Roller blind locking bar slat

Abstract

A locking system for a roller blind includes a housing, a body, and a locking bar. The housing has a longitudinal housing channel. The body has a body passage, is positioned within the housing passage, and is laterally movable within the housing passage. A locking bar is positioned within the body channel and is longitudinally movable relative to the body and the housing between a locked position extending away from the body and an unlocked position retracted toward the body. Movement of the body within the housing channel is combined with movement of the locking bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 410,043, filed on September 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to roller blinds and, in particular, to a locking slat for a roller blind that prevents the roller blind from rising from a closed position.

[0003] Rolling blinds are commonly used in commercial, retail and residential applications as doors or to cover windows or other openings in structures. Rolling blinds are made of a series of slats that are linked together to form an articulated curtain. The slats typically span the width of the opening and are formed with an upper edge of a hook-shaped engagement track and a lower edge with a receiving track that forms a recess for receiving the engagement track of another slat. The slats are linked by a slidable engagement of the engagement track of the first slat in the receiving track of the second slat to form a loosely articulated hinge between the slats. In the open position, the rolling blind is retracted and raised away from the opening by winding the slats around a spindle positioned at the top of the opening. In the closed position, the slats are unfolded from the spindle and lowered or extended toward the bottom of the opening. Examples of (rolling) blind slats are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,074,411 to Miller et al., which is now incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] The opening of the structure typically includes a frame that includes guide tracks positioned at the sides of the opening. The guide tracks receive the ends of the slats to align the slats and hold them in place to cover the opening. The roller blind may incorporate an end retention system to hold the ends of the slats in the guide tracks. In a conventional end retention system, the ends of the slats are formed with a receiving portion for receiving an end retention device, such as a fastener with a washer, which is retained within a channel of the guide track. Examples of end retention systems are described in U.S. Patents Nos. 8,616,261 and 8,925,617 to Miller, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] The roller blind may also include a base slat positioned at the end of the series of linked slats to contact the bottom of the opening when the roller blind is in the closed position. The base slat may include a seal and / or may be shaped to conform to the bottom of the opening to prevent gaps that allow intrusion such as insertion of a prying tool. The base slat may also include a locking device for securing the roller blind in the closed position and preventing it from rising from the bottom of the opening.

[0006] Roller blind locking mechanisms typically include a keyed deadbolt or hook bolt. These locking mechanisms are often retrofitted onto the roller blind and require action by the operator to secure the roller blind. It would be desirable to have a locking mechanism that is integral to the roller blind that automatically secures the roller blind without requiring action by the operator. Summary of the invention

[0007] An embodiment of a locking system for a roller blind is disclosed, comprising a housing, a body, and a locking bar. The housing has a longitudinal housing channel. The body has a first end and a second end opposite each other, and a longitudinal body channel having an opening at the first end. The body is positioned in the housing channel and is laterally movable within the housing channel. The locking bar is positioned within the body channel and the opening and is longitudinally movable relative to the body and the housing between a locked position extending away from the body and an unlocked position retracted toward the body. Movement of the body within the housing channel is coupled (associated) with movement of the locking bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0008] In another embodiment, a locking slat for a roller blind includes a housing, a body, first and second locking bars, and first and second pins. The housing has a longitudinal channel. The body is positioned in the channel and is laterally movable in the channel. The body has first and second body slots, a first end with a first opening, and a second end with a second opening. The first locking bar is positioned in the first opening and has a first locking bar slot. The second locking bar is positioned in the second opening and has a second locking bar slot. The first pin and the second pin are coupled to the housing and extend into the channel. The first pin is received in the first body slot and the first locking bar slot, and the second pin is received in the second body slot and the second locking bar slot. The first and second locking bars are longitudinally movable relative to the body and the housing between a locked position extending away from the body and an unlocked position retracted toward the body. The travel of the first pin in the first and second slots combines the movement of the body with the movement of the locking bars. The movement of the first and second pins in the first and second body slots guides the movement of the body transverse to the housing. The movement of the first pin in the first locking bar slot moves the first locking bar between the locked position and the unlocked position. Movement of the second pin within the second locking bar slot moves the second locking bar between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0009] In another embodiment, a roller blind system for covering a structural opening has a top, a bottom and opposite sides, including a guide track, a stop and a locking slat. The guide track is positioned on at least one side of the structural opening. The stop is positioned on the guide track. The locking slat includes a housing, a main body and a locking bar. The housing has a longitudinal housing channel. The main body is positioned in the housing channel and has a first end with a main body opening. The main body is laterally movable between a first position extending away from the housing and a second position retracted toward the housing in the housing channel. The locking bar is positioned in the main body opening and is longitudinally movable relative to the main body and the housing between a locking position extending away from the main body and engaging with the stop and an unlocking position retracted toward the main body and disengaging from the stop. The movement of the locking bar is combined with the movement of the main body. The movement of the main body toward the first position moves the locking bar to the unlocking position, and the movement of the main body toward the second position moves the locking bar to the locking position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is an orthographic view of one embodiment of a locking slat in an unlocked position.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of the locking slats.

