Roller blind cam locking slat

Abstract

A locking slat for a roller blind includes a housing having opposing first and second sides. A housing channel is formed between the first side and the second side. The cam is coupled to the housing and is movable between a locked position for securing the roller blind and an unlocked position. A cam slat is slidably received in the housing channel and coupled to the cam. Movement of the cam slat in the housing channel moves the cam between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 433,212, filed December 16, 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 being raised from a closed position.

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

[0004] The opening of the structure typically includes a frame that includes guide rails positioned at the sides of the opening. The guide rails 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 retain the ends of the slats in the guide rails. In a conventional end retention system, the ends of the slats are formed with receptacles for receiving end retention devices, such as fasteners with washers, which are retained within the channels of the guide rails. 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 would allow intrusion, such as by inserting a prying tool. The base slat may also include a locking device to secure the roller blind in the closed position and prevent 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 blind and require operator action to secure the blind. It would be desirable to have a locking mechanism integral to the blind that automatically secures the blind without requiring operator action. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One embodiment of a locking slat for a roller blind includes a housing, a cam, and a cam slat. The housing has a first side and a second side, a housing channel formed between the first side and the second side, and a housing width defined between the first side and the second side. The cam is coupled to the housing and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the cam protrudes beyond the housing width in the locked position and does not protrude beyond the housing width in the unlocked position. The cam slat is slidably received in the housing channel and coupled to the cam. Movement of the cam slat in the housing channel causes the cam to move between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0008] One embodiment of a locking system for a roller blind includes a guide rail and a locking slat. The guide rail includes a guide channel. The locking slat includes a housing, a cam slat, and a first cam. The housing includes a housing channel and has an end positioned at the guide channel. The cam slat is slidably received in the housing channel. The first cam is coupled to the housing and the cam slat and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the first cam engages the guide rail in the locked position and the first cam does not engage the guide rail in the unlocked position. Movement of the cam slat in the housing channel causes the cam to move between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0009] One embodiment of a roller blind system includes a guide track, a plurality of roller blind slats, and a locking slat. The guide track includes a guide channel. Each roller blind slat has an engaging track and a receiving track, the receiving track having a recess for receiving the engaging track of another roller blind slat. The locking slat includes a housing, a cam, and a cam slat. The housing includes a housing channel and has an end positioned at the guide channel and an edge with an engaging track, which is received in the receiving track of the roller blind slat. The cam is coupled to the housing and is movable between a locked position in which the cam engages the guide track and an unlocked position in which the cam does not engage the guide track. The cam slat is slidably received in the housing channel and is coupled to the cam. Wherein, movement of the cam slat in the housing channel causes the cam to move between the unlocked position and the locked position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a locking slat in an unlocked position.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side cross-sectional view of the locking slats.

[0012] Figure 3 Installed in the roller shutter system Figure 1 Detailed projection view of the locked slats.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detailed view of the locking slats.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Partial front view of the locking slats.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Side cross-sectional view of the locking slats.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Detailed view of the locking slats.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Side cross-sectional view of the locking slats.

[0018] Figure 9 is in the locked position Figure 1 Front view of the locking slats.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Side cross-sectional view of the locking slats.

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Partial projection view of the locking slats installed in the roller shutter system.

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Detailed view of the locking slats.

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Partial front view of the locking slats.

[0023] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Side cross-sectional view of the locking slats.

[0024] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Detailed view of the locking slats.

[0025] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Side cross-sectional view of the locking slats.

[0026] Figure 17 is a partial projection view of a roller blind with an alternative embodiment of a locking slat in a locked position. Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Side view of a roller shutter and locking slats. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference Figure 1-16 , shows an embodiment of a locking slat 100 for a roller blind. The locking slat 100 is intended to be incorporated into a series of connected slats comprising the roller blind and is preferably positioned 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. In one embodiment, the locking slat 100 is positioned adjacent to the base slat 101.

[0027] The locking slat 100 includes a housing 102, a cam slat 104, and a cam 106. The housing 102 has a top edge 102a and a bottom edge 102b, opposing sides 102c, and opposing ends 102d. In one embodiment, edge 102a is positioned at the top of the locking slat 100, near the main axis of the roller blind, and edge 102b is positioned toward the bottom of the locking slat, near the bottom of the base slat or opening when the slat is in the closed position. A longitudinal channel 108 is formed between the opposing sides 102c, with an opening 110 at edge 102b. In one embodiment, the opening 110 has an inner lip 112 such that the width of the opening is less than the width of the channel 108. The channel 108 and opening 110 are sized and shaped to receive the cam slat 104, as described below.

