A retrofit locker system for a racking arrangement

Abstract

A retrofit locker system for a racking arrangement, the racking arrangement comprising at least four uprights grouped into at least two opposed side pairs, side rail members to connect at least two uprights of each pair together and transverse members to connect the respective pairs together, the retrofit locker system comprising a door (14) mounted relative to one of the at least four uprights of one of the at least two opposed side pairs, at least one hinge mount (15) to mount the door to the one of the at least four uprights defining a U-shaped channel into which the one of the at least four uprights is at least partially received, at least one pair of mounting portions (18) on the hinge mount to attach the hinge mount to the one of the at least four uprights and at least one pair of hinge fasteners (20) to attach at least one door hinge (22) thereto and at least one door hinge mounted to the door and the at least one hinge mount and a lock mounted relative to the other of the at least two opposed side pairs to releasably hold the door closed and locked.

Description

[0001] A RETROFIT LOCKER SYSTEM FOR A RACKING ARRANGEMENT

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of locker systems particularly click and collect lockers and more particularly to a retrofit locker system for a racking arrangement to adapt a racking arrangement to a click and collect locker system.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] Locker arrangements are currently known and becoming more popular as both temporary storage in building such as workplaces and gyms but are also growing in popularity for use in ‘click and collect’ parcel delivery.

[0006] Lockers are conventionally manufactured as a unit, with a structural support frame, cover plates and doors all provided in a bespoke configuration. These lockers are then either transported to site fully assembled for installation, or if the locker arrangement is large or the access limited, transported to site in a disassembled condition and assembled on site, in place.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a retrofit locker system for a racking arrangement, the racking arrangement comprising at least four uprights grouped into at least two opposed side pairs, side rail members to connect at least two uprights of each pair together and transverse members to connect the respective pairs together, the retrofit locker system comprising: a) A door mounted relative to one of the at least four uprights of one of the at least two opposed side pairs; b) At least one hinge mount to mount the door to the one of the at least four uprights, the at least one hinge mount comprising: i. At least one faceplate and a pair of depending sidewalls to define a U- shaped channel into which the one of the at least four uprights is at least partially received, ii. at least a pair of mounting portions on the hinge mount to attach the hinge mount to the one of the at least four uprights; and iii. at least a pair of hinge fasteners to attach at least one door hinge thereto; and c) at least one door hinge mounted to the door and the at least one hinge mount; and d) A lock mounted relative to the other of the at least two opposed side pairs to releasably hold the door closed and locked.

[0009] Providing a retrofit locker system as described allows an operator to convert a racking arrangement into an enclosed, secured locker system, for any purpose.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a locker system fitted to a racking arrangement, the racking arrangement comprising at least four uprights grouped into at least two opposed side pairs, side rail members to connect at least two uprights of each pair together and transverse members to connect the respective pairs together, the retrofit locker system comprising: a) A door mounted relative to one of the at least four uprights of one of the at least two opposed side pairs; b) At least one hinge mount to mount the door to the one of the at least four uprights, the at least one hinge mount assembly comprising: i. At least one faceplate and a pair of depending sidewalls to define a U- shaped channel into which the one of the at least four uprights is at least partially received, ii. at least a pair of openings through the hinge mount to attach the hinge mount to the one of the at least four uprights; and iii. at least a pair of openings to attach at least one door hinge thereto; and c) at least one door hinge mounted to the door and the at least one hinge mount; and d) A lock mounted relative the other of the at least two opposed side pairs to releasably hold the door closed and locked.

[0011] In one form, the racking arrangement may be configured as a conventional industrial rack. In an industrial rack, there may be at least four uprights grouped into at least two opposed side pairs. The two opposed side pairs of uprights will preferably be used to form a side wall. The sidewalls will preferably be spaced apart by one or more shelves. At least two transverse members may preferably be provided to connect the respective sidewalls together and the transverse members may be used as a part of the one or more shelves. Each of the legs in the side pairs will preferably be connected together by the side rail members. In this configuration, a generally rectangular overall rack configuration having one or more shelves, is provided.

[0012] The racking arrangement will normally be freestanding through the provision of the at least four uprights which function as legs and is capable of supporting objects on the shelves thereof. The racking arrangement will preferably be self-supporting.

[0013] The racking arrangement will normally include at least four uprights. Any number of uprights may be provided, but preferably, the uprights are provided in pairs, and therefore an even number of uprights may preferably be provided. Each side pair may preferably include a front upright and a rear upright. As the rack arrangement is preferably freestanding, the rack is typically accessible from both the front and the rear. Once the retrofit locking system is fitted to the racking arrangement however the door of the locker system will typically define the front side of the locker system with an opposed rear side.

