A storage locker

Abstract

A storage locker (10) comprising a thermally insulated storage volume (14) and a temperature control system (18) enabling control of temperature within the storage volume (14). The temperature control system (18) is remotely operable to control the temperature within the storage volume (14) by each of: (a) an owner of the locker (10) by use of an electronic communications device; and (b) information contained in indicia provided on goods, packaging of the goods, or a docket pertaining to the goods to be placed in the storage volume (14).

Description

[0001] A STORAGE LOCKER

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a storage locker, particularly, but not exclusively to facilitate temporary storage of consumer goods including foods and medicines.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The volume of goods purchased online has grown rapidly, with the nature of those purchases, for example, the types of good being purchased, and consumer expectations in terms of the delivery experience, changing. However, other than incremental improvements in timeliness of deliveries and tracking, the “last mile delivery” to the consumer has largely stagnated. Parcels are typically delivered to the consumer door or to community shared lockers. Delivery to the consumer door presents serval problems to the consumer. If the consumer is not at the delivery address the parcel may be left in an agreed place, such as a porch, risking possible theft, or the parcel may be taken to a different location such as a local post office for the consumer to later pick up, adding inconvenience to the purchasing experience. These problems may be exacerbated when the delivered goods require cold or temperature controlled storage, such as food and medicines.

[0006] Issues surrounding delivery are not confirmed to the consumer. For example, couriers incur additional costs when they must reschedule a delivery. This can happen a quarter of the time. Also, couriers often wear the blame for, and must redeliver, an item that has been stolen from a customer’s porch, which may occur when they are provided with authority to leave a parcel in a ‘safe place’. Additionally, at times, a courier cannot leave some items in a ‘safe place’, as they require a signature to acknowledge secure delivery. This takes up a lot of time. eCommerce retailers lose sales if they cannot provide delivery options that meet customer expectations. When delivering valuable goods, the retailer will often require a signature from the customer acknowledging receipt of the goods. But when the customer is not home to take delivery, the retailer will often end up paying twice for delivery. Other issues faced by retailers include diminishing reputation and customer satisfaction when a delivery does not match customer expectations, and reduced margins or even the incurrence of a loss when charged for returns or unsuccessful deliveries.

[0007] Current delivery options also create issues for supermarkets because they cannot deliver all the goods customers want due to age restricted goods that require a signature. Also, supermarkets will encounter significant problems if a delivery includes chilled and frozen goods are unsuitable to be left at the front door when a customer is not home to receive the delivery. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] In some embodiments, there is provided a storage locker. The storage locker may comprise a thermally insulated storage volume. The storage locker may comprise a temperature control system enabling control of temperature within the storage volume. The temperature control system may be remotely operable to control the temperature within the storage volume by each of:

[0010] (a) an owner of the locker by use of an electronic communications device; and

[0011] (b) information contained in indicia provided on goods, packaging of the goods, or a docket pertaining to the goods to be placed in the storage volume.

[0012] The storage volume may include two or more zones which are thermally insulated from each other. The temperature control system may be arranged to provide independent temperature control for each of the two or more zones.

[0013] The storage locker may further comprise a power system. The power system may be configured to power the temperature control system. The power system may include at least one transducer for producing electrical power from a natural resource. The power system may include a rechargeable battery for storing the produced electrical power and providing power to the temperature control system.

[0014] The temperature control system may be further operable to control the temperature within the storage volume on the basis of a detected power level within the rechargeable battery. When the power level is detected as being below a threshold level, the temperature control system may be caused to reduce power consumption by allowing a previously set temperature for the storage volume of any zone to deviate within a prescribed range closer to ambient temperature.

[0015] When the storage volume is empty, or the storage volume comprises two or more zones and any zone is empty, the temperature control system may be automatically arranged to turn off temperature control to the empty storage volume or zone.

[0016] The storage locker may further comprise a chassis within which the thermally insulated storage volume is located. The storage locker may further comprise a door coupled to the chassis for closing and opening the storage volume. The storage locker may further comprise an electronically activated latch system enabling locking and unlocking of the door. The storage locker may include an electronic scanner. The electronic scanner may be capable of reading indicia on goods or packaging or a delivery docket pertaining to the goods. The latch system may be arranged to unlock when the indicia or information contained in the indicia accords with expected indicia or information.

[0017] The storage locker may include an air heat exchange path to facilitate a flow of air through the temperature control system. The air heat exchange path may include a first duct enabling a flow of air through the door and to an air intake of the temperature control system. The air heat exchange path may include a second duct enabling a flow of air from an exhaust outlet of the temperature control system to be vented to atmosphere.

[0018] The chassis may comprise upright comer columns that are connected together by upper and lower horizontal beams. The chassis may comprise comer cross slats that extend perpendicular to, and connect the ends of, mutually adjacent upright comer columns. The chassis may comprise upper and lower rails that lie in board of the comer cross slats and are connected to the horizontal beams on top and bottom sides of the chassis.

[0019] The storage locker may comprise a storage box. The storage box may be configured to fit within the chassis. The storage box may define an outer boundary of the storage volume. The storage box may be constmcted to provide thermal insulation to the storage volume.

[0020] The storage box may comprise a removable panel located on a rear vertical wall of the storage box, adjacent a lower comer of the storage box. When installed on the rear vertical wall of the storage box, the removable panel may occlude a second duct inlet. The second duct inlet may be an opening of the second duct of the storage locker.

[0021] The storage locker may comprise a roof module. The roof module may be removably connectable to the chassis.

[0022] The roof module may comprise a roof structure with a depending peripheral skirt. The roof module may comprise an internal support frame. The roof structure may be attached to the internal support frame. The internal support frame may be configured to attach to the chassis.

[0023] The roof module may comprise a photovoltaic cell array that defines an upper surface of the storage locker. The roof module may comprise a rechargeable battery that is electrically connected to the photovoltaic cell array. The roof module may comprise a roof structure. The roof structure may comprise a planar sheet on which the photovoltaic cell array is supported. The roof structure may comprise a peripheral skirt. The roof module may comprise an internal support frame that is connected to the roof structure and configured to attach to the chassis. One pair of opposite walls of the peripheral skirt may be tapered such that the photovoltaic cell array is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, when the roof module is mounted to the chassis.

[0024] The door may comprise the first duct. The first duct may extend from a plurality of first duct inlets to a first duct outlet. The plurality of first duct inlets may be openings in a bottom of the door. The door may comprise an inside panel. The inside panel may define the first duct outlet.

[0025] The door may comprise a cavity configured to house electronic equipment. The cavity may be covered by a display. The cavity may be covered by a touch panel. The cavity may be covered by a display and a touch panel.

[0026] The temperature control system may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion may comprise an upper insulated section defining a first zone of the storage volume. The lower portion may house a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may comprise a first evaporation plate that is configured to enable control of a temperature within the first zone. The refrigeration system may comprise a second evaporation plate that is configured to enable control of a temperature within a second zone of the storage volume. The first zone may be thermally isolated from the second zone. The first zone may be fluidically isolated from the second zone.

[0027] The second duct may extend from the second duct inlet to one or more vents in at least one of the roof module and a rear panel of the storage locker. The rear panel may be connected to the chassis. The second duct inlet may comprise an opening in the rear vertical wall of the storage box. The exhaust outlet of the temperature control system may be aligned with the second duct inlet.

[0028] In some embodiments, there is provided a storage locker. The storage locker may comprise a chassis. The storage locker may comprise an internal box fitted within the chassis and defining a storage volume. The storage locker may comprise a door coupled to the chassis and capable of providing access to the storage volume. The storage locker may comprise an exhaust duct that is arranged to be selectively opened to enable air from within the storage volume to be exhausted to an external atmosphere. The door may include a first duct that is arranged to be selectively opened to enable air to flow into the storage volume from the external atmosphere.

