Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for locking a locker, a belt for locking a locker and a method for locking a locker.

Background of the Invention

Lockers are currently used in a variety of settings, to keep a person’s belongings safe while the person is away from the locker.

For example, at gyms, swimming pools and sports clubs, users may leave their personal belongings, such as bags, clothing and towels, in a locker while exercising.

Lockers are also often used in a work setting, where employees may leave their personal belongings in a locker while working. This is particularly common if the employee wears a uniform for work, as the employee may need to leave their leisurewear in a locker after they have changed into their uniform.

Lockers are also having rising popularity at charging stations. That is, venues such as shopping centres, exhibitions and festivals can be provided with lockers, each locker containing a charger for mobile phones. Users can leave their mobile phones charging in the locker while continuing with their activities.

Other common settings for lockers include schools, colleges, waterparks and theme parks.

Sometimes, lockers are provided with locks for the users. For example, lockers may be provided with cam locks, coin locks or digital locks. However, this is not always the case, and it is common for users to be expected to bring their own padlock, if they would like to secure their personal belongings in the locker.

Since padlocks are small, they are frequently lost or forgotten by users. For example, users will often arrive at a gym to find that they have left their padlock at home. Users will then be forced to either buy a replacement padlock, or risk leaving their locker unlocked. Therefore, there is a need for a device that prevents users from forgetting their padlock.

There is also a need for a method of locking a locker using the device.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for locking a locker, wherein the locker comprises a locker door and a locker frame, the device comprising: a main body, wherein the main body is an item of clothing or an accessory; a padlock; and a flexible member having a first end connected to the main body and a second end connected to the padlock. The flexible member is configured to pass through a gap between the locker door and the locker frame such that, when in use, the main body can be placed inside the locker and the padlock can be placed outside the locker and used to lock the locker.

The flexible member is configured to pass through the gap. In other words, the flexible member is sized and shaped so as to be able to pass through the gap. That is, the thickness of the flexible member is suitable for passing through a gap between a locker door and a locker frame.

The member that connects the main body to the padlock is flexible. In other words, the member is able to bend such that the member can pass through the gap between the locker door and the locker frame, and the padlock can be used to lock the locker.

The main body is either an item of clothing or an accessory. In other words, the main body is configured to be worn or carried by a user. For example, the main body may be a bag, such as a rucksack, suitcase or sports bag. The main body may also be an item of clothing, such as a hoodie, jacket or sweatshirt.

The padlock is attached to the main body of the device by way of the flexible member. By attaching the padlock to an item of clothing or an accessory, it is much more difficult for the padlock to be misplaced.

The device also makes it easier for users to remember to bring their padlock. That is, if the user brings the main body (e.g. their bag, clothing or other accessory), then they will not need to remember a separate padlock. This prevents the user from forgetting their padlock.

For example, it is envisioned that, if the main body is a bag, then the user could use the device as their gym bag, in which they could keep items such as a water bottle, deodorant and a towel. The user will then only need to remember to take their gym bag to the gym, without needing to check whether or not they have remembered their padlock.

In use, the main body (such as the bag) can be placed inside the locker. The user can then pass the flexible member through the gap between the locker door and the locker frame, so that the padlock is positioned outside the locker door. The locker door can then be closed, with the flexible member still passing through the gap between the locker frame and the locker door. The user can then use the padlock to lock the locker, thereby securing the main body and any other personal belongings inside the locker.

It will be appreciated that the device could be used with a locker where the door is a continuous panel, or a locker where the door is formed of a gate, mesh or grill.

Preferably, the flexible member may be extendable between a storage position in which the padlock is adjacent to the main body and an extended position in which the padlock is further from the main body than in the storage position.

Further preferably, the flexible member may comprise a latch configured to lock the flexible member in the extended position.

Preferably, the flexible member may comprise biasing means configured to return the flexible member to the storage position when the latch is released.

Preferably, the flexible member may comprise an elastic material. In this way, the flexible member may stretch when the user pulls the padlock away from the main body, and return to its original form when the padlock is released.