[0014] The uprights in each of the pairs are preferably parallel with one another. The uprights in each pair will preferably define the sides of the racking arrangement, and therefore the sides of a locker system.

[0015] As mentioned above, the uprights in each pair are preferably connected together by one or more side rails. The side rails preferably extend between the uprights of a pair. Any number of side rails may be provided. In a preferred form, at least two side rails are provided namely, a top side rail and a bottom side rail. One or more intermediate side rails may be provided between the top side rail and bottom side rail. All of the side rails are preferably aligned to be in the same plane as the uprights, thereby defining a substantially planar side wall frame. The side rail members may be separate from cladding mounting rails mounted to the racking arrangement, preferably to the uprights of a side pair.

[0016] One or more diagonal extending stabilising or bracing members may be provided in each of the sidewalls.

[0017] Adjacent sidewalls are preferably connected together by the transverse members. Although the number and configuration of transverse members may differ, in a preferred form, at least an upper front and an upper rear transverse member is provided and at least a lower front and lower rear transverse member are provided. One or more intermediate transverse members may be provided. The transverse members may mount directly to the uprights. Preferably the mounting of the transverse members to the uprights may be offset from the hinge mounts. The transverse members may mount between the uprights, and thereby space the uprights of the respective side pairs apart.

[0018] As mentioned above, shelving members may be provided relative to the transverse members and / or uprights and / or side rail members to form shelves within the racking arrangement. The shelves within the racking arrangement may be used as the base and / or ceiling of one or more lockers of the retrofit locker system.

[0019] A side wall of one racking arrangement may form a side wall of an adjacent racking arrangement. For example, two adjacent racking arrangements may have four sidewalls, thereby being substantially independent of one another and freestanding relative to one another or alternatively, two adjacent racking arrangements may have three sidewalls with one of the sidewalls being common to both racking arrangements.

[0020] In a preferred form, each of the uprights, side rail members and transverse members may be elongate and of constant cross-section over the length. The members may have any shape and configuration but in a preferred form, may have at least three sidewalls, with three sidewalls forming a U-shaped cross-section and four sidewalls forming a closed rectangular or box section.

[0021] At least one of the sidewalls will preferably have a number of openings therein for the attachment of the respective members together. In a preferred form, the uprights preferably have a series of openings provided over the length of the upright. Preferably, two substantially parallel, spaced apart lines of openings may be provided over the length of the uprights on a forward side. A similar configuration may be provided over the length of the side rail members and / or the transverse members. The provision of openings may allow attachment of the side rail members to the uprights and / or the transverse members to the uprights and also allow positioning of the members relative to one another as needed. The openings will typically be regularly and consistently spaced over the length of the members.

[0022] In a preferred form, the openings on a forward side of the uprights may be shaped. Openings provided in a front or rear side wall of the member, may be formed as an elongate slot opening with a central circular portion. It is preferred that the slot openings provided on the at least four uprights will preferably be vertically oriented. The provision of an opening of the shape may allow the use of the opening as a bayonet fitting for example.

[0023] Openings in different sidewalls of a member may have different shapes. For example, the openings in a lateral side wall of a member may be substantially circular.

[0024] One or more intermediate upright members may be provided between adjacent side wall assemblies in order to define a partial width locker.

[0025] The retrofit lock system may be provided with a door mounted relative to one of the at least four uprights of one of the at least two opposed side pairs.

[0026] The door will preferably be planar. The door may be formed from an external surround frame configured from a number of members attached relative to one another. At least one sheet or panel member may be attached to the surround frame to form the door.

[0027] The door preferably closes one side of the racking arrangement at least partially. In one form, the door will preferably close between a pair of uprights and an upper transverse member and a lower transverse member.

[0028] Preferably, the door will be mounted to a front upright in one of the spaced apart pairs. However, where an intermediate upright is provided, the door may be mounted to an intermediate upright. This may provide a locker which is smaller than the width between the respective pairs of uprights. The door may be mounted on the left side of the door or the right side of the door depending upon the preferred opening direction.

[0029] The door will preferably be hinged on one side and the lock provided on the opposite side from the hinged side. Where an electronic lock is used, preferably no openings are required in the door.

