  32  and aligned with pre-punched holes  148  in each shelf  42  and rivets  150  may be placed through the aligned holes  146  and  148  to secure the shelf  42  in the desired location. 
     FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates the sloped member  138  and upstanding ribs  152  of the shelf  42  of FIGS. 24-26. Conventional lockers are susceptible to becoming soiled through, for example, spills within the locker  20  and placement of sticky materials on the locker shelves  42 . The shelves  42  of the present invention are beneficially configured to discharge spilled liquids from the locker compartments  22  and provide an upper surface  137  on which items may be placed to avoid contact with soil on a lower surface  139  of the shelf  42 . The member  138  of each shelf  42  slopes toward the front  160  of the shelf  42 . A plurality of upstanding ribs  152  extend up from the sloping lower surface  139  of the member  138  to define the upper surface  137  along a plane defined by the upper edges  153  of the ribs  152 . The upper edge  153  of each rib  152  is substantially horizontal such that sloping channels  154  are defined between the horizontal ribs  152 . Drain openings  156  are also provided through the rim  140  along the member  138  in the embodiment illustrated, such that liquids that enter the channels  154  will drain through the openings  156  and thereby exit the locker  20 . Those liquids could enter the channel by, for example, spills occurring within the locker  20  or by directing pressurized water into the storage compartments  22  to clean the locker  20 . It has furthermore been discovered through experimentation that a member  138  sloped at an approximately 1° angle is sufficient to cause liquids in the channels  154  to drain from the member  138 . The sloping member  138  and parallel rib  152  configuration is therefore beneficial in that it provides for easy cleaning, particularly in outdoor installations. For example, the present locker  20  may be cleaned simply by directing pressurized water into each storage compartment  22 . In that way, any soil in the storage compartment  22  is removed by the pressurized water and carried into the channels  154  from which the water and soil will flow through the openings  156 , thereby exiting the locker  20 . The sloping member  138  and parallel rib  152  configuration is also beneficial in protecting personal belongings from soil that exists on the member  138  by providing the upper surface  137  on which personal items may be placed so as not to contact any soil in the channels  154 . 
     FIGS. 28-30 illustrate a shelf support  158  for supporting the front  160  of the shelf  42 . At least one shelf support  158  may be fastened to the lock channel  38  and/or the hinge channel  40  by, for example, placing a rivet  150  through the shelf support  158 , the rim  140  of the shelf  42  and the lock channel  38  at a point below the shelf  42  such that the rivet  150  is inaccessible through the storage compartment  22 . The shelf support  158  may also operate to prevent removal of the shelf  42  by lifting. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28-30, the shelf support  158  includes a bent portion  161 . The bent portion  161  extends through a slot  162  in the shelf  42  and above the shelf  42 , thereby preventing the front  160  of the shelf  42  from being lifted. 
     FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a top cap  164  of the present invention. Where a shelf  42  of the present invention is used as an upper cover  132  for the locker  20 , a top cap  164  may be attached over the front of the upper cover  132  to cover the lock channel  38  and the hinge channel  40  as shown in FIG.  6 . The top cap  164  may also extend even with the door  26  to prevent access to the rear of the door  26 , thereby restricting the ability of a vandal to pry the door  26  open, and to give the locker  20  a finished appearance. 
     FIGS. 32-43 illustrate the door  26  of the locker  20 . FIG. 32 is an exploded assembly view of the door  26  shown in perspective. The door  26  includes a front cover  166 , a backing member  168 , an upper end cap  170  and a lower end cap  172  that is structurally identical to the upper end cap  170 . The front cover  166  and backing member  168  may be cut to any desired height so as to flexibly meet a variety of locker size needs. As previously discussed, the left side panel  34 , right side panel  36  and rear panel  32  may also be cut to any desired length and the shelves  42  may be place vertically anywhere along the frame  24 . Therefore, lockers  20  of the present invention can be built to any desired height with any number of storage compartments  22  of any desired size. The flexibility inherent in such a locker  20  is beneficial in that lockers  20  may be easily manufactured to meet many different needs through the use of common components of the present invention. FIG. 36 is a top view of the front cover  166  and FIG. 37 is a top view of the backing member  168 . As may be seen in FIG. 36, the front cover  166  of the door  26  includes an inward turned edge  174  and an opposing T-locking tab  176 . The T-locking tab  176  extends from the rear surface  178  of the front cover  166  along the right side  180  of the cover  166  with the tab facing left. The inward turned edge  174  is directed from the left side of the cover  166  toward the T-locking tab  176 . As may be seen in FIG. 37, the backing member  168  includes a slot  182  into which the inward turned edge  174  of the front cover  166  extends and a T-locking channel  184  that interlocks with the T-locking tab  176  of the front cover  166 . 