[0012] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a locking slat.

[0013] Figure 3B yes Figure 1 Side view of the housing of the locking slats.

[0014] Figure 3C yes Figure 1 Side view of the body of the locking slat.

[0015] Figure 3D yes Figure 1 Side view of a locking bar of a locking slat.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A A front cross-sectional view of a locking slat.

[0017] Figure 5 is to show hidden lines Figure 4 Front view of the locking slats.

[0018] Figure 6 Yes Figure 1 Partial orthographic view of a roller shutter system with locked slats.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Detailed view of the locking slats.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Front view of the locking slats.

[0021] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Detailed view of the locking slats.

[0022] Fig.10 is in locked position Figure 1 Orthographic view of the locked slats.

[0023] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Detailed view of the locking slats.

[0024] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 A side cross-sectional view of a locking slat.

[0025] Fig.13 yes Fig.10 A front cross-sectional view of a locking slat.

[0026] Fig.14 is to show hidden lines Fig.13 Front view of the locking slats.

[0027] Fig.15 yes Fig.13 Detailed front view of the locking slat without the locking bar rod biasing spring.

[0028] Fig.16 Yes Fig.10 Partial orthographic view of a roller shutter system with locked slats.

[0029] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Detailed view of the roller shutter system.

[0030] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 Front view of the roller shutter system.

[0031] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 Detailed view of the roller shutter system.

[0032] Fig. 20 Yes Fig.10 Top view cross-section of a roller shutter system with locked slats.

[0033] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 Front cross-sectional view of the roller shutter system.

[0034] Fig. 22is a partial elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a locking slat, showing hidden lines.

[0035] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 An orthographic view of the locking bar of the locking slat.

[0036] Fig.24 is a partially exploded orthographic view of an alternative embodiment of a locking slat.

[0037] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 Partial front view of the locking slats. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of a locking slat 100 for a roller blind is shown. Figure 1-5 A locking slat 100 is shown, which includes a housing 102, a body 104, and a locking bar 106. The housing 102 has top and bottom edges 102a, 102b, sides 102c, and ends 102d. In one embodiment, edge 102a is positioned at the top of the locking slat 100, proximal to the main axis of the roller blind, and edge 102b is positioned toward the bottom of the locking slat, proximal to the bottom of the base slat or opening when the slat is in the closed position. The housing 102 also includes a longitudinal housing channel 108 having an opening 110 at edge 102b. In one embodiment, the opening 110 has an inner lip 112 so that the width of the opening is less than the width of the channel 108. The channel 108 and the opening 110 are sized and shaped to receive the body 104, as described below.

[0039] The body 104 has top and bottom edges 104a, 104b, sides 104c, and ends 104d. The body 104 also includes a longitudinal body passage 114 having an opening 116 at the end 104d of the body. The passage 114 and the opening 116 are sized and shaped to receive the locking bar 106, as described below. In a preferred embodiment, the body 104 is tubular with the passage 114 extending longitudinally through the body with openings 116 at either end of the body.

[0040] The body 104 is slidably received in the housing channel 108 with the edge 104a positioned within the channel. In one embodiment, the body edge 104b extends from or protrudes from the housing channel 108 and the opening 110. The body 104 is movable within the channel 108 transverse to the housing 102 to telescopically increase or decrease the lateral height of the locking slat 100, as shown by arrow "A" ( Figure 2 and 3A ).

[0041] The lateral movement of the body 104 in the housing channel 108 is guided by one or more guide slots 118 formed in the body side 104c. In one embodiment, the guide slot 118 is a linear slot extending transversely to the body 104 and preferably vertically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 104 and the housing 102. The slot 118 has opposite ends 118a and 118b, which are located proximal to the top edge 104a and the bottom edge 104b of the body 104, respectively. The housing 102 can have a cam pin 120 that extends from the side 102c into the channel 108 and is received in the body guide slot 118. The travel of the cam pin 120 in the guide slot 118 guides the lateral movement of the body 104 in the housing channel 108 and limits the longitudinal movement of the body in the channel. In a preferred embodiment, the cam pin 120 is a bolt extending through the housing 102 and the body 104 and is fixed on either side 102c of the housing. The housing 102 may have a pair of aligned openings 122 formed in each side 102c and the body 104 may have a pair of aligned slots 118 formed in each side 104c to receive the bolts 120 and allow the bolts 120 to extend through the housing and body.