[0030] The retrofit lock system preferably comprises at least one hinge mount to mount the door to one of the at least four uprights. The number of hinge mounts provided may preferably depend upon the dimension of the door / locker. For example, a small door / locker may require only a single hinge mount whereas a larger door / locker may require two or more hinge mounts. All of the hinge mounts preferably have the same configuration. In use, a single door hinge is preferably mounted to each of the hinge mounts although in certain circumstances, the hinge mount may mount more than one hinge.

[0031] The at least one hinge mount may comprise a faceplate and a pair of depending side walls to define a U-shaped channel. The hinge mount may be provided in a unitary or single piece form.

[0032] The hinge mount may be provided in two parts, a left part and a right part, each part having a faceplate and at least one depending side wall at an angle to the faceplate The left part may be mounted to a left side of the forward wall of the upright and the right part may be mounted to a right side of the forward wall of the upright.

[0033] The faceplate will preferably abut the front side of the forward wall of the upright. The depending side walls may depend from an outer edge of the faceplate at an angle to abut a respective side wall of the upright. The hinge mount may be provided with one or more additional alignment formations to align the hinge mount with the upright.

[0034] In a preferred form, the hinge mount and / or hinge mount parts may be formed from a plate which is bent into the preferred shape. The plate is preferably unitary.

[0035] The hinge mount and / or hinge mount parts may include at least two tabs extending therefrom to allow mounting of a cladding member relative to the hinge mount and / or hinge mount parts. In a preferred form, the tabs are preferably cut out from a respective side wall and then bent into an orientation in an opposite direction to the depending side walls. Each of the tabs may be provided with a mounting formation in order to mount and attach a cladding member. In a preferred form, an opening may be provided in each tab. A captive nut may be provided relative to each opening. A corresponding bolt or similar may be provided in association with the cladding member to attach the cladding member to the respective tab.

[0036] At least a pair of mounting portions are provided on the hinge mount to attach the hinge mount to one of the at least four uprights. The mounting portions may be male or female. Where the mounting portions are provided in the male configuration, the male mounting portions may be inserted directly into the openings provided on the uprights to position the hinge mount relative to the upright. In this form, the male mounting portions may extend from a rear, abutting surface of the hinge mount and / or hinge mount parts. The male mounting portions may preferably have an inverted U- shape to be received into an opening in the upright and suspend the hinge mount and / or hinge mount parts in position.

[0037] In an embodiment, the mounting portions may be or include at least a pair of openings. The openings may be shaped openings. At least a portion of an upper periphery of each of the openings may preferably be planar to form an abutment edge. In a preferred configuration, at least a line of spaced apart openings may be provided in the faceplate of the hinge mount to correspond to the openings provided in the upright. The openings may be juxtaposed relative to male mounting portions.

[0038] The hinge mount may preferably be positioned to align the openings in the faceplate of the hinge mount with the openings in an upright and a fastener may be provided through the aligned openings. Any type of fastener may be used. The fastener may be a pin for example. The pin may be shaped. In a preferred configuration, the pin may include a crescent shaped portion and an enlarged head. An abutment shoulder may be provided at least at an upper part of the pin to abut a portion of the opening in the upright and the preferred planar upper periphery of the opening in the faceplate of the hinge mount. The abutment shoulder may preferably be provided between the crescent shaped portion and the enlarged head. At least a pair of hinge fasteners are preferably provided on the hinge mount to attach at least one door hinge to the hinge mount. The hinge fasteners may be provided as a captive fastener part associated with the faceplate of the hinge mount to enable attachment of the door hinge relative thereto. In a preferred form, the captive fastener part may be a captive stud or bolt. A hinge plate or leaf of the door hinge may be provided with a corresponding opening to fit over the captive stud or bolt. A nut, for example a Nylock™ nut can then be used to fix the hinge plate (and thereby fix the door) relative to the hinge mount.

[0039] The retrofit lock system preferably includes at least one door hinge mounted to the door and the at least one hinge mount. As mentioned above, a single hinge may be provided for each hinge mount. Each hinge may be configured as a pair of hinge plates or leaves with an interconnected barrel seating a hinge pin about which the hinge plates or leaves can pivot. In use, one hinge plate or leaf may be mounted to the hinge mount and the other of the hinge plates or leaves may be mounted to the door.

[0040] The retrofit lock system may preferably comprise a lock mounted relative to the other of the at least two opposed side pairs to releasably hold the door closed and locked.

[0041] The lock will preferably be in electronic lock. An electronic lock is preferably wirelessly actuable using a unique code or similar to unlock the lock. The code may be transmitted by any device, but preferably will be transmitted by a personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet for example, or from a central server which may administer the locker system.

