CN117651796A

CN117651796A - Roller shutter locking system

Info

Publication number: CN117651796A
Application number: CN202280042369.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·N·扎贝克; O·阿米尔; J·V·米勒
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-06-14
Filing date: 2022-06-13
Publication date: 2024-03-05

Abstract

A locking system for a roller blind includes a plurality of roller blind slats including a guide track with a U-shaped guide channel having a channel base and first and second channel walls. The locking bar is coupled to the slats of the roller blind. In the locked position, the locking bar extends transversely to the channel base. The locking bar has a notch covered by a break wall, the locking bar being aligned with the channel base in the locked position. The locking bar may be slidably received in a sleeve positioned in the guide channel to increase resistance to torsional forces on the locking system. In an alternative embodiment, the locking system includes an integral squeeze body, a locking bar, and a handle. A longitudinal channel is integrally formed in the body for receiving the locking bar and the handle.

Description

Roller shutter locking system

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/210,461, filed on 6 months 14 of 2021, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/233,715, filed on 8 months 16 of 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Background

The present invention relates to roller blind systems and in particular to the construction of slats for roller blind systems.

Roller shade systems include a series of slats that are joined together to form an articulated curtain that covers an opening of a structure, such as a door opening or a window. The slats generally span the width of the opening and have an upper edge with a hook-shaped engagement track and a lower edge with a receiving track that forms a pocket for receiving the engagement track of the other slat. The slats are joined by slidable engagement of the engagement track of a first slat in the receiving track of a second slat to form a loosely hinged hinge between the slats. In the open position, the rolling curtain is retracted or raised away from the opening by wrapping or winding the slats about a main shaft positioned at the top of the opening. In the closed position, the slats are deployed from the main shaft and extend or descend toward the bottom of the opening. An example of a (roller) shade slat is described in U.S. patent No. 9,074,411 to Miller (Miller) et al, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The roller blind may further comprise a base slat at an end of the series of slats to be positioned at the bottom of the opening in the closed position. The base slats typically include locking means to secure the blind in the closed position. Attempts to forcibly open the roll screen have typically involved prying the base slat upward to raise the roll screen. The prying force can cause the base panel to deflect or bend and can pull the locking device out of the locked position. Prying the base strip also applies a torsional force that can cause the locking device to fail. It is therefore desirable to provide a tamper resistant base panel locking device.

Conventional roller shutter slats are typically designed with closely mating engagement and receiving tracks to prevent intrusion into the hinge portion and resist deflection of the extended roller shutter curtain by external forces. However, the tight-fitting design tends to accumulate debris, which over time becomes compact and may interfere with the operation of the hinge portion. The narrow dimensional tolerances of the close fitting design also increase the manufacturing difficulty of the blind slats.

To better accommodate the intrusion of debris, it is desirable to design the slats of the roller blind with loosely hinged hinge portions having increased clearance and range of rotation. The loosely hinged hinge part design will also increase the allowable dimensional tolerances and improve the manufacturability of the slats. However, this design also increases the risk of the slats in the blind being accidentally uncoupled. It would therefore be desirable to provide a loosely hinged hinge portion design that does not have decoupling problems.

Roller shades are also typically designed to reduce the profile of the retracted roller shade by configuring the slats to nest closely when wrapped around the spindle. The close nesting of the slats increases the risk of contact between the slats, wear and appearance imperfections to the facing material of the slats. Thus, it would be desirable to protect against accidental contact and wear between slats while maintaining the ability to tightly wrap the roller blind in the retracted position.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a locking system for a roller blind includes a plurality of roller blind slats including a guide track including a U-shaped guide channel having a channel base and first and second channel walls. The guide channel is sized and shaped to receive an end of the roller blind slat and guide the roller blind slat end to move longitudinally within the guide channel. The locking bar is coupled to the joined slats and is laterally slidable within the guide channel between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking bar in the locked position extends transversely to the channel base. In a further embodiment, the locking bar further comprises a locking bar edge with a break wall extending over a groove in the locking bar edge. When the locking bar is in the locked position, the break wall is aligned with the channel base.

In another embodiment, the locking system further comprises a sleeve having a sleeve end with a sleeve opening. The sleeve end is positioned in the guide channel and the locking bar is slidably received in the sleeve opening. The locking bar has opposed first and second locking bar ends, the second locking bar end being positioned in the sleeve and the first locking bar end extending from the sleeve opening transversely to the channel base in the locked position. In a further embodiment, the locking system further comprises a stop bar. The sleeve end has a second opening and the stop bar is slidably received in the second opening.