Preferably, the device may further comprise a spool, wherein, when in the storage position, the flexible member is wound around the spool. In this way, the user may unravel the flexible member from the spool in order to extend the flexible member. If the flexible member comprises biasing means, then the flexible member may be configured to automatically wrap around the spool when the padlock is released. For example, the device may comprise the type of spool and spring mechanism commonly found in tape measures.

Preferably, the device may further comprise a housing, wherein, when in the storage position, the padlock and at least part of the flexible member are receivable in the housing. In this way, the padlock and flexible member may be housed when not in use. This may be advantageous, for preventing the padlock and flexible member from interfering with the function of the main body.

For example, the housing may be a pocket, such as a zipped pocket. This may be particularly desirable if the main body is a bag or a coat. The padlock and at least part of the flexible member can then be zipped inside the pocket when in the storage position.

Alternatively, if the main body is a shoe, then the heel of the shoe could form the housing. That is, the heel of the shoe could include an opening in which the padlock and at least part of the flexible member is receivable when in the storage position.

Preferably, the flexible member may comprise a surface for displaying adverts. For example, it is envisaged that the flexible member may be a tape, and one or both sides or surfaces of the tape could be used as advertising space. This advertising space could be used to advertise either the brand that sells the device, or another brand.

As explained above, the main body is an item of clothing or an accessory.

Preferably, the main body may be an accessory and the accessory may be a bag. This may be advantageous because the bag could be used to store the user’s personal belongings while in the locker.

Further preferably, the bag may be a rucksack, sports bag, suitcase or bum bag. It is envisioned that these types of bags may be particularly desirable, depending on the setting in which the bag is designed to be used. For example, a rucksack or sports bag may be particularly useful for locking a locker at a gym.

Preferably, the main body may be an item of clothing and the item of clothing may be a hoodie, jacket, coat or jumper. It is envisioned that the item of clothing could be a layer that a user could wear to travel to a gym. The item of clothing may be removed prior to the user beginning their workout, and could therefore be left in the locker. For this reason, a hoodie, jacket, coat or jumper may be advantageous. Alternatively, the item of clothing could be leisurewear that a worker could wear while travelling to work. The worker could then change into their uniform and leave the item of clothing in a locker.

Preferably, the main body may be an accessory and the accessory may be a belt. It will be appreciated that different items of clothing or accessories may be preferable, depending on the intended use of the device, such as whether the device is intended to be used in a gym, workplace or charging station.

Further preferably, the padlock may comprise a shackle and the shackle may be used as the buckle of the belt. In this way, the shackle may be used for both locking the padlock and for fastening the belt.

If the main body is a belt, then the strap of the belt may also be the flexible member of the device. In this way, the strap may be configured to pass through a gap between the locker door and the locker frame such that, when in use, an end of the strap can be placed inside the locker and the padlock can be placed outside the locker and used to lock the locker.

Preferably, the main body may be an item of clothing and the item of clothing may be a shoe.

Preferably, the padlock may comprise a shackle; a padlock body having an opening to receive an end of the shackle; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the shackle in the opening in the padlock body.

Lockers often include a staple to which the padlock should be attached to lock the locker. In use, the shackle of the padlock may be inserted through the staple. A locking mechanism of the padlock may then be used to lock the shackle, thereby locking the locker.

Preferably, the padlock may be a combination lock. This may be beneficial because it may be preferred for the padlock to operate without a key, to eliminate more components that could be lost or forgotten.

Alternatively, the padlock may comprise a key. It will be appreciated that any suitable type of padlock could be used.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a belt for locking a locker, wherein the locker comprises a locker door and a locker frame, the belt comprising a strap having a first end, a second end and a plurality of apertures. The belt further comprises a padlock connected to the first end of the strap, the padlock comprising: a shackle; a padlock body having an opening for receiving an end of the shackle; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the shackle in the opening in the padlock body. The belt further comprises a prong, wherein the prong and the shackle of the padlock form a buckle such that the second end of the strap can be inserted in a gap between the shackle and the padlock body, and the prong can be inserted in one of the apertures in order to fasten the belt. The strap is configured to pass through a gap between the locker door and the locker frame such that, when in use, the second end of the strap can be placed inside the locker and the padlock can be placed outside the locker and used to lock the locker.