[0029] In some embodiments, there is provided a storage locker. The storage locker may comprise a chassis. The storage locker may comprise an internal box fitted within the chassis and defining a storage volume. The storage locker may comprise a door coupled to the chassis. The door may be capable of providing access to the storage volume. The door may be provided with an air intake duct having an opening on an inside surface of the door. The door may be provided with a detachable panel for selectively covering and uncovering the opening of the air intake duct. The storage locker may comprise an air exhaust duct having an opening into the internal box. The storage locker may comprise a second detachable panel for selectively covering and uncovering the opening of the air exhaust duct into the internal box. When the detachable panel is detached to uncover the opening of the air intake duct, air may be able to flow through the door into the storage volume. When the second detachable panel is detached to uncover the opening of the air exhaust duct into the internal box, air may be able to be exhausted from the internal box.

[0030] The storage locker may comprise a temperature control system. The temperature control system may be arranged to control temperature within the storage volume. The temperature control system may be arranged to fit within the storage volume. The temperature control system may have an air intake. The temperature control system may have an air exhaust outlet. The air intake may be located to receive air through the air intake duct. The air exhaust outlet may be arranged to discharge exhaust air into the air exhaust duct.

[0031] In some embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided a storage locker comprising: a thermally insulated storage volume; a temperature control system that is operable to control temperature within the storage volume, the temperature control system comprising: refrigeration equipment; a housing that houses the refrigeration equipment, the housing comprising an air intake opening located on a front portion of the housing and an air exhaust outlet located on a rear portion of the housing; and a temperature control element that enables control of temperature within the storage volume; a door comprising an internal ventilation duct extending from a first duct inlet to a first duct outlet, the internal ventilation duct extending through the door, the first duct inlet being an opening in a wall of the door, the first duct outlet being an outlet on an inside panel of the door and being aligned with the air intake of the temperature control system; a storage box defining at least part of the thermally insulated storage volume; a second ventilation duct extending from a second duct inlet to a second duct outlet, the second duct inlet being on a wall of the storage box and being aligned with the air exhaust outlet of the temperature control system, the second duct outlet being on a wall of the storage locker, the second ventilation duct extending through a rear portion of the storage locker; wherein: the air intake opening of the housing of the temperature control system is aligned with the first duct outlet of the internal ventilation duct; and the second duct inlet of the second ventilation duct is aligned with the air exhaust outlet of the temperature control system.

[0032] The first duct inlet may be an opening in a lower wall of the door. The second duct inlet may be an opening in a rear wall of the storage box. The second duct outlet may be an opening in a rear external wall of the storage locker. The temperature control system may be received within the storage box.

[0033] The air intake opening of the housing of the temperature control system may be aligned with the first duct outlet of the internal ventilation duct such that air that is drawn in through the internal ventilation duct and passes through the first duct outlet passes into the air intake openings. The second duct inlet of the second ventilation duct may be aligned with the air exhaust outlet of the temperature control system such that air that is expelled from the temperature control system passes through the second duct inlet of the second ventilation duct, thereby passing through the second ventilation duct.

[0034] In some embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided a storage locker. The storage locker may comprise a thermally insulated storage volume. The storage locker may comprise a temperature control system that is operable to control temperature within the storage volume. The temperature control system may comprise refrigeration equipment. The temperature control system may comprise a housing that houses the refrigeration equipment. The housing may comprise an air intake opening located on a front portion of the housing and an air exhaust outlet located on a rear portion of the housing. The temperature control system may comprise a temperature control element that enables control of temperature within the storage volume. The storage locker may comprise a door. The door may comprise an internal ventilation duct extending from a first duct inlet to a first duct outlet. The internal ventilation duct may extend through the door. The first duct inlet may be an opening in a wall of the door. The first duct outlet may be an outlet on an inside panel of the door. The first duct outlet may be aligned with the air intake of the temperature control system. The storage locker may comprise a storage box defining at least part of the thermally insulated storage volume. The door may comprise a second ventilation duct extending from a second duct inlet to a second duct outlet. The second duct inlet may be on a wall of the storage box. The second duct inlet may be aligned with the air exhaust outlet of the temperature control system. The second duct outlet may be on a wall of the storage locker. The second duct outlet may be on the outer rear panel of the storage locker. The second ventilation duct may extend through a rear portion of the storage locker. The air intake opening of the housing of the temperature control system may be aligned with the first duct outlet of the internal ventilation duct. The second duct inlet of the second ventilation duct may be aligned with the air exhaust outlet of the temperature control system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the methods as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a schematic representation of an embodiment of the disclosed storage locker;

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view from the front of an embodiment of the disclosed storage locker with one form of top / roof structure;

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view from the front of an embodiment of the disclosed storage locker with an alternate form of top / roof structure;

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the storage locker with a door of the locker being open and illustrating and intended installation of an optional temperature control system;

[0040] Figure 5 is a representation of the locker shown in Figure 4 with the temperature control system installed;

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view from the rear of an embodiment of the storage locker, showing the location of ventilation slots or openings;

[0042] Figure 7 is a phantom view of the storage locker illustrating air flow paths through the locker and an effect of the temperature control system;

[0043] Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate sequentially one possible mode of use of the storage locker for the delivery of goods by a delivery agent and the subsequent access to the locker by an owner for collection of the delivered goods;

[0044] Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a dual locker unit comprising two lockers of different internal configurations which are stacked one on top of the other and coupled together;

[0045] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a roof module, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 13 shows another perspective view of the roof module of Figure 12; and Figure 14 shows a side view of the roof module of Figures 12 and 13.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Specific embodiments of the disclosed storage locker will now be described by way of example only. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed storage locker. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to pertaining the present disclosure. In the drawings, it should be understood that like reference numbers refer to like parts.

[0049] With reference to the accompanying Figures, there is provided a storage locker 10. In broad terms, an embodiment of the disclosed storage locker 10 (hereinafter “locker 10”) is arranged to provide controlled access to authorised users for putting goods into the locker 10 and taking them out. The authorised users may be (a) an intended recipient of the goods such as an owner or lessee of the locker 10, (b) someone authorised by intended recipient, or (c) a courier or personnel of a delivery company engaged to deliver goods to the locker 10.

[0050] The locker 10 is provided with a door 12. The door 12 controls access to a storage volume 14 within the locker 10. The locker 10 has an electronic scanner 16. The electronic scanner 16 is capable of reading indicia on goods or packaging of the goods or on a delivery receipt or docket pertaining to the goods. The locker 10 may include a temperature control system 18. The temperature control system 18 enables the setting and maintaining of a prescribed or desired temperature within the storage volume 14. The temperatures may be prescribed by information contained in the indicia. Alternately the temperature may be set by the intended recipient / owner of the locker 10. A communications system within the locker 10 enables wireless communication with a remote central logistics and management system (“CLMS”), and between authorised users of the locker 10. The locker 10 may also have a power system. The power system may provide power to the electrically operated devices and equipment in the locker 10 including the temperature control system 18 and the communications system. The power system may have at least one transducer for producing electrical power from a natural resource. For example, the power system may comprise one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells, a battery for storing the produced electrical power and a power management system arranged to monitor power level within the battery and manage battery power inflow and outflow.

[0051] Figures 1-4 show various components and configurations of an embodiment of the locker 10. The locker 10 includes a chassis 20. The chassis 20 may be fabricated from a metallic material. That is, the chassis 20 may be a metallic chassis. The chassis 20 provides structural strength for the locker 10 and is the main support structure for the components of the locker 10. In one example the chassis 20 may be made from fabricated steel. The chassis 20 has a generally cubic shape. The chassis 20 may include upright comer columns 22 connected together by upper and lower horizontal beams 24. Comer cross slats 26 extend perpendicular to, and connect the ends of, mutually adjacent upright columns 22. Upper and lower rails 28 lie in board of the cross slats 26 and are connected to the horizontal beams 24 on top and bottom sides of the chassis 20. The rails 28 are used for mounting to other lockers or locker accessories.