In one embodiment, a locking system for a roller blind includes an integral squeeze body, a locking bar, and a handle. The unitary extrusion body has a body end and a longitudinal first channel with a first opening at the body end. The locking bar has opposed first and second locking bar ends. The locking bar is positioned in the first channel and is longitudinally slidable in the body between a locked position in which the second end is positioned within the channel and the first end extends from the first opening and an unlocked position in which the first and second locking bar ends are positioned in the first channel. The handle has opposed first and second handle ends. The first handle end includes a grip projecting laterally from the body and the second handle end includes a stop flange removably received in the first channel. The stop flange is a stop for locking the movement of the bar in the first channel.

In another embodiment, a locking system for a roller blind includes a plurality of roller blind slats. The locking system includes a base slat, a guide rail, a locking bar, a lock, and a fastener. The base slat is coupled to the roller blind slat and has a first opening. The guide track includes a U-shaped guide channel having a channel base, a first channel wall and a second channel wall. The guide channel is sized and shaped to receive an end of the roller blind slat and guide the roller blind slat end to move longitudinally within the guide channel. The locking bar is coupled to the joined slats and is laterally slidable within the guide channel between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking bar in the locked position extends transversely to the channel base. The lock is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The fastener releasably secures the lock to the locking bar. Wherein the lock and the locking bar are positioned in the base panel, the locking bar being accessible through the first opening to adjust the position of the locking bar in the base panel, and the locking bar in the locked position is fixed to the lock in the extended position. In another embodiment, the first opening is aligned with a locking bar section having a plurality of holes, and the position of the locking bar in the base panel is adjustable by alternating engagement of the plurality of holes through the first opening. In an alternative embodiment, the base panel further comprises a second opening, and wherein the fastener is accessible through the second opening to secure the lock to the locking bar.

In one embodiment, a roller shade system includes a main shaft and a plurality of coupled slats including an initial slat coupled to the main shaft and a base slat distal to the main shaft. The plurality of slats have a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the slats are wrapped around the spindle in the retracted position. The retaining rail or guide rail is configured to receive the slats in the extended position. In another embodiment, the roller shade system further comprises an end retention device comprising: a holding screw; a bushing positioned over the retention screw; and a guide rail configured to receive the retaining screw. At least one slat has a threaded bore sized and shaped to receive the retaining screw, and the at least one slat is coupled to the guide rail when the retaining screw is received in the guide rail.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a roller blind slat in an upright position.

Fig. 1B is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the engagement track of the slat of fig. 1A.

Fig. 1C is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the receiving track of the slat of fig. 1A.

Fig. 2A is a side cross-sectional view of two joined slats of fig. 1A.

Fig. 2B is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the hinge portion between the slats of fig. 2A showing the range of rotation.

Fig. 2C is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the hinge portion between the slats of fig. 2A showing vertical clearance.

Fig. 3A is a side cross-sectional view and a detailed side cross-sectional view of two prior art joined slats.

Fig. 3B is a side cross-sectional view and a detailed side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of two prior art joined slats.

Fig. 4A is a side cross-sectional view of two joined slats of fig. 1A showing rearward rotation of the slats.

Fig. 4B is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the hinge portion between the slats of fig. 4A showing the vertical clearance at the receiving track and the distal end of the engagement hook.

Fig. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of two joined slats of fig. 1A showing forward rotation of the slats.

Fig. 5B is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the hinge portion between the slats of fig. 5A.

Fig. 6A is a side cross-sectional view of a series of joined slats of fig. 1A, the slats forming a single coil of slats about a spindle.

Fig. 6B is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the hinge portion between two joined slats of fig. 6A showing alignment of the slat surfaces.

Fig. 6C is a side cross-sectional view of a roller shade including a series of joined slats of fig. 1A, the slats forming a plurality of closely nested slat coils about a main shaft.

Fig. 6D is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the roller blind of fig. 6C.

Fig. 7A is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a roller blind slat sized for incorporation in a roller proximate a spindle.

Fig. 7B is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a slat sized to be incorporated into a roll distally of a spindle.

Fig. 8A is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a starting slat for a roller blind.

Fig. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a starting slat for a roller blind.

Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spindle for a roller blind.

Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a spindle for a roller blind.

FIG. 11 is an accessory slat for a roller blind, including an embodiment of a finger pull.

Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cover for a guide rail of a roller blind system.