[0042] In one embodiment, the body 104 has a rib 124 protruding from one or both sides 104c. The rib 124 is sized and shaped to engage the inner lip 112 of the housing opening 110 and act as a stop for lateral movement of the body 104 away from the housing passage 108. The rib 124 prevents the body 104 from being completely withdrawn or removed from the passage 108 and limits the maximum height of the locking slat 100. In a preferred embodiment, each side 104c of the body 104 has a longitudinal rib 124 extending along the length of the body.

[0043] The body 104 may include a stop 126 that prevents lateral movement of the edge 104b toward the housing passage 108 and ensures that the edge 104b is exposed and accessible to the exterior of the passage. In one embodiment, the stop 126 is a flange or lip extending from the edge 104b such that the width of the edge 104b is greater than the width of the opening 110 of the housing passage 108. In a preferred embodiment, the flange 126 extends the length of the body 104 on either side of the edge 104b.

[0044] The locking bar 106 has top and bottom edges 106a, 106b, side portions 106c, and inner and outer ends 106d, 106e. The body channel 114 and the opening 116 are sized and shaped to slidably receive the locking bar 106. In one embodiment, the locking bar inner end 106d is positioned within the body channel 114 and the outer end 106e extends from or protrudes from the opening 116. The locking bar 106 is movable longitudinally within the body channel 114 and the opening 116, but is restricted from moving transversely to the body 104.

[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the longitudinal movement of the locking bar 106 in the body channel 114 and the opening 116 is guided by one or more cam slots 128 formed in the locking bar side 106c. In one embodiment, the cam slot 128 extends laterally and longitudinally relative to the locking bar 106 and the body 104 to convert the lateral movement of the body in the housing 102 into the longitudinal movement of the locking bar in the body channel 114. In a preferred embodiment, the locking bar cam slot 128 is a linear slot extending diagonally relative to the body guide slot 118, more preferably forming an angle of about 45°. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cam slot 128 can have different angles or alternative configurations, such as simple, compound or spiral curves.

[0046] The cam slot 128 has opposing ends 128a and 128b. In a preferred embodiment, the cam slot end 128a is positioned proximate the locking bar top edge 106a and the outer end 106e, while the cam slot end 128b is positioned proximate the locking bar bottom edge 106b and the inner end 106d. The locking bar cam slot 128 and the body guide slot 118 are aligned so that the cam pin 120 is received in the guide slot and the cam slot. In another preferred embodiment, the locking bar cam slot 128 and the body guide slot 118 have the same lateral height so that the cam pin 120 can be positioned at both the cam slot top end 128a and the guide slot top end 118a, or at both the cam slot bottom end 128a and the guide slot bottom end 118b.

[0047] The lateral movement of the body 104 in the housing passage 108 is coupled with the longitudinal movement of the locking bar 106 in the body passage 114. As the body 104 moves laterally within the housing passage 108, the cam pin 120 travels simultaneously within the body guide slot 118 and the locking bar cam slot 128. The body guide slot 118 restricts the cam pin 120 from moving transversely to the body 104 and the locking bar 106. The lateral movement of the cam pin 120 in the locking bar cam slot 128 forces the locking bar 106 to move longitudinally within the body passage 114, either extending toward a locked position or retracting toward an unlocked position, as described below.

[0048] The locking slat 100 may include an engagement track and / or a receiving track to integrate the locking slat in a rolling blind system 200 including a series of (roll) blind slats 202. In one embodiment, the engagement track 129 is positioned at the housing edge 102a and the receiving track 130 is positioned at the body edge 104b. The engagement track 129 and the receiving track 130 preferably have the same configuration as the engagement tracks and the receiving tracks of the other slats 202 in the rolling blind 200. Examples of rolling blind slat engagement tracks and receiving tracks are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,074,411 to Miller et al.

[0049] The roller blind system 200 may also include an end retention system, and the locking slat 100 may be integrated into the end retention system. In one embodiment, the housing 102 and / or the body 104 includes a receiving portion 132 for receiving an end retention device. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving portion 132 is positioned at the body edge 104a and / or is incorporated into a receiving track 130 positioned at the body edge 104b. The receiving portion 132 may form an opening or channel, which is sized and shaped to receive an end retention device 136, such as a fastener and a washer.