[0052] The chassis 20 sits on and is coupled to a metallic support plinth 30. The plinth 30 has a rectangular metal frame 32 and an inner metallic base or pallet like structure 34. In some embodiments, the base structure 34 is received within the frame 32. In such cases, the base stmcture 34 may provide additional structural support to the frame 32. The frame 32 and the base stmcture 34 may, together, support the chassis 20. One or both of the frame 32 and the base stmcture 34 may include one or more openings enabling airflow therethrough.

[0053] The locker 10 comprises a storage box 36. At least part of the storage box 36 fits within the chassis 20. In some embodiments, the entire storage box 36 fits within the chassis 20. That is, the storage box 36 fits within a volume defined by the chassis 20. The storage box 36 comprises a storage box body. The storage box body defines a storage box opening. The storage box opening is an inlet opening of the storage box 36 through which items are placed within, and retrieved from, the storage box 36, in use. This opening may be referred to as a first opening of the storage box 36. The interior of the storage box 36 defines the storage volume 14. The storage volume 14 is bounded by inner walls of the storage box 36 and the storage box opening. The storage box 36 may be constmcted to provide thermal insulation to the storge volume 14. The thermal insulation properties of the storage box 36 can be provided by appropriate selection of material(s) used in the constmction of the storage box 36. In one example the storage box 36 may be constmcted as injection moulded plastic tub with sheet metal on its outer surfaces and then injecting polyurethane insulation foam or other insulating material between the outer surfaces.

[0054] In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the storage box 36 is formed with a removable panel 38. In other words, the storage box 36 may comprise a removable panel 38. The removable panel 38 is located in a rear vertical wall 40 of the box 36. The removable panel 38 is adjacent a lower comer of the storage box 36. In this specific instance, the removable panel 38 is adjacent to the lower right-hand corner of the storage box 36. The panel 38 is releasably fastened to the vertical wall 40. When the panel 38 is removed it exposes an opening 41 to an internal ventilation duct 42 of the locker 10. The opening 41 is an opening in the storage box 36. The opening 41 may be said to be a second opening of the storage box 36. The opening 41 may be considered an outlet opening of the storage box 36, as is described in more detail herein. When the panel 38 is connected to the vertical wall 40, it occludes the opening 41 to the internal ventilation duct 42. The internal ventilation duct 42 may be a second duct of the storage locker 10. The internal ventilation duct 42 may be an outlet duct of the storage locker 10. The opening 41 may be referred to as a second duct inlet. This is because it can be considered an inlet to the internal ventilation duct 42. The opening 41 may be referred to as an opening of the second duct 42. The opening 41 is an inlet of the second duct 42. The panel 38 is removed to expose the opening 41 and ventilation duct 42, if and when the temperature control system 18 is incorporated in the locker 10. The ventilation duct 42 may be formed with the body of the box 36 or formed between an exterior surface of the box 36 and other surfaces or structure of the locker 10 adjacent the box 36.

[0055] The storage locker 10 comprises outer side panels 44s. The storage locker 10 comprises an outer rear panel 44r. The outer side panels 44s and the outer rear panel 44r are attached to the chassis 20 to cover the opposite left and right sides, and the rear side, of box 36 respectively. The panels 44s and 44r may be made from a sheet of solid material such as metal. This may provide impact protection to the internal box 36 and other components of the locker 10. Also, an inside surface of the rear panel 44r may act as part of the ventilation duct 42. Embodiments of the locker 10 may incorporate one of several optional and interchangeable roof structures or modules. Three examples of the roof modules 46a, 46b, 46c (referred to in general as roof module(s) 46) are depicted in Figure 1.

[0056] One of the roof modules 46a comprises a roof structure 48 with a depending peripheral skirt 50. The roof structure 48 may be formed from four triangular panels 51 each having a vertex that meets at a common point to form a central peak 54. The roof module 46a also includes an internal support frame 52. The roof structure 48 and skirt 50 are attached to the frame 52 which in turn is connected to the chassis 20 and thereby overlies the box 36. As seen most clearly in Figure 6, a wall of the skirt 50 on the rear side of the locker 10 may be provided with a plurality of ventilation slots or openings 57 to facilitate the exhaust of air generated by the operation of the temperature control system 18. A further set of ventilation slots or openings 57 are formed along a lower edge of the rear panel 44r. In a small variation to the roof module 46a, the roof structure 48 may more simply comprise a single planer sheet of material such as for example as shown in Fig 2.

[0057] Another of the roof modules 46b is a power module. The roof module 46b includes a power generation and storage system. The power generation storage system includes a transducer for producing electrical power from a natural resource, and a rechargeable battery (not shown). One example of a transducer is a photovoltaic (PV) cell array 58. The PV cell array 58 may cover the upper surface of the locker 10. The roof module 46b also includes a planar sheet of material 48b on which the PV cell array 58 is supported. The sheet 48b has a peripheral depending skirt 50b. One pair of opposite walls of the skirt 50b are tapered in a manner to incline the PV cell array 58 to the horizontal plane when the power module is attached to the chassis 20. A roof structure of the roof module 46b may comprise the sheet 48B and the depending skirt 50b. A frame (not visible) similar to the frame 52 is attached the sheet 48b and skirt 50b. This frame is used to attach the power module to the chassis 20. The provision of the skirt 50b forms a compartment between the panel 48b and that chassis 20 for housing the rechargeable battery.

[0058] The roof module 46c is a letter box module. This is a low profile box-like structure with a compartment configured for the receipt of envelopes, and a panel bearing a house / apartment number. The letter box module is attached to the top side of the chassis and overlies the box 36. Ventilation slots (not shown) may also be provided in the roof modules 46b, 46c similar to the ventilation slots 57 described in relation to roof module 46a.

[0059] The door 12 is coupled to the to the chassis 20. For example, the door 12 may be coupled to the chassis 20 by hinges (not shown). The hinges allow opening and closing of the locker 10 and the storage volume 14. The door 12 is thermally insulated. This is provided by a layer 60 of thermal insulation. The layer 60 is sandwiched between inner and outer of panels 62, 64. Outer panel 64 is made from metal such as steel. The inner panel 62 may be made from a plastics material. In this embodiment the door 12 includes a customisable dress panel 66 which is attached to the outer panel 64. In the illustrated embodiment the dress panel 66 includes a plurality of slats 68 are made of, or have an appearance of, wood. However, a wide range of different materials and decorative panels or art work can be used to form the dress panel.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, embodiments of the locker 10 which include the option of installing a thermal control system 18, are provided with a door 12 having an internal ventilation duct 70. The internal ventilation duct 70 may be referred to as a first duct of the locker system 10. The first duct 70 extends from one or more first duct inlet 73 to one or more first duct outlet 71. That is, the first duct 70 extends from a first duct inlet 73 to a first duct outlet 71.

[0061] The illustrated first duct 70 comprises a plurality of first duct inlets 73. The first duct inlets 73 are in the form of vents. That is, the first duct inlets 73 are in the form of openings of the door 12. The duct 70 may be said to open onto vents 73 formed in the bottom of the door 12. Where the one or more first duct inlets 73 is in the form of one inlet, the first duct inlet 73 may be formed in a side wall of the door 12. In particular, the first duct inlet 73 may be formed in the bottom of the door 12. Where the one or more first duct inlets 73 is in the form of a plurality of inlets, the plurality of inlets 73 may be formed in a side wall of the door 12. In particular, the plurality of first duct inlets 73 may be formed in the bottom of the door 12. The first duct inlet(s) 73 may be formed in a bottom surface of the door 12. For example, a bottom wall of the outer panel 64 of the door 12 may comprise the first duct inlet(s) 73. In some embodiments, the first duct inlets 73 are disposed on multiple side walls of the door 12. For example, a bottom wall, first side wall, second side wall or top wall of the door 12 may comprise respective first duct inlet(s) 73.