Fig. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of an accessory slat for a roller blind, including an embodiment of a slat coupler.

Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of an accessory slat for a roller blind, including an embodiment of a base slat.

Fig. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of an accessory slat for a roller blind, including an alternative embodiment of a base slat.

Fig. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of an accessory slat for a roller blind, including an embodiment of a housing for a base slat.

Fig. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of an accessory slat for a roller blind, including an alternative embodiment of a base slat.

Fig. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of an accessory slat for a roller blind, including an alternative embodiment of a base slat.

Fig. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of an accessory slat for a roller blind, including an embodiment of a locking slat and a cover.

Fig. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an end retention device for a roller blind slat, including a retention screw and bushing.

Fig. 21A is a side view of the end retaining device of fig. 20 installed in an embodiment of a roller blind slat.

Fig. 21B is a front view of the roller slats and end holding device of fig. 21A, showing hidden lines.

Fig. 21C is a bottom cross-sectional view of the blind slat and end retaining device of fig. 21A.

Fig. 22A is a top cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guide rail and end retention device of fig. 20.

Fig. 22B is a top cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the guide rail and end retention device of fig. 20.

Fig. 23A is a top cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the guide rail and end retention device of fig. 20.

Fig. 23B is a top cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the guide rail and end retention device of fig. 20.

Fig. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a roller blind mounted at an opening of a structure.

Fig. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a roller blind mounted at an opening of a structure.

Fig. 26 is a front view of an embodiment of a roller blind mounted at an opening of a structure.

Fig. 27 is a front view of an embodiment of a plurality of roller shades mounted at an opening of a structure.

Fig. 28 is a top cross-sectional view of the guide rail and end retention device of fig. 23B mounted to a building structure by wall mounts.

Fig. 29 is a top cross-sectional view of the guide rail and end retention device of fig. 23B mounted to a building structure by a trap mounting portion.

Fig. 30 is a top cross-sectional view of the two guide rails and end retainers of fig. 23B mounted to the architrave by way of a face mount.

Fig. 31 is a top cross-sectional view of the two guide rails and end retainers of fig. 23B mounted to the architrave by a recessed mounting portion.

Fig. 32 is a front elevation cutaway view of a roller shade system including an embodiment of a base slat locking system.

Fig. 33 is a side cross-sectional view of the roller shade system of fig. 1.

Fig. 34A is an orthogonal cut-away detail view of the roller shade system of fig. 1.

Fig. 34B is a top cross-sectional detailed view of the roller shade system of fig. 1.

Fig. 35A is a top view of an embodiment of a locking assembly for use in a roller shade system.

Fig. 35B is a front elevational view of the locking assembly of fig. 35A.

Fig. 35C is an orthogonal view of the locking assembly of fig. 35A, showing hidden lines.

Fig. 36A is a partial front elevational view of a roller shade system including an embodiment of a base slat locking system in a locked position.

Fig. 36B is a partial top cross-sectional view of the roller shade system of fig. 36A.

Fig. 37A is a partial front elevational view of the roller shade system of fig. 36A with the base slat locking system in a partially unlocked position.

Fig. 37B is a partial top cross-sectional view of the roller shade system of fig. 37A.

Fig. 38 is a partial front elevational view of the roller shade system of fig. 36A with the base slat locking system in the unlocked position.

FIG. 39A is a side cross-sectional view of the base slat locking system with the base slat handle installed.

FIG. 39B is a side cross-sectional view of the base panel locking system of FIG. 39A, showing removal of the base panel handle.

FIG. 39C is a side cross-sectional view of the base-slat locking system of FIG. 39A, showing the base-slat handle completely removed.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1A-1C, an embodiment of a slat 1 for a roller blind is shown. The slat 1 comprises a single-walled body 2 having a curvature, with an inner side or surface 4 having a concave curvature and an outer side or surface 6 having a convex curvature. The body 2 has a top edge 8 and a bottom edge 10. A hook engaging rail 12 is positioned at the edge 8 and a receiving rail 14 is positioned at the edge 10. The receiving track 14 is configured to receive the engagement track 12 of another slat so that a plurality of slats can be joined together and extended in a head-to-tail fashion to form a curtain covering an opening in a structure.