[0042] The lock may be attached relative to an upright and / or a side rail or other member. A bracket may be provided to appropriately mount the electronic lock relative to the upright and / or side rail.

[0043] One or more cladding members may be provided. Cladding members may be provided aligned with the outer surface of the door in order to provide a more aesthetic finish to the locker system. It is preferred that a cladding member be provided to cover the hinge mount in particular. This may include the safety or security of the locker system. In a preferred form, a cladding member may be provided to attach to the at least two tabs provided on the hinge mount. The cladding member provided in this form may typically extend substantially parallel to the upright and aligned therewith.

[0044] The transverse members and / or side rail members may be provided with cladding members. Separate cladding mounting rails may be provided mounted to the racking arrangement, preferably to the uprights of a side pair to mount sidewall cladding members thereto.

[0045] The cladding members provided relative to the transverse members and / or side rail members or other members may be substantially C-shaped. The cladding members provided relative to the transverse members and / or side rail members or other members may clip to the transverse members and / side rail members or other members. The cladding members provided for the transverse members and / or side rail members or other members may be substantially C-shaped with a front cladding face and a pair of rearwardly extending sidewalls with an engagement lip or formation thereon to engage with an external shape of the side rail members and / or transverse members or other members. Some deformation of the cladding member may be required to clip the cladding member to the transverse member and / or side remember or other member.

[0046] Side wall cladding may be provided to attach to the side rail members or other members and / or uprights on the sides of the racking arrangement out one or more elongate mounting rails may be provided on a rear side of the side wall cladding. The elongate mounting rails may have a top hat configuration. One or more bolts or similar may extend through the side rail members or other members and the mounting rails to attach the side wall cladding to the sides of the racking arrangement. A captive nut may be provided on the mounting rail and / or side rail member or other member.

[0047] The provision of the side wall cladding, the door, the hinge mounts and the lock will preferably form a locker on an existing racking arrangement. The shelves of the racking arrangement may preferably form the upper and lower confines of the locker.

[0048] As mentioned above, a computer implemented system may be provided to administer the retrofit locker system with each of the locker is preferably provided with a unique identifier associated with the corresponding lock. The unlock code for the lock can then be transmitted from the administration system to a user to allow a user to access a locker as required. The administration system may transmit an unlock code to an electronic lock either directly or via a personal computing device such as a smartphone for example.

[0049] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0050] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0051] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a retrofit locker system for a racking arrangement forming a click and collect locker system according to an embodiment.

[0052] Figure 2 is an axonometric view from the front of a racking module as illustrated in Figure 1 with a locker door and lock mounted thereto.

[0053] Figure 3 is an axonometric exploded view of a hinge assembly from Figure 2, identified by reference letter B.

[0054] Figure 4 is an axonometric view of a lock assembly from Figure 2, identified by reference letter A.

[0055] Figure 5 is an axonometric exploded view of lock assembly illustrated in Figure 4.

[0056] Figure 6 is an axonometric view from the rear of the configuration illustrated in Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 7 is an axonometric view of the portion from Figure 6, identified by reference letter D.

[0058] A retrofit locker system for a racking arrangement is illustrated in the accompany Figures.

[0059] The racking arrangement is illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 6 and 7 in particular and comprises a number of upright legs grouped into at least two opposed side pairs, each side pair having a front upright leg 10 and a rear upright leg 11, a number of side rail members 12 to connect two upright legs 10, 11 of each side pair together and a number of transverse members 13 to connect the respective side pairs of together. The racking arrangement shown is discussed in more detail below.

[0060] The retrofit locker system shown in the Figures, particularly in Figures 1, 3 and 4 comprises a door 14 mounted relative to one of the front uprights 10 of one of the two opposed side pairs, at least one hinge mount 15 to mount the door 14 to the upright 10, the at least one hinge mount 15 comprising a faceplate 16 and a pair of depending sidewalls 17 to define a U-shaped channel into which the upright leg 10 is at least partially received, a pair of mounting openings 18 provided on the hinge mount 15 and a pair of beam locks 19 to extend through the mounting openings 18 and an aligned opening in the upright 10 to attach the hinge mount 15 to the upright leg 10 and a pair of captive hinge fasteners 20 to attach leaf 21 of a door hinge 22 thereto.

[0061] The door hinge 22 is mounted to the door 14 and the hinge mount 15. An electronic lock 23 is mounted relative to the other of the at least two opposed side pairs to releasably hold the door 14 closed and locked.