[0062] The internal ventilation duct 70 passes through the door 12. That is, the internal ventilation duct 70 extends through the door 12. In particular, the internal ventilation duct 70 passes through the door 12 from the first duct inlet(s) 73 to the first duct outlet(s) 71. The door 12 may comprise a plurality of walls that define the internal ventilation duct 70 as it extends through the door 12. These walls may be internal walls of the door 12. The walls may isolate the volume of the internal ventilation duct 70 from, for example, the layer 60 of thermal insulation. In some embodiments, the layer 60 of thermal insulation defines the internal ventilation duct 70. For example, the layer 60 of thermal insulation may be shaped to define the volume of the internal ventilation duct 70, along at least part of the door 12 through which the internal ventilation duct 70 extends. In such a case, inner surfaces of the layer 60 of thermal insulation may define walls of the internal ventilation duct 70.

[0063] The illustrated first duct 70 comprises one first duct outlet 71. It will be appreciated, however, that in some embodiments, the first duct 70 may comprise a plurality of first duct outlets 71. In such cases, the description of the first duct outlet 71 herein may also be applicable to two or more of the plurality of first duct outlets 71. In the present embodiment, the first duct outlet 71 is in the form of a first duct outlet opening 71. The first duct outlet opening 71 is an opening on the inside panel 62 of the door 12. The inside panel 62 may define an inside surface of the door 12. The opening 71 of the duct 70 on the inside panel 62 of the door 12 can be selectively covered by a detachable panel 72. Thus, the duct 70 provides an air intake flow path through the bottom of the door 12 to an opening 71 on an inside surface of the door 12.

[0064] As described herein, the storage locker 10 comprises another internal ventilation duct 42. The internal ventilation duct 42 may be referred to as a second internal ventilation duct 42. The internal ventilation duct 42 may be referred to as a second duct. The second duct is an outlet duct of the storage locker 42. The second duct enables air that has flown through the first duct 70 and the temperature control system 18 to exit the storage locker 10. This can, for example, enable waste heat generated when cooling the storage volume 14 using the temperature control system 18 to be vented to the environment.

[0065] The second duct 42 extends from a second duct inlet 41 to a second duct outlet. It will be appreciated that the second duct inlet 41 is an inlet of the second duct 42. Similarly, the second duct outlet is an outlet of the second duct 42. Referring to Figure 4, the second duct inlet 41 may be an opening in a wall of the storage box 36. The inlet 41 of the second duct 42 may be an opening on a side wall of the storage box 36. In the illustrated embodiment, inlet 41 of the second duct 42 is an opening on a side wall of the storage box 36. The side wall is the rear wall in the illustrated embodiment. The inlet 41 of the second duct 42 is aligned with the exhaust outlet 93 of the temperature control system 18. The second duct 42 is fluidly connected to the exhaust outlet 93 of the temperature control system 18. In this way, air that is dispelled from the temperature control system 18 via the exhaust outlet 93 passes through the inlet 41 of the second duct 42, to be directed through the second duct 42 and out into the surrounding environment.

[0066] In some embodiments, a seal is provided to provide a sealed connection between the exhaust outlet 93 and the inlet 41 of the second duct 42. The seal may be provided on the rear of the housing 78. Alternatively, the seal may be provided on the side wall of the storage box 36. The seal may surround the inlet 41 of the second duct 42 and the exhaust outlet 93, sealing around both when the temperature control system 18 is installed.

[0067] The second duct 42 passes through a side portion of the storage locker 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the second duct 42 passes through a rear portion of the storage locker 10. The second duct extends through the rear portion of the storage locker 10. In some embodiments, ventilation slots 57 are the outlet of the second duct 42. The ventilation slots 57 may be openings in the rear panel 44r of the storage locker 10. Thus, the outlet of the second duct 42 may be located on the rear panel 44r. In some embodiments, the ventilation slots 57 are openings in the skirt 50 of the roof module 46. Thus, the outlet of the second duct 42 may be located on the roof module 46. Thus, the outlet of the second duct 42 may be said to be an outlet on a wall of the storage locker 10. In the illustrated case, this is a rear wall 44r. it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the outlet may be on a lateral wall 44s.

[0068] The storage locker 10 comprises a control system (not shown). The control system comprises at least one processor. In some embodiments, the control system comprises a plurality of processors. The processor(s) may be referred to as storage locker processors. The control system comprises memory. Memory may be referred to as locker system memory. Memory may comprise or be in the form of one or more non- transitory computer readable storage medium. Memory stores program instructions. The program instructions may be referred to as storage locker program instructions. The control system comprises a network interface. The network interface may be referred to as a locker system network interface.

[0069] The at least one processor is configured to execute the program instructions. In particular, the at least one processor is configured to execute the program instructions to cause the control system of the storage locker 10 to function as described herein. That is, when executed, the program instructions cause the at least one processor to function as described herein. In some embodiments, the program instructions are in the form of instruction program code.

[0070] The at least one processor comprises one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), application specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), tensor processing units (TPUs) or other processors capable of reading and executing program instructions. It will be appreciated that the at least one processor may be a distributed processor. That is, one or more processor of the at least one processor may be physically separated from one or more other processor of the at least one processor. In some embodiments, the control system may be said to comprise a plurality of processors. Where functionality is described herein as being performed by the at least one processor, it will be understood that the relevant functionality may be performed by one or more, or a plurality of processors of the control system.

[0071] Memory may comprise one or more volatile or non-volatile memory types. For example, memory may comprise at least one of random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory. Memory may comprise one or more computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be any medium that can tangibly contain or store computer-executable instructions, such as the program instructions, for use by or in connection with the control system. In some examples, the storage medium is a transitory computer readable storage medium. In some examples, the storage medium is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, magnetic, optical, and / or semiconductor storages. Examples of such storage include magnetic disks, optical discs based on CD, DVD, or Blu-ray technologies, as well as persistent solid-state memory such as flash, solid state drives, and the like.

[0072] Memory is configured to store the program instructions. The program instructions are accessible by the at least one processor. The program instructions may be referred to as computer-executable instructions. Memory stores executable program code modules. The program code modules are configured to be executable by the at least one processor. The executable program code modules, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the control system to perform certain functionality, as described herein. The program instructions may comprise the program code modules.

[0073] The network interface facilitates communication between the control system and one or more other computing devices. The network interface may comprise a combination of network interface hardware and network interface software suitable for establishing, maintaining and facilitating communication over a relevant communications network. Examples of a suitable communications network include a cloud server network, wired or wireless internet connection, Bluetooth™ or other near field radio communication, and / or a physical network such as a wired Universal Serial Bus (USB) network or an Ethernet network.

[0074] The control system comprises a user interface. The user interface is configured to enable a user of the storage locker 10 to provide an input to the storage locker 10. That is, one or more user(s) of the user interface can submit requests to the storage locker 10 via the user interface. The storage locker 10 can provide outputs to the user. In other words, the user interface is configured to enable the storage locker 10 to provide one or more outputs to a user. The user interface may comprise one or more user interface components, such as one or more of a display device, a touch screen display, a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, a microphone, buttons, switches and lights. Where certain functionality is described herein in relation to the control system, it will be understood that it may also be said that the storage locker 10 performs this functionality.

[0075] The door 12 includes a small cavity for housing electronic equipment which is covered by a display and touch panel 74. The display and touch panel 74 forms part of the control system. Specifically, the user interface comprises the display and touch panel 74. The panel 74 provides an interface for people to operate and / or control the locker 10. The electronic equipment may include a range of communications equipment and systems including NFC (near field communications), Bluetooth low energy (BTLE), WIFI, and 4 / 5G connectivity, that form at least part of the network interface.