[0050] The end retention system can include a frame positioned around the perimeter of the opening covered by the rolling shade, the frame including a guide track 204 positioned to the side of the opening. The guide track 204 has a channel 204a sized and shaped to slidingly receive the ends of the (rolling) shade slats 204, the locking slats 100, and the base slats 101 to align and hold the slats in place to cover the opening. The channel 204a is configured to hold the end retention device 136 within the guide track 204. Examples of end retention systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,616,261 and 8,925,617 to Miller.

[0051] In one embodiment, the roller blind system 200 includes a locking system incorporating a locking slat 100 and a locking stop 138 positioned to engage the locking bar 106 and prevent the roller blind from being withdrawn from the closed position. Figure 6-9 In one embodiment, the locking stop 138 is a flange fixed to one or both sides of the opening or opening frame and is positioned to engage the locking bar 106 when the roller blind is in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the locking stop 138 is positioned within the guide track channel 204a.

[0052] In one embodiment, the locking stop 138 is an L-shaped or U-shaped flange having a base 138a and one or more arms, such as a top arm 138b and a bottom arm 138c. The base 138a is secured to one or more sides of the opening or frame by one or more fasteners 140, such as screws, rivets, or other fasteners known in the art. The arms 138b and 138c project toward the opening and are positioned to engage the locking bar 106 in the locked position and prevent movement of the locking bar and the roller blind 200 in the guide track channel 204a, as described below.

[0053] The locking slat 100 is intended to be incorporated into a series of connected slats comprising a roller blind and is preferably located at or near the end of the roller blind that contacts the bottom of the opening when the roller blind is in the closed position. Figure 6-9 An embodiment of a roller blind is shown wherein a locking slat 100 is positioned adjacent to a base slat 101 .

[0054] Figure 1-9 The locking slat 100 is shown in the unlocked position. In operation, when the roller blind is raised from the opening to the open position, the body 104 moves laterally (downward) out of the housing channel 108 under the action of gravity, and the locking plate 100 automatically extends in height telescopically toward the unlocked position. As the body 104 extends away from the housing 102, the cam pin 120 travels upward in the guide slot 118 toward the top end 118a. In one embodiment, the body rib 124 is positioned to contact the inner lip 112 of the housing opening 110 in the unlocked position, which prevents further extension and retraction of the body 104 from the housing 102.

[0055] The cam pin 120 simultaneously travels laterally within the locking bar cam slot 128. As the cam pin 120 travels upward toward the cam slot top end 128a, the cam slot forces the locking bar 106 to move longitudinally within the body channel 114. The cam slot end 128a is positioned proximal to the locking bar end 106e, causing the locking bar 106 to retract toward or into the body channel 114. In the fully unlocked position, the locking slat 100 is at its maximum telescoping height, and the cam pin 120 is positioned at the guide slot top end 118a and the cam slot top end 128a. The locking bar 106 (end 106d) is retracted toward the body channel 114 and away from engagement with the stop 138 to allow the locking slat 100 and the roller blind 200 to move in the guide track channel 204a.

[0056] Figure 10-21The locking slat 100 is shown in an unlocked position. When the roller blind 200 is lowered to the closed position and contacts the bottom of the opening, the movement of the body 104 stops, while the upper slat 202 and the housing 102 continue to move downward. The body 104 is forced to move laterally (upward) into the housing channel 108, and the locking slat 100 automatically retracts in height toward the locked position telescopically. As the body 104 moves upward in the housing channel 108, the cam pin 120 moves downward in the guide slot 118 toward the bottom end 118b. In one embodiment, the body flange 126 is positioned to contact the edge 102b of the housing 102 and prevent the body 104 from moving further into the housing channel 108, such as to cause the edge 104b to be incompletely withdrawn into the channel 108, which may interfere with the connection with another slat.

[0057] The cam pin 120 simultaneously travels laterally downward within the locking bar cam slot 128 toward the bottom end 128b. The downward movement of the pin 102 within the cam slot 128 forces the locking bar 106 to move longitudinally within the body channel 114. The cam slot end 128b is positioned proximal to the locking bar end 106d, so that the locking bar 106 extends away from or out of the body channel 114 and toward the side of the opening or guide track 204. In the fully locked position, the locking slat 100 is retracted to its minimum telescoping height, and the cam pin 120 is positioned at the guide slot bottom end 118b and the cam slot bottom end 128b. The locking bar 106 (end 106d) extends away from the body channel 114 and into a position that engages with the stop 138 (e.g., bottom arm 138c) and prevents the movement of the locking slat 100 and the roller blind 200 in the guide track channel 204a.