[0062] The locker system is fitted to a racking arrangement comprising at least four uprights grouped into at least two opposed side pairs, a number of side rail members 12 to connect two upright legs 10, 11 of each side pair together and a number of transverse members 13 to connect the respective side pairs of together.

[0063] In one form, the racking arrangement may be configured as a conventional industrial rack. In such a conventional industrial rack, there are typically at least four uprights grouped into at least two opposed side pairs, each side pair having a front upright leg 10 and a rear upright leg 11. The front upright leg 10 and a rear upright leg 11 will preferably be used to form a side wall. As shown, the sidewalls are spaced apart by one or more shelves 24. The transverse members may preferably be provided to connect the respective sidewalls together and the transverse members are preferably used as a part of the one or more shelves. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the transverse members 13 are provided at the front and rear of each shelf 24. Each of the front leg 12 and rear leg 11 in the side pairs are connected together by the side rail members 12. In this configuration, a generally rectangular rack configuration having one or more shelves 24 is provided.

[0064] The racking arrangement will normally be freestanding through the provision of the at least four upright legs, which stand on planar feet, and are capable of supporting objects on the shelves 24 thereof. The racking arrangement shown is self- supporting.

[0065] Any number of upright legs may be provided, but preferably, an even number of uprights may be provided. As the rack arrangement is preferably freestanding, the rack is typically accessible from both the front and the rear as shown in Figures 2 and 6. Once the retrofit locking system is fitted to the racking arrangement however the door 14 of the locker system will typically define the front side of the locker system, with an opposed rear side.

[0066] As shown, the uprights in each of the pairs are preferably parallel with one another. The uprights in each pair will preferably define the sides of the racking arrangement and therefore the sides of the locker system.

[0067] The side rails 12 preferably extend between the upright legs 10, 11 of a pair. In the illustrated form, a top side rail and a bottom side rail. One or more intermediate side rails may be provided between the top side rail and bottom side rail. All of the side rails are preferably aligned to be in the same plane as the upright legs 10, 11 , thereby defining a substantially planar side wall frame.

[0068] One or more diagonal extending stabilising or bracing members 26 may be provided in each of the sidewalls as shown in Figures 2 and 6.

[0069] Adjacent sidewalls of the racking arrangement are preferably connected together by the transverse members 13. Although the number and configuration of transverse members 13 may differ, in a preferred form, at least a top front and top rear transverse member is provided and at least a bottom front and bottom rear transverse member are provided. One or more intermediate transverse members may be provided.

[0070] As mentioned above, shelving members may be provided relative to the transverse members 13 and / or upright 10, 11 and / or side rail members 12 to form shelves 14 within the racking arrangement. The shelves 14 within the racking arrangement may be used as the base and / or ceiling of one or more lockers of the retrofit locker system.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1 in particular, a side wall of one racking arrangement may form a side wall of an adjacent racking arrangement. For example, two adjacent racking arrangements may have four sidewalls, thereby being substantially independent of one another and freestanding relative to one another or alternatively, two adjacent racking arrangements may have three sidewalls with one of the sidewalls being common to both racking arrangements.

[0072] Referring particularly to the racking arrangement and locker system shown in Figure 1 , a number of lockers are provided designated as a trolley locker 50, a tall locker 51, a mower locker 52, a frame trolley locker 53, a very small locker 54, a small locker 55 and a top box, high value locker 56.

[0073] In a preferred form, each of the uprights 10, 11, side rail members 12 and transverse members 13 may be elongate and of constant cross-section over their length. The members may have any shape and configuration. The shape and configuration of the uprights 10, 11, side rail members 12 and transverse members 13 differ from each other, but the same members have the same configuration. The side rail members 12 may have three sidewalls forming a U-shaped cross-section member or four sidewalls forming a closed rectangular or box section. Top hat members may also be provided extending between the front upright leg 10 and rear upright leg 11 or each sidewall frame.

[0074] In a preferred form shown best in Figures 3 to 5, the uprights 10, 11 have three sidewalls forming an upright with a U-shaped cross-section. As shown in Figure 3, a forward sidewall has a number of openings 27 therein. The uprights 10, 11 illustrated have a series of openings 27, provided in two substantially parallel, spaced apart lines of openings 27 provided over the length of the upright.

[0075] A single line of openings 28 are provided over the length of the sidewalls of the uprights. These openings 28 may allow the attachment of side rail members 12 to the uprights and / or top hat members 29 as shown in more detail in Figures 4 and 5. The rail members 12 and the transverse members 13 are provided with openings (not shown) to attach the rail members 12 and the transverse members 13 to the uprights 10, 11 to form the rack.

