Steven Nartarez Grover

US Patent:

20020095960, Jul 25, 2002

Filed:

Dec 27, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/032748

Inventors:

Steven Grover - Berkeley CA, US

International Classification:

E05B071/00
E05B049/00

US Classification:

070/233000, 070/278100

Abstract:

Public storage lockers are designed particularly for storage of bicycles, such as at a public transportation terminal. In a preferred embodiment the storage lockers are on-demand, lockable by a user who must unlock the locker using the same electronic key and who must unlock the locker before using the key for any other locker. The lockers are visually open, with a secure screen or mesh on the locker door and optionally on walls and top cover. This reveals that the bike locker is occupied and prevents the use of the locker for unauthorized, privacy-requiring activities. The bike enclosure has a floor wheel guide for conveniently loading the bike, and a special door latch mechanism which provides for security by including a latch bar in a fixed frame, while a latch bar lifter, operable to permit door opening when the lock is unlocked, is on the door. The door lock is always locked, in an available locked mode or an unavailable locked mode, except when unlocked for only a few seconds before the lock automatically locks down the latch bar again, so the door is locked as soon as re-closed. LED status indicator lights can be included. Preferably the lock and the electronic keys have logic which prevents use of the key if the user fails to reopen the lock within a prescribed period of time, and other safeguards.