     FIG. 38 is a bottom view shown in perspective of the upper end cap  170  of the door  26  of the present invention, and FIGS. 39 and 40 are top and bottom views of the upper end cap  170 , respectively. The lower end cap  172  is formed as a mirror image of the upper end cap  170 . FIG. 41 is a bottom view shown in perspective of the lower end cap  172  and FIGS. 42 and 43 are top and bottom views of the lower end cap  172 , respectively. The assembly of the upper and lower end caps  170  and  172  to the front cover  166  and backing member  168  are also illustrated in FIGS. 32-34. The end caps  170  and  172  secure the front cover  166  to the backing member  168  and provide the door  26  with finished upper and lower surfaces  171  and  173 , respectively. As depicted on FIG. 32, a first ridge  186  (shown on FIG. 38) of the upper end cap  170  fits within the gap  188  formed between the front cover  166  and backing member  168 . A second ridge  190  also extends from the upper end cap  170 . The second ridge  190  extends along the rear surface  192  of the backing member  168  when engaged therewith. Once the front cover  166  and backing member  168  have been cut to a desired length, the first ridge  186  of the upper end cap  170  is inserted into the upper end  187  of the gap  188  formed between the front cover  166  and backing member  168  with the second ridge  190  of the upper end cap  170  disposed along the rear surface  192  of the backing member  168 . The upper end cap  170  is fastened to the front cover  166  and backing member  168  by any known means including placing screws (not shown) through the upper end cap  170  into the front cover  166  and/or backing member  168 . Similarly, the first ridge  194  of the lower end cap  172  is inserted into the lower end  189  of the gap  188  formed between the front cover  166  and backing member  168 . The second ridge  196  of the lower end cap  172  is disposed along the rear surface  192  of the backing member  168  and the lower end cap  172  is fastened to the front cover  166  and backing member  168 . The doors of conventional lockers are susceptible to being damaged by vandals or otherwise. Therefore, it is a benefit of the present invention that the front cover  166  can be easily replaced without necessitating replacement of the entire door  26 . 
     The door  26  is attached to a commonly known hinge rod  70  which may be fabricated from, for example, aluminum or stainless steel. Where a locker  20  is to include multiple doors  26  stacked one above another with shelves separating each compartment  22 , a single hinge rod  70  may extend through the assembly such that each door  26  swings on the common hinge rod  70 . The hinge rod  70  may also extend through the shelves of the locker  20 , thereby securing the doors  26  to the frame  24 . It is also beneficial to utilize a torsion spring (not shown) in conjunction with each door  26 . The torsion spring beneficially biases the door  26  toward its closed position so that all doors  26  are closed unless held open by a user. 
     FIGS. 44-54 depict the coin receptacle  30  which, in the embodiment illustrated, also pivots on the common hinge rod  70  which is illustrated in FIG.  2 . The coin receptacle  30  includes a face member  200 , a three-point coin tray lock  202 , and a fixed tray  204 . FIG. 44 is an exploded assembly view of the face member  200  and the fixed tray  204 . The face member  200  and fixed tray  204  may be fabricated from the same material as the frame  24  and may be, for example, plastic. The face member  200  may be attached to the fixed tray  204  by a known method including, for example, riveting the face member  200  and fixed tray  204  together. The face member  200  includes an upper ear  206  and a lower ear  208  through which the hinge rod  70  is disposed and the face member  200  may extend across the entire width of the locker  20 . The face member  200  may furthermore include a hole  210  through which the barrel  216  of the coin tray lock  202  may extend. The fixed tray  204  may include a coin holding compartment  212 , a locking mechanism compartment  214 , and a hinge rod receptacle  215  that fits between the upper ear  206  and lower ear  208  of the face member  200 . As may be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, a portion of the lock channel  38  may be cut away to permit the fixed tray  204  to extend under the lock channel  38  to accommodate the passage of coins passing from the storage compartment locking mechanism  28  to the coin holding compartment  212 . By extending the coin receptacle  30  thus, the coins simply drop into the receptacle  30  after passing through the storage compartment locking mechanism  28 . The right side  213  of the coin receptacle  30  is arcuate to permit the fixed tray  204  to rotate on the hinge rod  70  without contacting the right side panel  36  of the locker  20 . A removable tray (not shown) may be placed in the fixed tray  204  of the coin receptacle  30 . Use of the removable tray will simplify removal of coins from the fixed tray  204  by utilizing a method of coin removal comprising removing the removable tray, pouring the contents into a collection bin (not shown) and reinserting the removable tray in the fixed tray  204 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 44, the three-point coin tray lock  202  is inserted into the lock compartment of the fixed tray  204 . The three-point coin tray lock  202  includes a barrel  216  that extends through the face member, a cam  218  and a lock bar  220 . The barrel  216  accepts a key (not shown) which locks and unlocks the three-point coin tray locking mechanism  202  when rotated. The locking cam  218  has an upper lobe  222 , a lower lobe  224  and a lock bar connecting lobe  226 . The locking cam  218  is attached to the barrel  216  of the lock through a centrally located opening  228  in the cam  218  such that the lobe rotates when the barrel  216  is rotated by the key. When the locking cam  218  is rotated to its locked position, the upper lobe  222  extends into a slot  230  defined in the bottom  232  of the shelf  42  that is placed above the coin receptacle  30  and the lower lobe  224  extends into a slot  234  defined in the top  236  of the shelf  42  that is placed below the coin receptacle  30 . See FIGS. 25 and 26 to view the slots  230  and  234  in the bottom  232  and top  236  of the shelf  42 , respectively. The lock bar  220  is pivotally attached to the lock bar connecting lobe  226  such that the lock bar  220  extends into the frame  24  or an opening  238  in a member such as, for example, the deflector  126  as depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17 when the locking cam  218  is rotated to its locked position. The lock bar  220  may furthermore have a hooked end  240  that will extend along the deflector  126  when placed in the locked position to further secure the lock bar  220  therein. The fixed tray  204  may also include a notch  242  as illustrated in FIG. 48 that engages the frame  24  when the coin receptacle  30  is closed, thereby further securing the coin receptacle  30  when the coin receptacle  30  is closed and locked. 
     A method is also provided for protecting goods placed on a surface from liquid that is deposited on the surface. The method includes draining the liquid from the surface by providing sloped channels  154  in the surface, and placing the goods on upstanding ribs  152  disposed between the channels  154 . 
     Thus, from the foregoing discussion, it is apparent that the present locker  20  solves many of the problems encountered by prior lockers. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate that various changes in the details, materials and arrangement of parts which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by the skilled artisan within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4