Fig. 1A shows the slats 1 in a vertical orientation or position, such as when the blind is in a closed position, and the slats extend to cover the opening. The centers of mass of the engagement track 12 and the receiving track 14 are vertically aligned. As shown in fig. 1B, the hook-shaped engagement track 12 is positioned at the edge 8 and includes a neck or base 12a adjacent the edge 8, and a bend 12B extending to a distal end 12 c. In one embodiment, the base 12a extends along the same curvature as the body 2 and the curved portion 12b is curved toward the concave inner side 4 such that the engagement track 12 does not protrude beyond the convex curvature of the outer side 6. In the preferred embodiment, the engagement track base 12a has an outer surface 12e that extends along the same arc as the convex outer surface 6 of the body 2. In one embodiment, the engagement track 12 includes a protrusion or rib 12d at the edge 8 that protrudes from the concave inner side 4. The engagement track rib 12d constrains rotation of the engagement track 12 in the receiving track 14 of the other slat and prevents the slats from being accidentally disengaged, as described below.

As shown in fig. 1C, the receiving rail 14 is positioned at the edge 10 and includes a lip member 16 and a guard member 18. The lip member 16 includes a base portion 16a adjacent the edge 10, and a curved portion 16b extending to a distal end 16 c. The receiving track curvature 16b forms a pocket or hinge space 20 that is sized and shaped to receive the hook-shaped engaging track 12 of another slat. In one embodiment, the base 16a extends along the same arc as the body 2, and the curved portion 16b curves toward the convex outer side 6 such that the receiving track 14 does not protrude beyond the concave arc of the inner side 4. In the preferred embodiment, the lip member base 16a has an outer surface 16d that extends along the same curvature as the concave inner surface 4 of the body 2. In one embodiment, the lip member outer surface 16d includes a boss or projection 16g that reduces wear of the slats when the roller shutter is in the retracted position, as described below.

The guard member 18 is spaced apart from the lip member 16 and has a distal end 18a extending toward the lip member distal end 16 c. The guard member end 18a and the lip member end 16c are spaced apart to form an aperture 22 that opens into the hinge space 20 and is sized and shaped to receive the hook engaging rail 12 of another slat. The guard member 18 projects over the convex curvature of the slat outer side 4 and includes an outer surface 18b that is generally concentric with the convex curvature of the outer side 6.

In one embodiment, the receiving rail 14 includes a receptacle 34 formed between the guard member 18 and the lip member 16. The receptacle 34 is spaced apart from the hinge space 20 and is sized and shaped to receive an end retention device, as described below. In the preferred embodiment, ribs 36 are formed on the inner surface 16e of the lip member 16 that separate the hinge space 20 from the receiving portion 34.

Fig. 2A-2C show an embodiment of two slats 1a and 1b joined together in a vertical position, with a maximum extension of the two joined slats. The engagement track 12 of the slat 1a is received in the receiving track 14 of the slat 1b to form a hinge 24 between the two slats. During articulation of the articulation hinge 24, the curved inner surface 12f of the engagement track 12 abuts against the lip member end 16c of the receiving track 14. In one embodiment, the inner surface 12f and the distal end 16c are configured with complementary rounded surfaces to facilitate articulation of the articulation hinge portion 24 and rotation of the slats 1a and 1b to improve ease of operation and product life of the slats.

As shown in fig. 2B and 2C, the hinge portion 24 is designed to provide an increased range of rotation for the engagement track 12 and a vertical clearance "a" within the receiving track 14 as compared to conventional roller blind slats. The increased range of rotation and vertical clearance accommodates debris introduction into the hinge space 20, reduces crushing and accumulation of debris, and facilitates self-cleaning of debris from the hinge space. The increased rotational range and vertical clearance also increases the allowable dimensional tolerances of manufacture and improves the manufacturability of the stave.

Conventional roller blinds are typically designed to resist deflection by external forces when in the closed (vertical) position by limiting rearward rotation of the hinge portions between slats and limiting the clearance of the engagement track within the hinge portions. As used herein, rearward rotation or back rotation refers to rotation of two joined slats such that the (convex) outer side 6 of a first slat rotates towards the (convex) outer side 6 of a second slat, e.g. counterclockwise rotation of slat 1a relative to slat 1b as shown in fig. 2A. Examples of prior art roller shades are disclosed in U.S. patent No. 8,944,137 (fig. 3A) to Miller (Miller) and U.S. patent No. 9,074,411 (fig. 3B) to Miller et al, which are incorporated herein by reference. Fig. 3A shows prior art joined slats 52a and 52b having a hinge portion 50 designed to have a maximum rearward rotation angle of only about 2 ° from vertical (i.e., the slat 52a rotates counterclockwise relative to the slat 52 b). The receiving track guard member end 56a is acutely angled toward the lip member 58 and is configured to substantially conform to the outer surface 54a of the guard member 54 to constrain rotation of the slat 52a and to limit rearward rotation of the hinge portion 50. Fig. 3B shows prior art joined slats 51a and 51B with hinge portions 50 designed to restrict rearward rotation to only about 10 ° from vertical. The receiving track guard member end 57a is similarly acutely angled toward the lip member 59 to contact the outer surface 55a of the guard member 55, constrain rotation of the slat 53a, and limit rearward rotation of the hinge portion 51.