[0028] Cam strip 104 has a top edge 104a and a bottom edge 104b, opposing side portions 104c, and opposing ends 104d and 104e. Edge 104a includes a receiver 114 having an opening 116 sized and shaped to receive a cam pin 118. In one embodiment, receiver 114 and opening 116 are located at cam strip ends 104d and / or 104e. In a preferred embodiment, receiver 114 and opening 116 are located at each end 104d and 104e.

[0029] The cam strip 104 is slidably received in the channel 108 and the opening 110, with the edge 104a positioned within the channel. In one embodiment, the edge 104b extends from or projects beyond the channel opening 110. The cam strip 104 is movable transversely to the housing 102 within the channel 108 to telescopically increase or decrease the lateral height of the locking strip 100 (arrow "A") between a maximum and a minimum height.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cam strip 104 has a rib 120 protruding from one or both sides 104c. The rib 120 is sized and shaped to engage the inner lip 112 of the opening 110 and act as a stop for lateral movement of the cam strip 104 away from the channel 108. Figure 2The ribs 120 prevent the cam slat 104 from being fully retracted or removed from the channel 108 and the housing 102 and limit the maximum height of the locking slat 100. In a preferred embodiment, each side 104c of the cam slat 104 has a longitudinal rib 120 extending along the length of the cam slat.

[0031] The cam slat 104 preferably moves along a plane transverse to the channel 108 and is restrained within the channel from tilting or wiggling. In one embodiment, the rib 120 has a transverse flange 122 extending parallel to the inner wall of the channel 108 to increase the contact surface between the rib 120 and the inner wall. The flange 122 guides and restrains the movement of the cam slat 104 along the transverse plane within the channel 108 and prevents the cam slat from tilting within the channel. The cam slat 104 may have other configurations that restrain the cam slat's movement within the channel 108. For example, the cam slat 104 may have a plurality of spaced-apart ribs 120 formed on both side portions 104 c.

[0032] A cam 106 is positioned within the housing 102 and is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the horizontal width of the housing between the housing sides 102 c. In one embodiment, the cam 106 is coupled to the housing 102 and is movable between a locked position, in which at least a portion of the cam 106 extends or protrudes beyond the horizontal width of the housing 102, and an unlocked position, in which the cam 106 does not substantially extend or protrude beyond the horizontal width of the housing.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the cam 106 is rotatably coupled to the housing 102. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the housing 102 has a pivot 124 positioned in the channel 108. The cam 106 has a length between a top end 106a and a bottom end 106b, and a width between opposing inner and outer portions 106c, 106d. The width of the cam 106 is approximately the horizontal width of the housing 102 or less. The cam top end 106a has an opening 126 sized and shaped to receive the pivot 124 and allow the cam 106 to rotate within the housing 102. The cam bottom end 106b is rotatable between a locked position, in which the bottom end extends beyond or protrudes beyond the horizontal width of the housing 102, and an unlocked position, in which the bottom end does not substantially extend beyond or protrude beyond the horizontal width of the housing.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cam 106 has a cam slot 128 that is sized and shaped to receive the cam pin 118 and slidably couple the cam 106 to the cam slat 104. The cam slot 128 has a first end 128a proximal to the cam bottom end 106b and a second end 128b distal to the cam bottom end. The cam slot 128 is eccentric in shape and extends at least partially across the width of the cam 106. In one embodiment, the cam slot 128 is curved or extends diagonally across the cam 106, with the first end 128a centrally located between the cam outer portions 106c and 106d and the second end 128b located proximal to the cam inner portion 106c.