[0076] The storage locker 10 comprises a latch system. The latch system may comprise a controllable latch and an anchor. The latch system may comprise an electronically activated latch. The latch may interact with the anchor to hold the door 12 in a closed position. The latch may be in the form of a latch element that is moveable using an actuator. The actuator may be a solenoid. The anchor may be in the form of a loop or a partial loop that is configured to receive at least part of the latch element to hold the door 12 in the closed position. The latch system may be considered part of the control system of the storage locker. The door 12 may comprise the latch. The chassis 20 may comprise the anchor. In such a case, the latch element on the door 12 is moved between a locked position, in which it acts with the anchor to inhibit opening of the door 12, and an unlocked position, in which it does not inhibit opening of the door 12. In some embodiments, the door 12 comprises the anchor. In such cases, another part of the storage locker 10 may comprise the latch. For example, the latch may be mounted to the chassis 20. In one embodiment, the anchor is in the form of a steel loop attached to the door 12, and the loop is to be held by a latch lying between the box 36 outer side panels 44s. The at least one processor may control operation of the latch system. For example, the at least one processor may send control signals to the actuator of the latch system to control the position of the latch element.

[0077] The electronic scanner 16, which may include a camera, is also provided in the cavity. The electronic scanner 16 may be considered part of the control system. The electronic scanner 16 is capable of reading indicia on goods, packaging or delivery dockets associated therewith, which may be presented by a courier. When the indicia or information embedded in indicia accords with expected indicia or information, the latch is operated to unlock the door 12 and provide access to storage volume 14 and the locker 10. The expected indicia or information may be transmitted to the locker 10 by the CLMS and held in an electronic memory unit within the locker 10 (such as the memory described herein). An inwardly looking camera is provided in the door 12. The inwardly looking camera captures live images including video of the inside of the storage volume 14. The inwardly looking camera may be considered part of the control system. A window 77 is installed in the inner panel 62 through which the inwardly looking camera can visualise the storage volume 14.

[0078] The temperature control system 18 shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5 is a modular unit that can be easily installed by the owner of the locker 10. The temperature control system 18 is in the form of a temperature control unit. Moreover, in this embodiment the temperature control system 18 is a refrigeration unit 76. The refrigeration unit 76 is used for cooling at least part of the storage volume 14. That is, the refrigeration unit 76 is used for cooling the storage volume 14. The refrigeration unit 76 may be used for heating at least part of the storage volume 14. That is, the refrigeration unit 76 may be used for heating the storage volume 14.

[0079] The refrigeration unit 76 has an outer housing 78 which is divided into a lower portion 79 and an upper portion 80. In other words, the temperature control system 18 comprises a housing 78. The housing 78 comprises a first portion 79. The first portion 79 is a lower portion of the housing 78. Thus, the housing 78 comprises a lower portion 79. The housing 78 comprises a second portion 80. The second portion 80 is an upper portion of the housing 78. Thus, the housing comprises an upper portion 80. The lower portion 79 contains refrigeration equipment 81. The refrigeration equipment 18 is configured to change the temperature of input air. The temperature control system 18 may be considered part of the control system of the storage locker 10. In other words, the control system comprises the temperature control system 18.

[0080] The refrigeration equipment 81 may be in the form of a direct expansion system incorporating an evaporator and condenser. The refrigeration equipment 81 comprises one or more, in this instance two, evaporation plates 82, 84. In other words, the temperature control system 18 comprise a first evaporation plate 82 and a second evaporation plate 84. The evaporation plates 82, 84 may, more broadly, be referred to as temperature control plates, in some embodiments. The refrigeration equipment 81 controls the temperature of the evaporation plates 82, 84. In particular, the refrigeration equipment 81 may cool the evaporation plates 82, 84, to control a temperature of the storage volume 14. In some embodiments, the refrigeration equipment 81 may heat the plates 82, 84, to control a temperature of the storage volume 14. The evaporation plates 82, 84 may, more broadly, be referred to as temperature control elements, in some embodiments. It will be understood that this is because, in alternative embodiments, the temperature control system 18 may not employ a refrigeration system involving evaporation plates. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature control plates or temperature control elements may be in the form of, or comprise, one or more thermoelectric cell. Further, in some embodiments, the temperature control elements may take the form of heating elements, such as resistive heating elements or infrared heating elements. It will therefore be understood that, where relevant in the present disclosure, functionality described with reference to the evaporation plates 82, 84, may, in some embodiments, be applicable to a case where these are temperature control plates or elements which deploy different temperature control technology.

[0081] The temperature control elements 82, 84 enable control over the temperature within the storage volume 14. The number of evaporation plates is commensurate with the number of zones within the storage volume 14. That is, the number of temperature control elements is commensurate with the number of zones within the storage volume 14. When the storage volume 14 is undivided it forms a single zone. However, in the present embodiment, the storage volume 14 is divided into two separate storage zones 86 and 88. That is, the storage volume 14 comprises a first zone 86. The storage volume 14 comprises a second zone 88. The zones 86 and 88 are thermally insulated from each other. That is, the first zone 86 is thermally insulated from the second zone 88. The first zone 86 is located within the upper insulated section 80 of the housing 78. The second zone 88 comprises the remainder of the storage volume 14. The zones 86 and 88 are fluidically isolated from each other by a sealing system 85. This assists in providing thermal insulation between the zones 86, 88. The sealing system 85 prevents or inhibits air from one of the zones 86, 88 from flowing into or mixing with air from the other zone. The sealing system 85 comprises a plurality of sealing strips 87 attached to the inside of the panel 62 which seal against surfaces that circumscribe the outer housing 78 and the box 36. The evaporation plate 82 is located on the inside of the upper inside section 80 to cool the zone 86. The evaporation plate 84 is located on the outside of the housing 78. That is, the temperature control element 84 is located on the outside of the housing 78.

[0082] The two zones 86, 88 can be cooled to different temperatures independently of each other. For example, zone 86 may be at a sub 0°C temperature while zone 88 may be set to a temperature greater than 0°C. It will be appreciated that the range of temperatures that the zones 86, 88 may be controlled between may range from -18°C to ambient temperature. In some embodiments, one or more of the zones 86, 88 may be controlled to less than -20°C, -20°C, -19°C, -18°C, -17°C, -16°C, -15°C, -14°C, -13°C, -13°C, -12°C, -11°C, -10°C, -9°C, -8°C, -7°C, -6°C, -5°C, -4°C, -3°C, -2°C, -1°C, 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C or more than 10°C.

[0083] One or more air intake openings 90 are located on a front portion of the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of air intake openings 90 are located on the front portion of the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18. That is, air intake openings 90 are located on the front portion of the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18. The air intake openings 90 align with the duct 70 when the panel 72 is detached from the inner panel 62. In particular, the air intake openings 90 are aligned with the first duct outlet(s) 71 of the internal ventilation duct 70. The air intake openings 90 are fluidly connected to the first duct outlet(s) 71 of the internal ventilation duct 70. In this way, air that is drawn in through the internal ventilation duct 70 and passes through the first duct outlet(s) 71 passes into the air intake openings 90 of the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18. The air intake openings 90 may be considered to be an air intake of the refrigeration equipment 81. In some embodiments, a seal is provided to provide a sealed connection between the air intake openings 90 and the first duct outlet(s) 71. The seal may be provided on the inside panel 62 of the door 12 and surround the first duct outlet(s) 71, sealing around the air intake openings 90 when the door 12 is closed. In some embodiments, a single air intake opening 90 is located on the front portion of the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18.

[0084] An air filter may be incorporated as part of, or otherwise associated with, the air intake openings 90, to filter air passing through refrigeration equipment 81. The air filter may, for example, be mounted to the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18.