The belt comprises a padlock which, as explained above, forms the buckle in combination with the prong. In this way, the padlock is integrated into the belt.

By integrating the padlock into the belt, it is much more difficult for the padlock to be misplaced.

The belt also makes it easier for users to remember to bring their padlock. That is, the user can wear the belt regularly, and will therefore generally always have the padlock with them. This means that they will not need to remember to bring a separate padlock if going to the gym, which prevents the user from forgetting their padlock.

Preferably, the padlock may be a combination lock. This may be beneficial because it may be preferred for the padlock to operate without a key, to eliminate the components that could be lost or forgotten.

Alternatively, the padlock may comprise a key.

The strap of the belt may be made from any suitable material, provided that the strap is configured to pass through the gap between the locker door and the locker frame

Preferably, the strap may comprise an inner layer and a sleeve, wherein the inner layer is configured to pass through the gap between the locker door and the locker frame, and wherein the sleeve is retractable from the inner layer.

In this way, the user may retract the sleeve before passing the inner layer of the strap through the gap between the locker door and the locker frame. The inner layer may therefore provide the flexible member that is configured to pass through the gap. The sleeve may be made from any suitable material that can be retracted from the inner layer. For example, the sleeve may be used to provide the strength of typical belt straps. Alternatively, the strap of the belt may be formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably, the strap may be textured. This may provide frictional engagement with the locker door and/or the locker frame, in order to secure the strap in the gap.

The strap may also be provided with thicker sections and thinner sections, wherein the thinner sections of the strap are configured to pass through the gap between the locker door and the locker frame, and the thicker sections are provided to act as a stop.

However, it will be appreciated that these stops or textured regions are not required, since the padlock will remain fixed to the door, even if the belt strap is pulled through the gap. Additionally, the user may attach the second end of the belt to their trousers or to a bag, in order to avoid the second end of the belt being pulled through the gap, if desired.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of the device or belt described above to lock a locker.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of locking a locker, wherein the locker comprises a locker door and a locker frame, the method comprising: providing the device described above; placing the main body of the device in the locker; passing the flexible member through a gap between the locker door and the locker frame; closing the locker door; and using the padlock to lock the locker.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of locking a locker, wherein the locker comprises a locker door and a locker frame, the method comprising: providing the belt described above; placing the second end of the strap in the locker; passing the strap through a gap between the locker door and the locker frame; closing the locker door; and using the padlock to lock the locker.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a device for locking a locker in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of the device of Figure 1 , with only part of the main body shown;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the device of Figure 1 , in use in a locker, with the padlock unlocked;

Figure 4 shows a front view of the device of Figure 1, in use in a locker, with the padlock locked; and

Figure 5 shows a front view of a belt for locking a locker in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

In one aspect, the present invention provides a device 100 for locking a locker 200, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

The device 100 comprises a main body 101. In the device 100 shown in Figure 1 , the main body 101 is a rucksack. However, it will be appreciated that the main body could be any alternative bag, such as a sports bag, bum bag, suitcase or handbag. Alternatively, the main body could be another type of accessory, such as a shoe or belt. Alternatively, the main body could be an item of clothing, such as a hoodie, jacket, coat or jumper.

The device 100 further comprises a padlock 102 and a flexible member 103 having a first end connected to the main body 101 and a second end connected to the padlock 102.

The flexible member 103 is configured to pass through a gap 203 between the locker door 201 and the locker frame 202 such that, when in use, the main body 101 can be placed inside the locker 200 and the padlock 102 can be placed outside the locker 200 and used to lock the locker 200, as explained further below.

By attaching the padlock 102 to the rucksack 101 by way of the flexible member 103, it is much more difficult for the padlock 102 to be misplaced.

The device 100 also makes it easier for users to remember to bring their padlock 102. That is, the user could use the rucksack as their gym bag. The user will then only need to remember to take their gym bag to the gym, without needing to check whether or not they have remembered their padlock. This prevents the user from forgetting their padlock.

As shown in Figure 2, the illustrated padlock 102 comprises a shackle 105 and a padlock body 106. The padlock body 106 includes an opening to receive an end of the shackle 105.

