Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Lockers (and Then Some!)

Have you ever wondered why lockers have got holes in them? Or what the collective noun for a group of lockers is?

Even if you haven’t, aren’t you curious now? Well, these are just a few of the things you can learn from this article. We’ve also got a rapid roundup on the history of lockers, and some intriguing stories of how lockers are being used in modern times.

Contact our Gymnasium, Sports Centre and Leisure Centre Changing Room Design Team for help designing your new Changing Room Layout.

The Legends of Lockers - A History

We’re so used to lockers being a part of everyday life that it’s hard to imagine a time without them. However, as it turns out, lockers have evolved (just like us!) - from incredibly basic storage compartments to the final form that we know today.

Like many things, it seems like we have the ancient Greeks to thank for popularising the concept of lockers. As avid athletes, ancient Greeks were often using sports changing rooms and requiring somewhere to leave their valuables. In those days, lockers were simple cubby holes, guarded by a security attendant.

It’s not entirely clear when the idea of combining a cupboard with a lock came about, but it’s believed the first known lockers may have been used at Harleton Green Golf Club in 1786. Storage lockers were also found on a Victorian wreck dating back to 1848.

All of these original lockers were made from wood; in 1920 Worley started manufacturing metal lockers for schools in California. In 1923, W.N. Vance got a patent for his metal locker design, and in 1925 Lyon Metal Products began commercially manufacturing metal lockers.

Locker Fact Quiz

Time for a bit of fun – a locker-based quiz! As it turns out, there are lots of little-known facts about lockers that are actually quite intriguing. Why not use a few of these in your next family quiz?

(Answers below!)

1. What is the collective noun for a group of lockers? 
   1. A block
   2. A lockdown 
   3. A bank 
2. What is the reason for lockers having slits? 
   1. To look inside and check if the locker is being used 
   2. To improve ventilation in the locker 
   3. To act as grip to help when opening the locker 
3. Why do some lockers have sloping roofs? 
   1. To stop school students from sitting on them 
   2. To prevent a build-up of dirt and debris 
   3. To allow water to flow away from the locker if the sprinklers activate 
4. When does the oldest known lock date from? 
   1.  4000 years ago 
   2. 2000 years ago 
   3. 1000 years ago 

Answers: 

1. c  
2. b 
3. b 
4. a

 

There are a few ways that lockers have made it into the news in recent years, with some thoughtful and inventive uses for lockers making the headlines. Welcome, to the latest in locker news. 

Kindness Lockers

As recently as December 2022, a school in North Lanarkshire (Scotland) put their name on the map by using lockers as a way to help others – to provide for people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Cumbernauld Academy filled five lockers at their school with warm clothes, non-perishable foods and toiletries, showing that lockers don’t simply have to be for storing books between lessons. These heart-warmingly-named ‘Kindness Lockers’ are available for students to access and take from, without suffering prejudice or worry about asking for help. 

No More Missed Deliveries

Another popular use for lockers, which has boomed in recent years, has seen a reduction in people missing parcel deliveries to their home. A variety of different postal services have started using secure drop-off lockers to deliver parcels, located in supermarkets and other public spaces, allowing the parcels to be collected at the owner’s convenience. With 2.41 billion people shopping online in 2021, this ingenious use of lockers helps solve the difficulties associated with missing parcel deliveries. 

Expert Locker Installation

At Commercial Washrooms, there’s not much we don’t know about lockers (as demonstrated by the above!). Whether you’re looking to fit out your gym or are on the school board for organising secure changing rooms, our team can help you find the best locker for your establishment. 

With over 20 years of experience, we’ve fitted lockers into a range of properties, ensuring the best fit based on the individual needs of the premises. 

Get in touch via our contact form or call us on 01202 650900 to discuss your requirements.