[0085] The temperature control system 18 also has an air exhaust outlet 93. The exhaust outlet 93 aligns with the opening 41 of duct 42. The air exhaust outlet 93 may be considered to be an air exhaust of the refrigeration equipment 81. The exhaust outlet 93 is located on a rear portion of the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of air exhaust outlets 93 are located on the rear portion of the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18. That is, air exhaust outlets 93 are located on the rear portion of the housing 78 of the temperature control system 18. The air exhaust outlet(s) 93 align with the duct 42. The air exhaust outlet(s) 93m ay be considered an air outlet of the refrigeration equipment 81.

[0086] Different coloured lights LI and L2 may be provided on a door 12 facing side of the housing 78. The lights LI and L2 can be operated to assist in guiding a delivery agent to place different packages / goods in the desired zones 86, 88. For example, LI, when illuminated, directs a courier to place goods in zone 86. Likewise, L2, when illuminated, directs a courier to place goods in zone 88. The lights LI, L2 may also be configured in the shape of arrows pointing to the zone in which goods should be placed.

[0087] Figure 7 provides a visual representation of air flow through the locker 10. Air flows in through the plinth 30 and associated pallet structure 34, or from the external environment, and through the air intake vents 73 in the bottom of the door 12. From there, air flows through the duct 70 and into the refrigeration equipment 81 via the air intake opening 90 and associated air filter. The air, after passage through the refrigeration equipment 81 exits storage volume 14 and box 36 through the ventilation duct 42. The air is then vented to the surrounding atmosphere though ventilation slots 57 in the skirt 50 and / or the rear panel 44r.

[0088] The air flow through the locker 10 enables effective operation of the temperature control system 18 (in this embodiment, including a refrigeration unit 76) by providing a medium for heat exchange between the thermally insulated storge volume 14 / refrigeration equipment 81 and the surrounding atmosphere. The arrangement of locker ducts 42 and 70 when connected with the temperature control system 18 creates an air heat exchange path 91. This path 91 includes: air paths in the plinth 30 and associated pallet structure 34 and / or from the environment of the locker 10; air intake vents 73 in the bottom of the door 12; and the vents 57 in one or both of the roof modules 46 and rear panel 44r.

[0089] Components of the control system, such as electronic circuits, and devices including processors and data storage used for the operation and management of the locker 10, including to facilitate connection into a logistics network, may be located wholly or partially within the door 12, behind touch panel 74, or in the roof modules 46. The locker 10 may be one of thousands of lockers operated by a remote central logistics and management system (“CLMS”). The CLMS may co-ordinate payment through an app or retail website plugin, co-ordinate delivery and on-demand temperature control of individual lockers such that ambient, chilled & frozen goods can be delivered and keep at the correct temperature until consumer retrieval. An owner or lessee of the locker 10 is provided with a CLMS app on their phone to facilitate communication with the CLMS and control the locker 10.

[0090] One example of a use scenario of the locker 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10. A customer, Rob, orders his weekly shop through a supermarket app. At checkout, in the delivery details screen he selects 'Cubit Delivery' and enters his locker ID and presses 'Confirm Delivery Details'. He pays for his shopping and gets on with his day. The supermarket shares Rob's delivery details with a third party grocery delivery partner who acknowledge that the delivery is going to a secure locker 12. The delivery partner schedules delivery for 11pm, one of their new delivery windows that does not require Rob to be present at delivery. The CLMS accepts the delivery time and date from the delivery partner and informs Rob of this via his CLMS app. At 11pm that night the delivery partner arrives at Rob's house. As depicted in Fig 8, the driver holds the order barcode or other machine-readable indicia on their delivery slip up to the panel 74 on the door 12 to be scanned / read by the electronic scanner. ID data pertaining to Rob’s order and associated with Rob’s locker 10 is stored by the CLMS and may be transmitted to the locker 10 for storage on an on-board memory. Assuming a match between the original order data and the information carried by the scanned indicia, the door 12 immediately opens providing access to the storage volume 14 in the locker 12. The driver closes the locker door 12 and receives a notification on their phone Pl (Fig 9) that the delivery has been successful. The CLMS software sends this confirmation to supermarket too. Rob receives a notification on his phone P2 through the CLMS app that delivery of his groceries has been successful. In the morning Rob wakes up and gets ready for the day. After making a coffee he goes out to his locker 12 and uses the CLMS app on his phone P2 to unlock the door. The CLMS app on Rob’s phone P2 generates a QR code that is unique to his locker 10 which can be scanned by the electronic scanner behind the panel 74 (shown in Fig 10). The door 12 automatically opens. Rob picks up the perfectly chilled and frozen groceries from their respective compartments / zones 86, 88 and places them in his kitchen fridge. The weekly shop is done. In an alternate scenario the CLMS may send a QR code to the CLMS app on Rob’s phone P2 to enable opening of the door 12.

[0091] The CLMS app provides Rob with the option of setting different temperatures for the zones 86, 88 including the option for the temperature of both zones to be the same, including to be allowed to equalise with exterior ambient temperature. Though as described below, additional or alternate temperature setting functionality may be incorporated in or available for the locker 10.

[0092] When a power module of roof module 46b is incorporated in the locker 10, an on-board processor may be programmed to optimise temperature setting based on the goods within the storage volume and power level of the rechargeable battery. For example: a) Irrespective of sensed power level within a rechargeable battery, when the storage volume 14 or any zone was in storage volume is empty the processor may operate the temperature control system 18 (refrigeration unit 76) to provide no temperature control to the empty storage volume or zone. b) If the power level is relatively low and goods are stored in only one of the two zones 86, 88 the processor may control the refrigeration equipment 81 to divert internal cooling fluid to bypass the evaporator plate 82, 84 associated with the empty zone, thereby conserving power. c) Alternately, the processor may operate to allow the temperatures within the zones 86, 88 to deviate within a prescribed range from an ideal or preset level to a different temperature closer to ambient temperature. The prescribed temperature range is dictated by health and safety requirements and selected to maintain the goods at a fit for consumption temperature for longer period of time than would otherwise be available in the absence of any intervention by the processor; d) Additionally, or alternately, the processor may operate to automatically set temperatures within the zones 86, 88 dependent on the goods being delivered. This may be achieved by embedding temperature setting in the indicia on the goods or packaging or delivery slip / docket.

[0093] Thus, although the owner / user of the locker 10 may adjust temperature within the locker 12 via an app on their phone (“owner temperature setting”), the temperature of one or more of the zones 86, 88 may be varied dependent on power level of a rechargeable battery (“power level temperature setting”) or information embedded in indicia used by the delivery agent to initially open the door 12 of the locker 10 (delivery temperature setting), when the goods are sensed as being within the storage volume 14 or zone thereof (“empty zone temperature setting”). Further the electronics within the locker 10 may signal the owner either directly via their phone, or indirectly via the CLMS, when power level temperature setting or delivery temperature setting are operating. This provides the owner with the option to retrieve the goods from their locker at a different time than originally planned. A further option that may be available is for the owner to override the power level temperature setting or delivery temperature setting.

[0094] Fig 11 shows a locker system 10s that comprises two lockers 10 mounted one on top of the other. The rails 28 on the top of the lower chassis 20 are used to attach to the rails 28 on the pallet 34 of the upper locker 10. In this embodiment the upper locker 10 has no temperature control system 18, so the entirety of the storage volume can be used to store goods / parcels. The lower of the locker 10 is identical to the lockers shown in Figs 1, 5 and 7, having a temperature control system 18 in the form of a refrigeration unit and where the storage volume is dived into two separate temperature controllable zones 86, 88.

[0095] In one example the storage volume 14 may have a volume of about 286 litres when not encumbered with the temperature control system 18. When the temperature control system 18 is incorporated in the locker 10, the zone 88 may have a volume of about 150 litres and the zone 86 a volume of about 60 litres.