The padlock 102 further comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the shackle 105 in the opening in the padlock body. The illustrated padlock 102 is a combination lock. This may be beneficial because it may be preferred for the padlock to operate without a key, to eliminate the components that could be lost or forgotten. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable type of padlock could be used. For example, the padlock could comprise a key.

The device 100 may be used for locking a locker 200, the locker comprising a locker door 201 and a locker frame 202.

Figures 3 and 4 show the device 100 in use with a locker 200.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flexible member 103 is configured to pass through a gap 203 between the locker door 201 and the locker frame 202. Therefore, in use, the main body 101 can be placed inside the locker 200 and the padlock 102 can be placed outside the locker 200 and used to lock the locker 200.

In use, the main body 101 (i.e. the rucksack) can be placed inside the locker 200. The user can then pass the flexible member 103 through the gap 203 between the locker door 201 and the locker frame 202, so that the padlock 102 is positioned outside the locker door 201.

The locker door 201 can then be closed, with the flexible member 103 still passing through the gap 203 between the locker frame 202 and the locker door 201, as shown in Figure 3.

The user can then use the padlock 102 to lock the locker 200, thereby securing the main body 101 and any other personal belongings inside the locker 200. Figure 4 shows the device 100 being used to lock a locker 200 using the padlock 102. The main body (i.e. the rucksack) and any other personal belongings are locked in the locker 200.

The flexible member 103 is configured to extend between a storage position in which the padlock 102 is adjacent to the main body 101 and an extended position in which the padlock 102 is further from the main body 101 than in the storage position. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible member 103 comprises an elastic material. In this way, the flexible member 103 may stretch when the user pulls the padlock 102 away from the main body 101 (i.e. in the extended position), and return to its original form (i.e. the storage position) when the padlock 102 is released.

However, it will be appreciated that the flexible member could comprise any suitable material and could have any suitable arrangement.

For example, the device could further comprise a spool, wherein, when in the storage position, the flexible member is wound around the spool. In this way, the user could unravel the flexible member from the spool in order to extend the flexible member. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible member could comprise a latch configured to lock the flexible member in the extended position. The flexible member could also optionally comprise biasing means configured to return the flexible member to the storage position when the latch is released. If the flexible member comprises biasing means, then the flexible member may be configured to automatically wrap around the spool when the padlock is released.

For example, the device may comprise the type of spool and spring mechanism commonly found in tape measures.

In the illustrated embodiment, the padlock 102 is positioned close to the top of the main body 101 (i.e. the rucksack). This may be advantageous, because the bottom of the rucksack could be placed on the floor of the locker, and the padlock may then be closer to the lock.

However, it is envisioned that the padlock could be positioned in any suitable location relative to the main body. For example, the padlock could be positioned either inside or outside the rucksack. Additionally, the device could comprise a housing in which the padlock and at least part of the flexible member are receivable, when in the storage position.

The flexible member 103 comprises a surface 104 for displaying adverts. This advertising space could be used to advertise either the brand that sells the device, or another brand.

Figure 5 shows a front view of a belt 300 for locking a locker 200 in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention.

The belt 300 comprises a strap 301 having a first end, a second end and a plurality of apertures. The belt 300 further comprises a padlock 302 connected to the first end of the strap 301. The padlock 302 comprises a shackle 305; a padlock body 306 having an opening to receive an end of the shackle 305; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the shackle 305 in opening in the padlock body 306.

The belt 300 further comprises a prong 307, wherein the prong 307 and the shackle 305 of the padlock 302 form a buckle such that the second end of the strap can be inserted in a gap between the shackle 305 and the padlock body 306, and the prong 307 can be inserted in one of the apertures in order to fasten the belt 300.

The strap 301 is configured to pass through a gap 203 between the locker door 201 and the locker frame 202 such that, when in use, the second end of the strap 301 can be placed inside the locker 200 and the padlock 102 can be placed outside the locker 200 and used to lock the locker 200.

Since the belt 300 comprises the padlock 302 which, as explained above, forms the buckle in combination with the prong 307, the padlock 302 is integrated into the belt 300.

By integrating the padlock into the belt, it is much more difficult for the padlock to be misplaced, similarly to the padlock shown in Figures 1 and 2.