[0058] In one embodiment, the locking bar 106 may be biased toward the unlocked position to facilitate automatic unlocking of the locking slat 100 as the roller shade 200 is raised toward the open position. Figure 4 , 5 , 13 and 14 show an embodiment of a locking slat 100 that includes a spring 142 that biases the movement of the locking bar 106 into the body channel 114. Fig.15 As best shown in FIG. 1 , spring slots 144 and 146 are formed in the locking bar 106 and the body 104, respectively, which overlap to form a spring space for receiving the spring 142. In one embodiment, the spring 142 is a cylindrical coil spring configured to exert a longitudinal force within the spring slots 144 and 146. The locking bar 106 may include a pin 148 that protrudes into the spring slot 144 for receiving the cylindrical spring 142 to retain the spring in the spring slot.

[0059] When the locking bar 106 is in the unlocked position, the spring slots 144 and 146 are aligned with maximum overlap and spring spacing, and the spring 142 is in a maximum expanded state and a minimum compressed state ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the locking bar 106 moves toward the locked position, the spring slot 144 moves relative to the spring slot 146, and the spring space and the spring 142 are increasingly compressed ( Figure 13-15 ). In the locked position, spring slots 144 and 146 have minimal overlap and spring space, and spring 142 has maximum compression. The compression of spring 142 exerts a force on locking bar 106 that biases the locking bar back toward the unlocked position.

[0060] Fig. 20 and 21 An embodiment of a locking slat 100 is shown with two locking bars 106 having a mirrored configuration, which are positioned at opposite ends 104d of the body 104. Two locking stops 138 can be positioned to engage each locking bar 106 in the locked position. The mirrored configuration of the cam slots 128 in the two locking bars 106 causes the locking bars to move in opposite directions as the cam pin 120 travels in the cam slot. When the locking slat 100 is extended to its maximum height and the cam pin 120 travels upward in the cam slot 128, the locking bars 106 at the opposite ends 104d of the body 104 are simultaneously retracted to the unlocked position. When the locking slat 100 is retracted to its minimum height and the cam pin 120 travels downward in the cam slot 128, the locking bars 106 at the opposite ends 104d of the body 104 are simultaneously extended to the locked position.

[0061] The locking system provides an automatic locking / unlocking function that operates when a lifting force is applied to the roller blind from above or below the locking slat or under the downward force of the roller blind. When the roller blind is lifted from above the locking slat (e.g., when receiving the roller blind opening force from the top), the locking slat 100 is pushed away from the locked position, but when forced upward from below the locking slat (e.g., when prying from the bottom), the locking slat 100 is pushed toward the locked position. When the roller blind moves to the closed position and reaches the bottom of the opening, the locking slat 100 is also pushed toward the locked position. The roller blind applies a downward force on the locking slat 100, while the bottom of the opening resists the movement of the locking slat and effectively acts as an upward force from below the locking slat.

[0062] When the locking slat 100 is in position along the guide track 204, the locking slat can engage with a receiver (e.g., stop 138) in the guide track to provide a locking function and resist attempts to improperly lift the roller blind to the open position, such as by prying or levering the bottom or base slat 101 of the roller blind 200 upward. The upward force on the bottom or base slat 101 of the roller blind 200 forces the body 104 upward into the channel 108 of the housing 102 and reinforces the movement of the locking bar 106 toward the locked position. When the roller blind and locking slat 100 are improperly pushed upward, the locking bar 106 is lifted into engagement with the stop 138 (e.g., bottom arm 138c), which prevents further upward movement of the locking bar and secures the roller blind in the closed position.

[0063] In some cases, the contact between the locking bar 106 and the body 104 may interfere with the free movement of the locking bar in the body channel 114 between the locked position and the unlocked position. The body channel 114 has a bottom edge 106b ( Figure 4 ). When the body 104 is forced laterally upward into the housing passage 108, the body passage inner surface 114a is forced into contact with the locking bar bottom edge 106b, which creates friction that may interfere with the longitudinal sliding extension of the locking bar to the locked position. The greater the upward force on the body 104, the greater the friction and resistance to the movement of the locking bar 106.