[0096] Alternative Roof Module 46

[0097] As described herein, three examples of roof modules 46a, 46b, 46c are depicted in Figure 1. Figure 12 shows another example of a roof module 46d, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The roof module 46d comprises a roof structure 48. The roof structure 48 comprises a plurality of peripheral walls 50d. The peripheral walls 50d define at least part of an outer boundary of the roof module 46d. The roof structure 48 may also comprise an upper wall. The upper wall may be connected to the peripheral walls 50d.

[0098] The roof module 46d comprises a first roof module portion 46dl. The first roof module portion 46dl is defined by one or more walls of the roof module 46d. That is, the first roof module portion 46dl is defined, at least in part, by the peripheral walls 50d. In particular, the peripheral walls 50d define lateral walls of the first roof module portion 46dl.

[0099] The peripheral walls 50d defining the first roof module portion 46dl define a storage bay of the roof module 46d. The storage bay may be considered an internal volume. The storage bay of the roof module 46d may house one or more electronic components of the locker 10. The first roof module portion 46dl is a cantilever portion of the roof module 46d. That is, a portion of the first roof module portion 46dl extends outwards, over the door 12 of the locker 10. One or more lights is mounted to, or within, the first roof module portion 46dl. The lights may be configured to illuminate a portion of the locker 10 and / or nearby environment at or near the door 12. The first roof module portion 46dl may define a hood of the locker 10. The first roof module portion 46dl may be flush with outer side panels 44s of the locker 10. In other words, at least part of one or more of the peripheral walls 50d of the roof module 46d is flush with a respective outer side panel 44s of the locker 10. The first roof module portion 46dl may be flush with the rear panel 44r of the locker 10. In other words, at least part of one or more of the peripheral walls 50d of the roof module 46d is flush with the rear panel 44r of the locker 10, when installed.

[0100] The roof module 46d comprises a second roof module portion 46d2. The second roof module portion 46d2 is defined by one or more walls of the roof module 46d. That is, the second roof module portion 46d2 is defined, at least in part, by the peripheral walls 50d. The peripheral walls 50d may define lateral boundaries of the second roof module portion 46d2. The upper wall of the roof structure 48 may be or define an upper wall of the second roof module portion 46d2. The peripheral walls 50d defining the second roof module portion 46d2 define a second storage bay of the roof module 46d. The second storage bay may be considered a second internal volume. The second storage bay of the roof module 46d may house one or more electronic components of the locker 10. The second roof module portion 46d2 is above the first roof module portion 46dl. The second roof module portion 46d2 and the first roof module portion 46dl may share one or more peripheral walls 50d. That is, part of a particular peripheral wall 50d may define a wall of the first roof module portion 46dl and another part of that peripheral wall 50d may define a wall of the second roof module portion 46d2. This is the case in the illustrated embodiment, for the side walls of the roof module 46.

[0101] The second roof module portion 46d2 is a cantilever portion of the roof module 46d. That is, a portion of the second roof module portion 46d2 extends outwards, over the door 12 of the locker 10. The second roof module portion 46d2 is a larger cantilever than the first roof module portion 46dl . The second roof module portion 46d2 therefore extends further out in front of the door 12 of the locker 10 than the first roof module portion 46dl. That is, a cantilever dimension of the second roof module portion 46d2, being a dimension along which the second roof module portion 46d2 extends outwards as a cantilever from the door 12 of the locker 10, is greater than a corresponding cantilever dimension of the first roof module portion 46dl. The second roof module portion 46d2 may define a hood of the locker 10.

[0102] The second roof module portion 46d2 may be flush with outer side panels 44s of the locker 10. In other words, at least part of one or more of the peripheral walls 50d of the roof module 46d defining the second roof module portion 46d2 is aligned with a respective outer side panel 44s of the locker 10. The second roof module portion 46d2 may be flush with the rear panel 44r of the locker 10. In other words, at least part of one or more of the peripheral walls 50d of the roof module 46d defining the second roof module portion 46d2 is aligned with the rear panel 44r of the locker 10.

[0103] The locker 10 comprises a screen 109. The roof module 46d comprises the screen 109. In particular, the second roof module portion 46d2 comprises the screen 109. The screen 109 may be controlled to selectively display content to users of the locker 10. The screen 109 is disposed on the cantilever portion of the second roof module portion 46d2. The screen 109 is angled with respect to a horizontal axis, such that it faces the user of the locker 10 below. A lower end of the screen 109 is closer to the door 12 than an upper end of the screen 109. Further, the upper end of the screen 109 is horizontally displaced, with respect to a rear panel 44r of the locker 10, compared to the lower end of the screen 109. In particular, the upper end of the screen 109 is further away from the rear panel 44r of the locker 10, than the lower end of the screen 109. The screen 109 is therefore tilted away from the vertical, towards the horizontal, to face downwards. In this way, the screen 109 is a downwardly facing screen.

[0104] The roof module 46d comprises a power generation system. The roof module 46d may comprise a power storage system. Thus, the roof module 46d may comprise a power generation and storage system. The power generation system comprises a transducer for producing electrical power from a natural resource, and a rechargeable battery (not shown). One example of a transducer is a photovoltaic (PV) cell array 58. The PV cell array 58 may cover an upper surface of the roof module 46d. The PV cell array 58 may be connected to a wall of the roof module 46d. This may be the upper wall of the roof module 46d. In particular, the PV cell array 58 may be connected to a wall of the roof module 46d such that it is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when the roof module 46d is attached to the chassis 20 of the locker 10. The roof module 46d may connected to the chassis 20 of the locker 10 as described with reference to one or more of the other roof modules herein. For example, the roof module 46d may connect to a frame 52 (e.g. as shown in Figure 1). Such a frame 52 may in turn be connected to the chassis 20. That is, the frame 52 may be used to attach the roof module 46d to the chassis 20.

[0105] Temperature Control System

[0106] The temperature control system 18 may employ various alternative technologies beyond the refrigeration unit 76 and evaporation plates 82, 84 described above. In some embodiments, the temperature control system 18 may comprise thermoelectric cooling and heating elements, such as Peltier devices, which can provide both cooling and heating functionality through the application of electrical current. These thermoelectric elements may be positioned within the storage volume 14 to control the temperature of the zones 86, 88 independently, with separate thermoelectric elements dedicated to each zone.

[0107] In other embodiments, the temperature control system 18 may comprise resistive heating elements. These may be combined with conventional cooling systems. The resistive heating elements may be integrated into the housing 78 or positioned adjacent to the zones 86, 88 to provide localised heating when required. Such heating elements may be particularly useful for maintaining temperatures above ambient conditions or for defrosting operations.

[0108] Alternative cooling technologies may also be employed, such as absorption cooling systems or vapor chamber cooling systems. These systems may be housed at least partially within the lower portion 79 of the housing 78 and may utilise the same air intake openings 90 and exhaust outlet 93 for heat exchange with the surrounding environment. The temperature control elements may take various forms depending on the chosen technology, including heat exchangers, cooling coils, or thermal interface materials that facilitate temperature transfer to and from the zones 86, 88.

[0109] In some configmations, hybrid temperature control systems may be implemented, combining multiple technologies to optimise performance and energy efficiency. For example, the system may employ thermoelectric elements for precise temperature control in zone 86 while utilizing a conventional refrigeration system for zone 88, allowing each zone to be optimized for different temperature ranges and storage requirements.

[0110] While several exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of the storage locker are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed storage locker.

[0111] In the claims that follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0112] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A storage locker comprising: a thermally insulated storage volume; and a temperature control system enabling control of temperature within the storage volume; wherein the temperature control system is remotely operable to control the temperature within the storage volume by each of:(a) an owner of the locker by use of an electronic communications device; and(b) information contained in indicia provided on goods, packaging of the goods, or a docket pertaining to the goods to be placed in the storage volume.