[0076] As shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5, the top hat members 29 have attachment openings at the ends thereof, to attach the top hat members 29 to the uprights 10, 11. The top hat members 29 also have a line of openings provided over their length.

[0077] The provision of lines of openings may allow attachment of the side rail members 12 to the uprights 10, 11 and / or the transverse members 13 to the uprights 10, Hand also allow positioning of the members relative to one another as needed. The openings will typically be regularly and consistently spaced over the length of the members.

[0078] In a preferred form, the openings 27 in the forward wall of the uprights 10, 11 are shaped. The openings 27 illustrated are formed as an elongate slot opening with a central circular portion. As shown, the slot openings provided on the uprights 10, 11 are vertically oriented. The provision of an opening of this shape may allow the use of the opening as a bayonet fitting for example.

[0079] The openings 28 in a lateral side wall of the uprights 10, 11 are substantially circular as are the openings in the length of the top hat members 29. The attachment openings at the ends of the top hat members 29 are elongate to provide some adjustability.

[0080] One or more intermediate upright members (obscured behind the cladding members) may be provided between adjacent side wall assemblies in order to define a partial width locker as shown in Figure 1 between lockers 54 and 55 and between the two adjacent lockers 56. These intermediate upright members will preferably have the same configuration as the uprights 10, 11 to mount a hinge mount 15 and / or a lock 23 relative thereto.

[0081] As shown in the Figures, the door 14 for a locker is planar. Each door 14 may be formed from an external surround frame configured from a number of members attached relative to one another. The door frame provides structural support for the door and a side frame member 30 provides a rigid and strong mounting point for the hinge(s) 22 used to hang the door 14. A sheet or panel member may be attached to the surround frame to form the door 14.

[0082] The door 14 preferably closes the forward side of the racking arrangement at least partially. In one form, the door 14 will close a space between a pair of uprights and an upper transverse member (mounting a shelf to form the ceiling of the locker) and lower transverse member (mounting a shelf to form the base of the locker).

[0083] The door 14 is mounted to a front upright 10 in one of the spaced apart pairs. However, where an intermediate upright is provided, the door 14 may be mounted to an intermediate upright. This may provide a locker which is smaller than the width between the respective pairs of uprights.

[0084] The door 14 may be mounted on the left side of the door 14 or the right side of the door 14 depending upon the preferred opening direction.

[0085] The doors 14 in the illustrated embodiment are all hinged on one side and the lock 23 is provided on the opposite side from the hinged side. Where an electronic lock 23 is used, preferably no openings are required in the door 14 providing a clean, aesthetic finish as shown in Figure 1.

[0086] The number of hinge mounts 15 provided will depend upon the dimension of the door / locker. For example, a small door / locker such as 54, 55, 56 may require only a single hinge mount 15 whereas a larger door / locker such as 51, 52, 53, 54 may require two or more hinge mounts 15. All of the hinge mounts 15 preferably have the same configuration. As illustrated and in use, a single door hinge 22 is mounted to each of the hinge mounts 15.

[0087] The hinge mount 15 may comprise a faceplate 16 and a pair of depending side walls 17 to define a U-shaped channel. As shown in Figure 3 in particular, the hinge mount is provided in two parts, a left part 15’ and a right part 15”, each part having a faceplate 16 and a depending side wall 17. The left part 15’ is mounted to a left side of the forward wall of the upright 10 and the right part 15” is mounted to a right side of the forward wall of the upright 10 to define a U-shaped channel.

[0088] In a preferred form, the hinge mount parts 15’, 15” are each formed from a plate which is bent into the preferred shape. The plate is preferably unitary. Each hinge mount part 15’, 15” includes two tabs 31 extending therefrom to allow mounting of an upright cladding member 32 relative to the hinge mount 16. In the illustrated form, the tabs 31 are cutout from a respective side wall and then bent into an orientation in an opposite direction to the depending side walls 17.

[0089] Each of the tabs 31 are provided with a mounting formation in order to mount and attach the upright cladding member. In the illustrated form, an opening is provided in each tab 31 with a captive nut 33 provided relative to each opening. A corresponding bolt 34 is provided to extend through countersunk holes 35 in the upright cladding member 32 to attach the upright cladding member 32 to the respective tab 31.