The guard members 56 and 57 are also configured to limit vertical movement of the engagement tracks 54 and 55, respectively, which may result in compression of debris or other material within the hinge portions 50 and 51. In the vertical position, the hinge portions 50 and 51 have a minimum vertical clearance. Further, the engagement tracks 54 and 55 pivot on inner surfaces 60 and 61 that receive track lip members 58 and 59, respectively. Such a structure may cause debris introduced into the hinge portions 50 and 51 to scrape and compact at the bottom of the receiving rail inner surfaces 60 and 61. Over time, the accumulation of debris may affect the rotation of the slats and the function of the hinge.

In one embodiment, the slats of the present invention are configured to allow the hinge portion to rotate rearward substantially beyond the vertical. Fig. 4A and 4B show the backward rotation of the hinge portion 24 between the joined slats 1a and 1B. The guard member end 18a has a more rounded profile with a convex surface than the generally concave profile of the conventional guard member ends 56a and 57a, such that the aperture 22 allows for a greater range of rotation of the engagement track 12 therein. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the guard member end 18a has a convex arc "C" with a radius of about 0.25 inches. In contrast to the prior art, the slats 1a may be rotated rearwardly substantially beyond the vertical before the guard member ends 18a contact the engagement tracks 12. In one embodiment, the guard member 18 is configured such that the hinge portion 24 has a maximum rearward rotation angle "B" that is greater than 10 °, and preferably at least about 15 °. In one embodiment, the maximum rearward rotation angle of the hinge portion 24 is about 18 ° from vertical (the complementary angle to the convex outer surface 6 is about 162 °).

The more rounded profile of the guard member ends 18a also helps to increase the vertical clearance of the hinge portion 24. In one embodiment, the engagement track 12 is vertically displaceable by a height "a" within the aperture 22 of the receiving track 14 (fig. 2C) when the hinge portion 24 is in the vertical position and the joined slats 1a and 1b are in the vertical orientation. Hinge portion 24 has a vertical gap "a" of at least about 0.025 inches, and more preferably about 0.0287 inches.

The rearward rotation and vertical clearance of the hinge 24 allows the hinge to accommodate the ingress of debris and helps to self-clean the debris from the hinge. As the engaging track 12 rotates to a vertical position in the receiving track hinge space 20, the engaging track end 12c scrapes the inner surface 16e of the hinge space. As best shown in fig. 4B, the engagement rail 12 is rotated rearward beyond the vertical direction, creating an interior space 20a between the engagement rail end 12c and the receiving rail end 16c within the engagement rail curved portion interior surface 12 f. The chips introduced into the hinge portion 24 are not compressed but pushed into the space 20a. The vertical clearance of the hinge 24 (vertical displacement of the engagement track 12) allows collected debris to be ejected from the space 20a and escape from the hinge.

Compression of debris may also be reduced by configuring hinge 24 such that the engagement track does not pivot on the inner wall of the receiving track. Fig. 4C shows an embodiment of the hinge portion 24 in a vertical position. The engaging track curvature inner surface 12f pivots on the receiving track end 16 c. The engagement track end 12c is separated from the bottom of the receiving track inner surface 16e by a vertical gap "D". This separation reduces the likelihood that debris will become trapped and compacted within the receiving track hinge space 20. In one embodiment, the vertical gap "D" of the hinge portion 24 is at least about 0.025 inches, preferably between about 0.025 to about 0.03 inches, and more preferably about 0.0265 inches.