[0035] Sliding movement of the cam 106 within the housing channel 108 causes the cam pin 118 to travel in the cam slot 128, between the end 128a and the end 128b. Because the movement of the cam slat 106 and the cam pin 118 is constrained to a plane within the housing channel 108, the travel of the cam pin 118 along the eccentric shape of the cam slot 128 causes the cam 106 to rotate on the pivot 124. As the cam pin 118 moves toward the cam slot end 128b, the cam bottom end 106b rotates away from the housing 102 and toward a locked position to extend beyond the horizontal width of the housing. As the cam pin 118 moves toward the cam slot end 128a, the cam bottom end 106b rotates toward the housing 102 and toward an unlocked position in which the bottom end is retracted and does not substantially protrude beyond the horizontal width of the housing. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the cam 106 rotates clockwise toward the locked position and counterclockwise toward the unlocked position.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cam slot 128 can have an opposite configuration, wherein the cam slot 128 curves or extends diagonally across the cam 106, with the first end 128a positioned centrally between the cam outer portions 106c and 106d and the second end 128b positioned proximal to the cam outer portion 106d. This opposite configuration will cause the cam 106 to rotate in opposite directions between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0037] In one embodiment, the locking slat 100 includes two cams 106 and 107 that are rotatably coupled to the pivot 124 and movably coupled to the cam slat 104 via a cam pin 118. The cams 106 and 107 preferably move in opposite directions between the locked and unlocked positions, e.g., the first cam and the second cam have opposite configurations, wherein the first cam rotates in a clockwise direction and the second cam rotates in a counterclockwise direction toward the unlocked position. In another preferred embodiment, the cams 106 and 107 are positioned adjacent to each other and have mirror-image configurations that rotate in opposite directions.

[0038] The locking slat 100 is incorporated into a roller blind system 200 comprising a series of slats 202. Each slat 202 has a hook-shaped engagement track on its upper edge and a receiving track on its lower edge, the receiving track having a recess for receiving the engagement track of another slat 202. The engagement track of a first slat 202 is coupled to the receiving track of a second slat 202, forming an articulated hinge between the slats. An example of a conventional roller blind slat is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,074,411 to Miller et al.

[0039] In one embodiment, the locking slat 100 has an engagement track 130 formed on the housing edge 102a and a receiving track 132 formed on the cam plate edge 104b to allow the locking slat to be incorporated into a series of roller blind slats. The locking slat 100 can be incorporated into one end of the series of slats so that when the roller blind is in the closed position, the locking slat is positioned near the bottom of the opening. In a preferred embodiment, the locking slat receiving track 132 is coupled to the engagement track of the base slat 101.

[0040] In one embodiment, the roller shade system 200 also includes an end retention system. Examples of end retention systems are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,616,261 and 8,925,617 to Miller. The roller shade is secured within the opening of the structure by a frame positioned at the perimeter of the opening. The frame includes a guide rail 204 along one side of the opening. The guide rail 204 has a channel 206 sized and shaped to receive the ends of the slats 202 to align the slats and hold them in place to cover the opening.

[0041] Receptacles are formed at the ends of the slats 202 for receiving end retaining devices, such as fasteners with washers, which are retained within the guide rail channels 206. In one embodiment, the locking slat receiving rail 132 has a receptacle 208 for receiving the end retaining device 210. In another embodiment, the housing pivot 124 has a receptacle 212 for receiving the end retaining device 210. In another embodiment, the cam pin 118 may include the end retaining device 210.

[0042] In one embodiment, the cam 106 is positioned at the end 102d of the housing 102. The end of the locking slat 100 is inserted into the guide track channel 206, positioning the housing end 102d and the cam 106 within the guide track channel. When the cam 106 moves to the locked position, the cam extends beyond the horizontal width of the housing 102 and contacts or engages the inner wall 206a of the guide track channel 206 to resist movement of the locking bar 100 and the roller blind (e.g., through friction). In a preferred embodiment, the locking slat 100 includes adjacent cams 106 and 107, which are positioned at the housing end 102d, within the guide track channel 206, and rotate in opposite directions to engage the opposing inner walls 206a and 206b of the guide track channel 206. More preferably, the roller blind system includes guide tracks 204 located on both sides of the structural opening, and the locking slat 100 includes adjacent cams 106 and 107 positioned at the two ends 102d of the housing 102.