[0090] At least a pair of mounting portions are provided on the hinge mount to attach the hinge mount to one of the at least four uprights. The mounting portions of the illustrated embodiment are provided in a male configuration. In this form, the male mounting portions extend from a rear, abutting surface of each of the hinge mount parts 15’, 15”. The male mounting portions preferably have an inverted U-shape to be received into an opening 27 in the upright 10 and suspend the hinge mount parts 15’, 15” in position. The male mounting portions are inserted directly into the openings 27 provided on the upright 10 to position the hinge mount parts 15’, 15” relative to the upright 10.

[0091] Preferably, the hinge mount parts 15’, 15” are also provided with at least a pair of openings 36 in the faceplate 16. The openings 36 may be shaped openings. At least a portion of an upper periphery of each of the openings 36 may preferably be planar to form an abutment edge. In a preferred configuration, spaced apart openings 36 may be provided in the faceplate of the hinge mount parts 15’ , 15” to correspond to the openings 27 provided in the upright 10.

[0092] The hinge mount parts 15’, 15” are positioned to align the openings 36 in the faceplate 16 of the hinge mount parts 15’, 15” with the openings 27 in the upright 10 and a beam lock 37 may be provided through the aligned openings.

[0093] In the illustrated configuration, the beam lock 37 includes a crescent shaped portion and an enlarged head. An abutment shoulder may be provided at least at an upper part of the pin to abut a portion of the opening in the upright and the preferred planar upper periphery of the opening in the faceplate of the hinge mount. The abutment shoulder is provided between the crescent shaped portion and the enlarged head.

[0094] At least a pair of hinge fasteners are preferably provided on the hinge mount (one of the hinge mount parts 15’, 15”) to attach the door hinge 22 to the hinge mount 15. As illustrated in Figure 3, the hinge fasteners are provided as a captive stud 38 associated with the faceplate of the hinge mount part 15’ to enable attachment of the door hinge leaf 21 relative thereto. A hinge leaf 21 of the door hinge 22 is provided with corresponding openings to fit over the captive stud 38. A nut 39, for example a Nylock™ nut can then be used to fix the hinge leaf 21 (and thereby fix the door 14) relative to the hinge mount 15.

[0095] Each hinge 14 is configured as a pair of hinge leaves 21 with an interconnected barrel seating a hinge pin 40 about which the hinge plates or leaves can pivot. The illustrated embodiment has an M8 caphead bolt hinge pin 40 with a Nylock™ nut 41. In use, one hinge leaf is mounted to the hinge mount 15 and the other hinge leaf is mounted to the door 14.

[0096] As mentioned above, the lock is an electronic lock 23. A suitable electronic lock 23 is wirelessly actuable using a unique code or similar to unlock the lock. The code may be transmitted by any device, but preferably will be transmitted by a personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet for example or from a central server which may administer the locker system.

[0097] The lock 23 in the illustrated embodiment is attached relative to a top hat member 29 attached to the uprights 10, 11 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. A bracket 42 is provided to appropriately mount the electronic lock 23 relative to the top hat member 29. A corresponding catch 43 is provided on the side of the door to engage with the lock 23 when the door is closed and locked.

[0098] As mentioned above, cladding members are provided in the illustrated embodiment to provide an aesthetically clean appearance to the retrofit locked system and to cover any mounting components. The cladding members are preferably provided aligned with the outer surface of the door 14 in order to provide a more aesthetic finish to the locker system. It is preferred that an upright cladding member 32 be provided to cover the hinge mount 15 in particular. This may include the safety or security of the locker system. In a preferred form, a cladding member may be provided to attach to the at least two tabs 31 provided on the hinge mount parts 15’, 15”. The cladding member 32 provided in this formal typically extend substantially parallel to the upright as shown in Figure 3.

[0099] As shown in the Figures, the side rail members are provided with cladding members. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse members 13 are not cladded, and the rear edge of the door 14 simply abuts a forward face of the transverse members 13. In Figure 6, the door 14 has been removed for clarity and to show the internal volume 46 of the locker.

[0100] The cladding members 44 provided relative to the side rail members 12 are substantially C-shaped with a front cladding face and a pair of rearwardly extending sidewalls with an engagement lip or formation thereon to engage with an external shape of the side rail members as shown in Figure 6. These cladding members 44 may clip to the side members. Some deformation of the cladding member 44 may be required to clip the cladding member 44 to the side rail member.

[0101] Side wall cladding panels 45 are provided to attach to the top hat members 32 on the sides of the racking arrangement. As shown, elongate mounting rails 49 are provided on a rear side of the side wall cladding 45. The elongate mounting rails 49 may have a top hat configuration. One or more bolts 58 or similar then extend through the top hat members 32 and the mounting rails 49 to attach the side wall cladding 45 to the sides of the racking arrangement. A captive nut 57 may be provided on the mounting rail 49 and / or top hat member 32.