[0064] The sliding movement of the locking bar 106 in the body channel 114 can be improved by using a lubricant (e.g., grease). The locking bar 106 and / or the body 104 can also be formed of a material with increased lubricity. For example, a plastic sleeve can be introduced in or around the locking bar 106 in the body channel 114. Alternatively, the locking slat 100 can be configured to reduce the contact between the locking bar 106 and the body 104. For example, the bottom edge 106b of the locking bar can be formed with one or more small protrusions that reduce the contact surface area with the inner surface 114a of the body channel. Although these alternatives reduce friction, they still experience an increase in resistance when the body 104 is forced upward into the housing channel 108.

[0065] Fig. 22 and 23An embodiment of a locking slat 300 is shown that minimizes the contact surface between the locking bar 106 and the body 104. The locking slat 300 has a similar construction and operation to the locking slat 100, having a housing 302, a body 304, and a locking bar 306. The body 304 is received in a housing channel 308, and the locking bar 306 is received in a body channel 314. The lateral movement of the body 304 in the housing channel 308 is coupled to and converted into the longitudinal movement of the locking bar 36 in the body channel 314 by the travel of the cam pin 320 in the body guide slot 318 and the locking bar cam slot 328.

[0066] The locking bar 306 also includes a longitudinal bearing slot 350 having opposite ends 350a and 350b. A bearing pin 352 extends from the body 304 into the channel 314 and is positioned in the slot 350. The bearing pin 352 travels in the bearing slot 350 as the locking bar moves between the locked position and the unlocked position within the body channel 314. In one embodiment, when the locking bar 306 is retracted in the closed position, the bearing pin 352 is positioned at the bearing slot end 350a, and when the locking bar is extended to the locked position, the bearing pin 352 is positioned at the end 350b.

[0067] The locking bar 306 is supported in the body channel 314 by the support pin 352 and has a height less than the height of the body channel 314 such that the locking bar bottom edge 306b and the body channel inner surface bottom 314b are separated by a gap 354. The locking bar support slot 350 preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body channel 314 so that the separation is maintained as the locking bar 306 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position within the body channel 314. In another preferred embodiment, the support slot 350 is positioned between the locking bar cam slots 328 so that the cam pins 320 positioned in the cam slots limit the rotation of the locking bar 306 on the support pins 352 and prevent the locking bar bottom edge 306b from accidentally contacting the body channel inner surface. In one embodiment, the locking bar top edge 306a and bottom edge 306b are out of contact with the body channel inner surface top 314a and bottom 314b, respectively.

[0068] The separation of the locking bar 306 from the inner surface of the body passage 314 effectively reduces the contact between the locking bar and the body 304 to the point contact of the bearing pin 352 in the bearing slot 350. The reduction in the contact surface area between the locking bar 306 and the body 304 minimizes friction and resistance to movement of the locking bar in the body passage 314. The gap 354 separating the locking bar 306 and the inner surface of the body passage 314 also avoids an increase in friction and resistance as the body 304 is forced upward into the housing passage 308.

[0069] The locking slat may include one or more features to improve safety and reliable operation. In one embodiment, the locking slat incorporates a tamper-resistant cam pin. Fig.24 A locking slat 400 having a similar construction to the locking slat 300 is shown, including a housing 402, a body 404, and a locking bar 406. A cam pin 420 is received in the housing opening 422, the body guide slot 418, and the locking bar cam slot 328. In a preferred embodiment, the cam pin 420 is a tamper-resistant threaded member such as a tamper-resistant button head Torx bolt, which increases the difficulty of removal. The bolt can be secured with a nut 420a such as a cap nut. In a preferred embodiment, the nut 420a is secured with a nut such as a cap nut. The adhesive is fixed to the bolt 420. A washer can also be tightened onto the shaft of the bolt 420 and positioned between the nut 420a and the housing 402 to increase the surface area and facilitate tightening the nut.

[0070] In another embodiment, a cylindrical tube or roller 420c can be threaded onto and surround the shaft of the cam pin 420 to facilitate movement of the cam pin in the body guide slot 418 and the lock bar cam slot 328. The cylindrical roller 420c has an inner channel sized and shaped to receive the shaft of the cam pin 420 and an outer diameter sized to be received in the body guide slot 418 and the lock bar cam slot 328. In a preferred embodiment, the roller 420c has a length that extends the width of the housing 402. An opening 422 is formed in the side of the housing 402, which is sized and shaped to receive and support the roller 420c in the housing. In another preferred embodiment, the roller 420c is free to rotate on the shaft of the cam pin 420. The independent movement of the roller 420c on the cam pin 420 reduces binding and resistance to movement as the cam pin travels in the body guide slot 418 and the lock bar cam slot 328.