[0043] Figure 1-8 The locking slat 100 is shown in an unlocked position, with the cam slat 104 extended from the housing 102 to its maximum height. In operation, when the roller blind is raised from an opening to an open position, the cam slat 104 travels laterally (downward) out of the housing channel 108 under the force of gravity, and the locking slat 100 automatically and telescopically extends to its maximum height and unlocked position. As the cam slat 104 moves downward out of the housing 102, the cam pin 118 moves toward the cam slot end 128a, causing the cams 106 and 107 to rotate toward the housing. In the unlocked position, the cam pin 118 is positioned at the cam slot end 128a, and the cams 106 and 107 do not substantially extend or protrude beyond the horizontal width of the housing 102 and are retracted from their engagement and clear of the opposing inner walls 206a and 206b of the guide track channel 206. This allows the locking bar 100 and the roller blind to move freely within the channel 206 of the guide track 204.

[0044] Figure 11-16The locking slat 100 is shown in the locked position, with the cam slat 104 retracted into the housing 102, reaching its minimum height. When the roller blind is lowered to the closed position, contact with the bottom of the opening stops the movement of the cam slat 104, while the upper slat 202 and the housing 102 continue to move downward. The cam slat 104 is forced to move laterally upward into the housing channel 108, and the locking slat 100 automatically and telescopically retracts to its minimum height and locked position. As the cam slat 104 moves upward toward the housing 102, the cam pin 118 moves toward the cam slot end 128b, causing the cams 106 and 107 to rotate away from the housing. In the locked position, the cam pin is positioned at the cam slot end 128b, and the cams 106 and 107 extend or protrude beyond the horizontal width of the housing to contact or engage the inner walls 206a and 206b of the guide track channel 206, preventing movement of the locking slat 100 and the roller blind within the channel 206 of the guide track 204.

[0045] In the locked position, the locking slat 100 advantageously resists attempts to improperly open the roller blind, for example, by attempting to pry or lever upward the roller blind's bottom or base slat 101. The upward force on the roller blind's bottom or base slat 101 forces the cam slat 104 upward into the channel 108 of the housing 102, which reinforces the movement of the cams 106 and 107 toward the locked position and prevents further upward movement of the locking slat 100 and the roller blind.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative configurations of the housing, cam strip, and cam are possible. In the locking strip 100, the cam 106 is rotatably coupled to the housing 102 via the cam pivot 124. While the cam 106 rotates between the locked and unlocked positions, the cam does not move laterally relative to the housing 102. Therefore, as previously described, it is convenient to position the cam 106 within the housing 102. For example, the cam 106 (and cam 107) can be positioned within an opening or cutout portion of the housing side 102c to allow the cam to rotate beyond the horizontal width of the housing.

[0047] Figure 17 and 18 An alternative embodiment of a locking slat 300 is shown having a housing 302, a cam slat 304, and a cam 306 having a similar configuration to the locking slat 100, except that the cam 306 is vertically inverted or upside down. In contrast to the locking slat 100, movement of the cam slat 304 within the housing 302 causes the cam 306 to move transversely to the housing 302 as the cam rotates between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0048] Cam 306 has a similar construction to cam 106, but has a bottom end 306b rotatably coupled to cam slat 304 via cam pivot 324, and a top end 306b that rotates between a locked position, in which the top end extends or protrudes beyond the horizontal width of housing 302, and an unlocked position, in which the top end does not substantially extend or protrude beyond the horizontal width of the housing. Like cam 106, cam 306 has an eccentrically shaped cam slot 328 that extends at least partially across the width of cam 306 (e.g., curved or extending diagonally across cam 306). Cam slot 328 has a first end 328a proximal to cam bottom end 306b (and pivot 324), and a second end 328b distal to the cam bottom end. The cam slot 328 is curved, with a first end 328a positioned proximal to the cam outer portion 306d and a second end 328b positioned centrally between the cam outer portions 308c and 306d.

[0049] The housing 302 has a cam pin 318 that is received in a cam slot 328 to slidably couple the cam 306 to the housing. The cam slot 328 is sized and shaped to receive the cam pin 318 so that movement of the cam slot on the cam pin causes the cam 306 to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In operation, lateral movement of the cam slat 304 in the housing channel 308 causes the pivot 324 and cam 306 to move transversely to the housing 302. The lateral movement of the cam 306 is guided by the travel of the cam slot 328 on the cam pin 318, which causes the cam to rotate on the pivot 324.