[0102] One or more transverse cladding member 60 may be provided if necessary.

[0103] As illustrated in Figure 6, a flue cladding panel 47 may be provided to close the sides of a locker arrangement. A flue cladding panel mounting bracket 48 may be provided between adjacent uprights to mount the flue cladding panel 47 thereto.

[0104] The provision of the door 14, the hinge mounts 15 and the lock 23 will preferably form a locker on an existing racking arrangement. The shelves 24 of the racking arrangement may preferably form the upper and lower confines of the locker. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A retrofit locker system for a racking arrangement, the racking arrangement comprising at least four uprights grouped into at least two opposed side pairs, side rail members to connect at least two uprights of each pair together and transverse members to connect the respective pairs together, the retrofit locker system comprising: a. A door mounted relative to one of the at least four uprights of one of the at least two opposed side pairs; b. At least one hinge mount to mount the door to the one of the at least four uprights, the at least one hinge mount comprising: i. a faceplate and a pair of depending sidewalls to define a U-shaped channel into which the one of the at least four uprights is at least partially received, ii. at least one pair of mounting portions on the hinge mount to attach the hinge mount to the one of the at least four uprights; and iii. at least one pair of hinge fasteners to attach at least one door hinge thereto; and c. at least one door hinge mounted to the door and the at least one hinge mount; and d. A lock mounted relative to the other of the at least two opposed side pairs to releasably hold the door closed and locked.

2. A retrofit locker system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lock is an electronic lock wirelessly actuable using a unique code to unlock the lock.

3. A retrofit locker system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the hinge mount is provided in two parts, a left part and a right part, each part having a faceplate and at least one depending side wall at an angle to the faceplate.

4. A retrofit locker system as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of the left part and the right part is formed from a unitary plate.

5. A retrofit locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the hinge mount further comprises at least two tabs extending therefrom configured to mounting a cladding member relative to the hinge mount.

6. A retrofit locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting portions provided on the hinge mount are male mounting portions configured to be inserted directly into openings provided on the upright to position the hinge mount relative to the upright.

7. A retrofit locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting portions further comprises at least a pair of openings and a fastener provided through the aligned openings.

8. A retrofit locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least a pair of hinge fasteners provided on the hinge mount to attach at least one door hinge to the hinge mount are each a captive stud or bolt.

9. A locker system fitted to a racking arrangement, the racking arrangement comprising at least four uprights grouped into at least two opposed side pairs, side rail members to connect at least two uprights of each pair together and transverse members to connect the respective pairs together and a retrofit locker system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

10. A locker system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the racking arrangement is freestanding through the provision of the at least four uprights, and self- supporting.

11. A locker system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein one or more shelving members are provided to form shelves within the racking arrangement used as the base and / or ceiling of one or more lockers.

12. A locker system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein each of the uprights have at least three sidewalls, forming a U-shaped cross-section.

13. A locker system as claimed in claim 12 wherein a series of openings is provided over a length of the upright on a forward wall thereof.

14. A locker system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the openings are shaped as an elongate slot opening with a central circular portion.

15. A locker system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 further comprising one or more intermediate upright members provided between adjacent uprights to define a partial width locker.

16. A locker system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15 further comprising one or more cladding members aligned with an outer surface of the door.

17. A locker system as claimed in claim 16 wherein an upright cladding member is provided to cover the hinge mount in particular.

18. A locker system as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the cladding members are substantially C-shaped to clip relative to the transverse members and / or side rail members19. A locker system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the cladding members comprising a front cladding face and a pair of rearwardly extending sidewalls with an engagement lip or formation thereon to engage with an external shape of the side rail members and / or transverse members.

20. A locker system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein aide wall cladding is provided to attach to a side of the racking arrangement to close the side of the racking arrangement.

21. A locker system as claimed in claim 20 wherein one or more elongate mounting rails is provided on a rear side of the side wall cladding.

22. A locker system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 21 comprising multiple lockers of different sizes.

23. A locker system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 21 further comprising a computer implemented system to administer each lock in the locker system with each of the lockers provided with a unique identifier associated with the corresponding lock.

24. A locker system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the computer implemented system transmits an unlock code for the lock associated with the unique identifier to a user to allow a user to access a locker as required.

25. A locker system as claimed in claim 24 wherein computer implemented system transmits the unlock code to the lock either directly or via a personal computing device.

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