2. The storage locker of claim 1, wherein: the storage volume includes two or more zones which are thermally insulated from each other; and the temperature control system is arranged to provide independent temperature control for each of the two or more zones.

3. The storage locker of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a power system that is configured to power the temperature control system, the power system including: at least one transducer for producing electrical power from a natural resource; and a rechargeable battery for storing the produced electrical power and providing power to the temperature control system.

4. The storage locker of claim 3, wherein: the temperature control system is further operable to control the temperature within the storage volume on the basis of a detected power level within the rechargeable battery; and when the power level is detected as being below a threshold level, the temperature control system is caused to reduce power consumption by allowing a previously set temperature for the storage volume of any zone to deviate within a prescribed range closer to ambient temperature.

5. The storage locker of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein when the storage volume is empty, or the storage volume comprises two or more zones and any zone is empty, the temperature control system is automatically arranged to turn off temperature control to the empty storage volume or zone.

6. The storage locker of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a chassis within which the thermally insulated storage volume is located;a door coupled to the chassis for closing and opening the storage volume; and an electronically activated latch system enabling locking and unlocking of the door.

7. The storage locker of claim 6, including an electronic scanner capable of reading indicia on goods or packaging or a delivery docket pertaining to the goods, wherein the latch system is arranged to unlock when the indicia or information contained in the indicia accords with expected indicia or information.

8. The storage locker of claim 6 or claim 7, including an air heat exchange path to facilitate a flow of air through the temperature control system, the air heat exchange path including: a first duct enabling a flow of air through the door and to an air intake of the temperature control system; and a second duct enabling a flow of air from an exhaust outlet of the temperature control system to be vented to atmosphere.

9. The storage locker of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the chassis comprises: upright comer columns that are connected together by upper and lower horizontal beams; comer cross slats that extend perpendicular to, and connect the ends of, mutually adjacent upright corner columns; and upper and lower rails that lie in board of the comer cross slats and are connected to the horizontal beams on top and bottom sides of the chassis.

10. The storage locker of any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising a storage box, the storage box: being configured to fit within the chassis; defining an outer boundary of the storage volume; and being constmcted to provide thermal insulation to the storage volume.

11. The storage locker of claim 10, wherein: the storage box comprises a removable panel located on a rear vertical wall of the storage box, adjacent a lower comer of the storage box; and when installed on the rear vertical wall of the storage box, the removable panel occludes a second duct inlet, the second duct inlet being an opening of the second duct of the storage locker.

12. The storage locker of any one of claims 6 to 11, comprising a roof module, the roof module being removably connectable to the chassis.

13. The storage locker of claim 12, when dependent on claim 6, wherein the roof module comprises:a roof structure with a depending peripheral skirt; and an internal support frame; wherein: the roof structure is attached to the internal support frame; and the internal support frame is configured to attach to the chassis.

14. The storage locker of claim 12, when dependent on claim 6, wherein the roof module comprises: a photovoltaic cell array that defines an upper surface of the storage locker; a rechargeable battery that is electrically connected to the photovoltaic cell array; a roof structure comprising: a planar sheet on which the photovoltaic cell array is supported; and a peripheral skirt; and an internal support frame that is connected to the roof structure and configured to attach to the chassis; wherein one pair of opposite walls of the peripheral skirt is tapered such that the photovoltaic cell array is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, when the roof module is mounted to the chassis.

15. The storage locker of claim 8, or any one of claims 9 to 14 when dependent on claim 8, wherein: the door comprises: the first duct, the first duct extending from a plurality of first duct inlets to a first duct outlet, the plurality of first duct inlets being openings in a bottom of the door; and an inside panel, the inside panel defining the first duct outlet.

16. The storage locker of claim 15, wherein the door comprises a cavity configured to house electronic equipment, the cavity being covered by a display and a touch panel.

17. The storage locker of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the temperature control system comprises: a housing comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion comprising an upper insulated section defining a first zone of the storage volume, the lower portion housing a refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising: a first evaporation plate that is configured to enable control of a temperature within the first zone; and a second evaporation plate that is configured to enable control of a temperature within a second zone of the storage volume; the first zone being: thermally isolated from the second zone; andfluidically isolated from the second zone.

18. The storage locker of claim 11, or any one of claims 12 to 17 when dependent on claim 11, wherein: the second duct extends from the second duct inlet to one or more vents in at least one of: the roof module; and a rear panel of the storage locker, the rear panel being connected to the chassis; the second duct inlet comprises an opening in the rear vertical wall of the storage box; and the exhaust outlet of the temperature control system is aligned with the second duct inlet.

19. A storage locker comprising: a chassis; an internal box fitted within the chassis and defining a storage volume; a door coupled to the chassis and capable of providing access to the storage volume; and an exhaust duct that is arranged to be selectively opened to enable air from within the storage volume to be exhausted to an external atmosphere; wherein the door includes a first duct that is arranged to be selectively opened to enable air to flow into the storage volume from the external atmosphere.

20. A storage locker comprising: a chassis; an internal box fitted within the chassis and defining a storage volume; a door coupled to the chassis, the door being: capable of providing access to the storage volume; and provided with: an air intake duct having an opening on an inside surface of the door; and a detachable panel for selectively covering and uncovering the opening of the air intake duct; an air exhaust duct having an opening into the internal box; and a second detachable panel for selectively covering and uncovering the opening of the air exhaust duct into the internal box; wherein: when the detachable panel is detached to uncover the opening of the air intake duct, air is able to flow through the door into the storage volume; and when the second detachable panel is detached to uncover the opening of the air exhaust duct into the internal box, air is able to be exhausted from the internal box.

21. The storage locker of 19 or claim 20, comprising a temperature control system arranged to: control temperature within the storage volume; and fit within the storage volume; wherein: the temperature control system has: an air intake; and an air exhaust outlet; and the air intake is located to receive air through the air intake duct and the air exhaust outlet is arranged to discharge exhaust air into the air exhaust duct.

22. A storage locker comprising: a thermally insulated storage volume; a temperature control system that is operable to control temperature within the storage volume, the temperature control system comprising: refrigeration equipment; a housing that houses the refrigeration equipment, the housing comprising an air intake opening located on a front portion of the housing and an air exhaust outlet located on a rear portion of the housing; and a temperature control element that enables control of temperature within the storage volume; a door comprising an internal ventilation duct extending from a first duct inlet to a first duct outlet, the internal ventilation duct extending through the door, the first duct inlet being an opening in a wall of the door, the first duct outlet being an outlet on an inside panel of the door and being aligned with the air intake of the temperature control system; a storage box defining at least part of the thermally insulated storage volume; a second ventilation duct extending from a second duct inlet to a second duct outlet, the second duct inlet being on a wall of the storage box and being aligned with the air exhaust outlet of the temperature control system, the second duct outlet being on a wall of the storage locker, the second ventilation duct extending through a rear portion of the storage locker; wherein: the air intake opening of the housing of the temperature control system is aligned with the first duct outlet of the internal ventilation duct; and the second duct inlet of the second ventilation duct is aligned with the air exhaust outlet of the temperature control system.

23. The storage locker of claim 22, wherein:the first duct inlet is an opening in a lower wall of the door; the second duct inlet is an opening in a rear wall of the storage box; and the second duct outlet is an opening in a rear external wall of the storage locker.

24. The storage locker of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the temperature control system is received within the storage box.

25. The storage locker of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: the air intake opening of the housing of the temperature control system is aligned with the first duct outlet of the internal ventilation duct such that air that is drawn in through the internal ventilation duct and passes through the first duct outlet passes into the air intake openings; and the second duct inlet of the second ventilation duct is aligned with the air exhaust outlet of the temperature control system such that air that is expelled from the temperature control system passes through the second duct inlet of the second ventilation duct, thereby passing through the second ventilation duct.

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