[0050] When the roller blind is raised from an opening to an open position, the cam slat 304, under the force of gravity, moves laterally (downward) out of the housing channel 308, and the locking slat 300 automatically telescopically extends toward the unlocked position. The downward movement of the cam slat 304 causes the pivot 324 and cam 306 to move downward and away from the housing 308. As the cam 306 moves downward, the movement of the cam slot 328 on the cam pin 318 causes the cam top end 306a to rotate toward the unlocked position (counterclockwise). At the maximum telescopic extension of the locking slat 300, the cam 306 is in the unlocked position, the cam pin 318 is positioned at the cam slot end 328b, and the cam top end 306a is retracted toward the locking slat and does not protrude substantially beyond the horizontal width of the housing.

[0051] When the roller blind is lowered to the closed position, contact with the bottom of the opening forces the cam slat 304 laterally (upward) into the housing channel 308, and the locking slat 300 automatically telescopically retracts toward the locked position. The upward movement of the cam slat 304 causes the pivot 324 and cam 306 to move upward and toward the housing 308. As the cam 306 moves upward, the travel of the cam slot 328 on the cam pin 318 causes the cam top end 306a to rotate toward the locked position (clockwise). At the minimum telescopic extension of the locking slat 300, the cam pin 318 is positioned at the cam slot end 328a, and the cam top end 306a rotates away from the locking slat into the locked position (e.g., to engage the opposing inner walls 206a and 206b of the guide track channel 206). Those skilled in the art will understand that the cam slot 328 can have the opposite configuration, i.e., a curved configuration with its end 328a positioned proximal to the cam outer portion 306c so that the cam top end 306a rotates clockwise toward the locked position and counterclockwise toward the unlocked position, similar to the cam 106.

[0052] To accommodate lateral movement of the cam 306 relative to the housing 302, the cam can be positioned external to the housing. In one embodiment, the housing end 302d and the cam strip end 304d (or 304e, not shown) are positioned at the guide track 204, and the cam pin 318 and the pivot shaft 324 extend from the housing end and the cam strip end into the channel 206 of the guide track 204. For example, the cam pin 318 and the pivot shaft 324 can each have a first end coupled to the housing 302 end and the cam strip end, respectively, and an opposing second end positioned in the guide track channel 206. The cam 306 is coupled to the second end of the pivot shaft 324 to position the cam in the guide track channel 206. The second end of the cam pin 318 is similarly positioned in the cam slot 328.

[0053] In one embodiment, the locking slat 300 can include cams 306 and 307 positioned adjacent to each other and having a mirrored configuration that rotates in opposite directions, similar to the cams 106 and 107 of the locking slat 100. The roller blind system preferably includes a guide track 204 located on either side of an opening in the structure, and the locking slat 300 includes adjacent cams 306 and 307 located at both ends 102d of the housing 102.

[0054] In another embodiment, the portion of the cam top end 306a (or 106a) that contacts the guide rail channel inner walls 206a and 206b in the locked position may have a knurled or ridged surface 306e, which increases the friction and resistance to movement of the locking slat 300 in the guide rail channel 206.

[0055] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of 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 an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications, or modifications of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A locking slat for a roller blind, comprising: a housing having opposing first and second sides, a housing channel formed between the first and second sides, and a housing width defined between the first and second sides; a cam coupled to the housing and movable between a locked position in which the cam protrudes beyond a width of the housing and an unlocked position in which the cam does not protrude beyond the width of the housing; as well as a cam strip slidably received in the housing channel, the cam strip coupled to the cam; wherein movement of the cam strip within the housing channel moves the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position.

2. The locking strip according to claim 1, wherein The cam slat is telescopically movable within the housing channel between a maximum locking slat height and a minimum locking slat height; and Wherein, at the minimum locking slat height, the cam is in the locked position, and at the maximum locking slat height, the cam is in the unlocked position.

3. The locking strip according to claim 1, wherein The cam is rotatably coupled to the housing; and wherein movement of the cam slat in the channel rotates the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position.

4. The locking strip according to claim 1, wherein Also included is a cam pin coupled to the cam slat; wherein the cam includes a cam slot sized and shaped to slidably receive the cam pin; and wherein movement of the cam strip in the housing channel moves the cam pin in the cam slot, and movement of the cam pin in the cam slot moves the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position.