[0071] The locking bar support pin may be similarly configured as a cylindrical roller 452. The outer diameter of roller 452 is sized and shaped to be received in the locking bar longitudinal support slot 450 and has a length extending the width of the body 404. An opening 453 is formed in the side of the body 404 and is sized and shaped to receive and support roller 452 in the body. Lubricant or grease may be applied to the exterior of roller 420c and / or 452 to reduce friction and facilitate movement of the roller in slots 418, 328 and 450 and extend the life of the roller. Lubricant or grease may be similarly applied to the inner channel of roller 420c to facilitate rotation on cam pin 420.

[0072] In another embodiment, the locking bar 406 is configured to minimize improper engagement of the locking bar with the locking stop. As described above, the locking bar is designed to automatically retract and remain in the unlocked position until the roller shade contacts the bottom of the opening in the fully closed position. In some cases, when the roller shade is open or partially open, the locking bar may be inadvertently extended and stuck or fixed in the locked position. When the roller shade is lowered to the closed position, the extended locking bar will improperly engage the locking stop and prevent the roller shade from reaching the bottom of the opening and fully closing.

[0073] Fig.25 An embodiment of a locking slat 400 is shown that is configured to self-correct improper engagement of the locking bar 400 with the locking stop 138. The locking slat 400 is positioned above the locking stop 138, such as when the roller blind is in an open or partially open position. The locking bar 406 has opposing top and bottom edges 406a, 406b, and an outer end 406e that is shown as improperly extending to the locked position. Lowering the roller blind and the locking slat 400 will cause the locking bar 406 to improperly engage the locking stop 138 (top arm 138b).

[0074] The locking bar 406 has a bevel or angled portion that extends at an oblique angle to the direction of travel of the roller blind that operates to deflect the locking bar from improper engagement with the locking stop 138. The locking bar outer end 406e includes an angled portion 407 that forms an obtuse internal angle "B" with the bottom edge 406b. In a preferred embodiment, the angled outer end 407 is located adjacent to the bottom edge 406b, such as forming a chamfered corner between the outer end 406e and the bottom edge 406a. In another preferred embodiment, the internal angle B is approximately 135°, so that the corner 407 extends at an angle of approximately 45° to the direction of travel of the roller blind.

[0075] When the locking bar 406 is extended to the locked position and the roller blind is lowered toward the locking stop 138, the angled portion 407 of the outer end 406e is positioned to engage the locking stop 138 (top arm 138b). The downward movement of the roller blind forces the angled portion 407 to slide over the locking stop 138, which causes the locking bar 406 to retract from the locked position (i.e., toward the unlocked position) and allows the locking slat 400 to be lowered beyond the locking stop.

[0076] Although the present disclosure has been described according to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure to practice the present disclosure. The examples given above are merely illustrative and are not intended to be a non-exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications, or modifications of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A locking system for a rolling shutter, comprising: a housing having a longitudinal housing channel; a body having opposed first and second ends and a longitudinal body passage having an opening at the first end, the body being positioned in the housing passage and laterally movable within the housing passage; as well as a locking bar positioned within the body passage and the opening and movable longitudinally relative to the body and the housing between a locked position extending away from the body and an unlocked position retracted toward the body; Wherein, the movement of the main body in the housing channel is combined with the movement of the locking bar between the locking position and the unlocking position.

2. The locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: a first slot, the first slot being within the body; a second groove, the second groove being within the locking bar; as well as a pin coupled to the housing and extending into the housing passage, the pin being received in the first slot and the second slot; wherein travel of the pin within the first slot and the second slot couples movement of the body with movement of the locking bar, and wherein movement of the pin in the first slot guides lateral movement of the body in the housing, and movement of the pin in the second slot moves the locking bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

3. The locking system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The body is laterally movable within the housing passage between a first position extending away from the housing and a second position retracted toward the housing; as well as wherein movement of the body to the first position moves the locking bar to the unlocked position, and movement of the body to the second position moves the locking bar to the locked position.

4. The locking system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second slot is a cam slot that converts lateral movement of the body within the housing into longitudinal movement of the locking bar to the body.

5. The locking system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second groove is a linear groove extending diagonally relative to the first groove.

6. The locking system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second slot is a linear slot extending at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the first slot.

7. The locking system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pin includes a bolt having a shaft and a cylindrical roller surrounding the shaft, and wherein the shaft and the roller extend into the housing channel and are received in the first and second grooves.

8. The locking system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The drum is free to rotate on the shaft.

9. The locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Movement of the locking bar is biased toward the unlocked position.