5. The locking strip according to claim 4, wherein The cam is rotatably coupled to the housing; and wherein movement of the cam pin in the cam slot causes the cam to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

6. The locking strip according to claim 4, wherein The cam has opposing first and second cam sides, and the cam slot has opposing first and second slot ends, the first slot end being centrally positioned between the first and second cam sides, the second slot end being positioned proximal to the second cam side; and When the cam pin is positioned at the end of the first slot, the cam is in the unlocked position, and when the cam pin is positioned at the end of the second slot, the cam is in the locked position.

7. The locking strip according to claim 6, wherein said locking slat being telescopically movable within said housing channel between said maximum locking slat height and said minimum locking slat height; and wherein at the maximum locking slat height, the cam pin is positioned at the first slot end, and at the minimum locking slat height, the cam pin is positioned at the second slot end.

8. The locking strip according to claim 1, wherein The cam is rotatably coupled to the cam slat; and wherein movement of the cam strip within the housing channel rotates the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position.

9. The locking strip according to claim 1, wherein Also included is a cam pin coupled to the housing; wherein the cam includes a cam slot sized and shaped to slidably receive the cam pin; and wherein movement of the cam strip in the housing channel moves the cam slot on the cam pin, and movement of the cam slot on the cam pin rotates the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position.

10. The locking strip according to claim 9, wherein The cam has opposing first and second cam sides, and the cam slot has opposing first and second slot ends, the first slot end being centrally positioned between the first and second cam sides, the second slot end being positioned proximal to the second cam side; and When the cam pin is positioned at the end of the first slot, the cam is in the unlocked position, and when the cam pin is positioned at the end of the second slot, the cam is in the locked position.

11. The locking strip according to claim 10, wherein said locking slat being telescopically movable within said housing channel between said maximum locking slat height and said minimum locking slat height; and wherein at the maximum locking slat height, the cam pin is positioned at the first slot end, and at the minimum locking slat height, the cam pin is positioned at the second slot end.

12. A locking system for a rolling shutter, comprising: a guide track, the guide track comprising a guide channel; A locking slat, the locking slat comprising: a housing including a housing passage and having an end positioned at the guide passage; a cam strip slidably received in the housing channel; and a first cam coupled to the housing and the cam slat and movable between a locked position in which the first cam engages the guide track and an unlocked position in which the first cam does not engage the guide track; wherein movement of the cam strip within the housing channel moves the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position.

13. The locking strip according to claim 12, wherein The cam slat is telescopically movable within the housing channel between a maximum locking slat height and a minimum locking slat height; and Wherein, at the minimum locking slat height, the cam is in the locked position, and at the maximum locking slat height, the cam is in the unlocked position.

14. The locking strip according to claim 12, wherein The cam is rotatably coupled to the housing; and wherein movement of the cam slat in the channel rotates the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position.

15. The locking strip according to claim 12, wherein The cam is rotatably coupled to the cam slat; and wherein movement of the cam strip within the housing channel rotates the cam between the locked position and the unlocked position.

16. The locking strip according to claim 12, wherein the locking slat further comprising a second cam coupled to the housing and the cam slat, the second cam being movable between a locked position in which the second cam engages the guide track and an unlocked position in which the second cam does not engage the guide track; and The first cam and the second cam rotate in opposite directions between the locked position and the unlocked position.

17. The locking system according to claim 16, wherein: Movement of the cam strip within the housing channel rotates the first and second cams in opposite directions between the unlocked and locked positions.

18. The locking system according to claim 16, wherein: The first cam and the second cam are coupled to ends of the housing and are positioned adjacent to each other in the guide channel.

19. A rolling shutter system comprising: a guide track, the guide track comprising a guide channel; a plurality of roller blind slats, each of the roller blind slats having an engaging track and a receiving track, the receiving track having a recess for receiving the engaging track of another roller blind slat; A locking slat, the locking slat comprising: a housing comprising a housing channel, the housing having an end positioned at the guide channel and having an edge of an engagement track received in a receiving track of a roller blind slat; a cam coupled to the housing, the cam movable between a locked position in which the cam engages the guide track and an unlocked position in which the cam does not engage the guide track; a cam strip slidably received in the housing channel, the cam strip coupled to the cam; and wherein movement of the cam strip within the housing channel moves the cam between the unlocked position and the locked position.

20. The roller blind system according to claim 19, characterized in that Also included is a base slat having an engagement track; wherein the cam slat has a receiving track, and wherein the base slat engaging track is received in the cam slat receiving track.

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