10. The locking system according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a spring, wherein the locking bar has a first spring slot and the body has a second spring slot, the first spring slot and the second spring slot overlap to form a spring space for receiving the spring, and wherein movement of the locking bar to the locked position reduces the spring space and compresses the spring to bias the locking bar to the unlocked position.

11. The locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a stop positioned to engage the locking bar in the locked position.

12. The locking system according to claim 11, characterized in that The locking bar has opposing top and bottom edges and an end extending away from the body in the locked position, and wherein the outer end has an angled portion forming an obtuse internal angle with the bottom edge.

13. The locking system according to claim 12, characterized in that The angled portion is positioned adjacent to the bottom edge and forms an interior angle of approximately 135° with the bottom edge.

14. The locking system according to claim 1, characterized in that And the locking bar has a bottom edge, the body channel has an inner bottom surface proximal to the locking bar bottom edge, and wherein the locking bar bottom edge and the body channel inner bottom surface are separated by a gap.

15. The locking system according to claim 14, characterized in that The body channel has a first height and the locking bar has a second height that is less than the first height.

16. The locking system according to claim 15, characterized in that The locking bar has a support groove, and the main body has a support pin extending into the main body channel and received in the support groove, and wherein the locking bar is supported in the main body channel by the support pin so that the bottom edge of the locking bar and the inner bottom surface of the main body channel are separated by a gap.

17. A locking slat for a roller blind, comprising: a housing having a longitudinal channel; a body positioned in the passage and laterally movable within the passage, the body having first and second body slots, a first end with a first opening, and a second end with a second opening; A first locking bar is positioned in the first opening and has a first locking bar slot. a second locking bar positioned within the second opening and having a second locking bar slot; as well as a first pin and a second pin coupled to the housing and extending into the passage, the first pin being received in the first body slot and the first locking bar slot, the second pin being received in the second body slot and the second locking bar slot; wherein the first locking bar and the second locking bar are longitudinally movable relative to the main body and the housing between a locked position extending away from the main body and an unlocked position retracted toward the main body; wherein the travel of the first pin within the first slot and the second slot couples the movement of the body with the movement of the locking bar, and wherein the movement of the first pin and the second pin in the first main body groove and the second main body groove guides the movement of the main body transverse to the housing, the movement of the first pin in the first locking bar groove causes the first locking bar to move between the locked position and the unlocked position, and the movement of the second pin in the second locking bar groove causes the second locking bar to move between the locked position and the unlocked position.

18. The locking system according to claim 17, characterized in that The first and second locking bar slots are cam slots that convert lateral movement of the body within the housing into longitudinal movement of the first and second locking bars relative to the body and the housing.

19. The locking system according to claim 18, characterized in that The first locking bar and the second locking bar have first and second locking bar slots with mirrored configurations.

20. The locking system of claim 18, wherein: Transverse movement of the body within the housing is converted into longitudinal movement of the first locking bar and the second locking bar in opposite directions.

21. A roller blind system for covering an opening in a structure, the roller blind system having a top portion, a bottom portion, and opposing sides, the roller blind comprising: a guide rail positioned on at least one side of the structural body opening; a stopper, the stopper being positioned on the guide rail; as well as A locking slat, the locking slat comprising: a housing having a longitudinal housing channel; a body positioned in the housing passage and having a first end with a body opening, the body being laterally movable within the housing passage between a first position extending away from the housing and a second position retracted toward the housing; and a locking bar positioned within the body opening and movable longitudinally relative to the body and the housing between a locked position extending away from the body and engaging the stop and an unlocked position retracted toward the body and disengaging the stop; wherein movement of the locking bar is coupled to movement of the body, and wherein movement of the body toward the first position moves the locking bar to the unlocked position, and movement of the body toward the second position moves the locking bar to the locked position.

22. The roller blind system according to claim 21, characterized in that Also included are a plurality of slats, each slat having an engagement track and a receiving track configured to receive the engagement track of another slat; as well as Wherein, the shell has an engaging track and the body has a receiving track.

23. The roller blind system according to claim 22, characterized in that The body has a first end and a receiving track positioned at the first end, the receiving track of the body having a receiving portion for receiving an end retaining device; and Wherein, the guide rail has a guide rail channel for receiving the end retaining device.

24. The roller blind system according to claim 22, characterized in that The subject also includes: A first end, a first edge positioned within the housing passage, and a second edge positioned outside the housing passage; a first receiving portion positioned at the first edge for receiving a first end retaining device; and a receiving track positioned at a second edge of the first end and having a first receiving portion for receiving a second end retaining device; Wherein, the guide rail has a guide rail channel for receiving the first end retaining device and the second end retaining device.

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