In some constructions, the more rounded profile of the guard member end 18a and the increased vertical clearance of the hinge portion 24 may permit over-rotation and inadvertent disengagement or decoupling of the slats. In one embodiment, the hinge portion 24 is configured to prevent over-rotation and uncoupling of the joined slats. Fig. 5A and 5B show an embodiment of the joined slats 1a and 1B with the engagement track rib 12d spaced from the engagement track tip 12c, which constrains forward rotation of the hinge portion 24. As used herein, forward rotation refers to rotation of two joined slats such that the (concave) inner side 4 of a first slat rotates toward the (concave) inner side 4 of a second slat, e.g., clockwise rotation of slat 1a relative to slat 1b, as shown in fig. 2A. A portion of the receiving track 14 including the lip member segment 16f between the tip 16c and the bend 16b is captured in the engaging track 12 between the tip 12c and the rib 12 d. The maximum height "E" of the lip member 16F between the tip 16c and the curved portion 16b is greater than the maximum height "F" between the engagement track tip 12c and the rib 12 d. As the slat 1a rotates forward, the engaging track rib 12d of the slat 1a contacts the receiving track lip member 16 (preferably the curved portion 16 b) of the slat 1b to stop the slat 1a from rotating forward.

In general, over-rotation is desirable to increase allowable manufacturing dimensional tolerances and improve manufacturability of the slats. Preferably, the height "E" is only slightly or slightly greater than the height "F" to increase the degree of articulation (over rotation) while preventing decoupling. In one embodiment, the slats 1a and 1b form the hinge portion 24, and the maximum angle of forward rotation "G" (fig. 5A) is about 70 ° to about 80 ° from vertical, and preferably about 76 ° from vertical, i.e. the complementary angle between the concave inner surfaces 4 is 104 °. In another embodiment, the maximum height "E" of the lip member segment 16F between the end 16c and the bend 16b is about 0.219 inches, and the maximum height "F" between the engagement track end 12c and the rib 12d is about 0.216 inches.

The use of the engagement track rib 12d to prevent over-rotation provides advantages over conventional slat designs, including consistency in the design of the hinge portion 24. As described below, roller shades generally include slats having different heights (i.e., maximum vertical height of the slats 1 between the engagement track 12 and the receiving track 14) and radii of curvature. In conventional roller blind slat designs without engaging track ribs 12d, the geometry of the engaging track and/or receiving track is configured to prevent over-rotation and uncoupling of the hinge portion. These geometries are not all of the slats are uniform, but must be modified to reflect the different heights and radii of curvature of the slats. In contrast to conventional slat designs, over-rotation is limited by the engaging track ribs 12d, which allows slats having different heights and radii of curvature to be configured with engaging tracks 12 and receiving tracks 14 having consistent geometries, and allows hinge 24 to be formed even between slats 1a and 1b having substantially different heights and radii of curvature. The engagement of the rail rib 12d similarly facilitates the use of accessory slats that may only be available in a single piece construction, such as the fingerlift slats and utility slats described below. Further, limiting over-rotation by engaging the track rib 12d reduces reliance on the guard member 18 to prevent decoupling of the hinge portion 24, which permits the guard member to be reduced to provide greater vertical clearance within the hinge portion.

The roller shutter curtain consists of a series of slats 1 forming a chain in a head-to-tail manner, with the engagement track 12 of a successive slat engaged in the receiving track 14 of the preceding slat in the chain. In the closed position, the slats 1 extend (vertically) to cover the opening of the host structure. In the open position, the slats 1 are retracted (raised) from the opening by wrapping or winding the joined slats around the spindle. The retracted roller blind typically comprises a plurality of rolls of slats 1, which substantially encircle the main shaft. The rolls of slats are preferably closely nested to minimize the space required by the retracted roller blind.

Fig. 6A shows an embodiment of a single roll comprising five strips 1a-1e wound around a spindle 26. Adjacent slats (e.g. 1a and 1 b) in the roll have a normal forward rotation angle of about 69 ° to the vertical. In one embodiment, each roll includes the same number of slats, which allows the slats in successive rolls to be aligned to facilitate tight nesting.

The tight nesting is further improved by configuring the slats to form a roll with concentric surfaces. In the embodiment of fig. 6A and 6B, the slats form a roll having concentric outer surfaces "H" and inner surfaces "I". The guard member outer surface 18b of the slat 1b and the engaging track base outer surface 12e of the slat 1a are aligned and extend along the same curvature as the male body outer surface 6 of the slat 1a to form a combined roll outer surface "H". Similarly, the lip member base outer surface 16d of the slat 1b extends along the same curvature as the main body concave inner surface 4 of the slat 1b to form a combined roll inner surface "I". In a preferred embodiment, the curvature of the outer and inner surfaces H, I of the roll is about concentric (i.e., sharing a center point located on the longitudinal axis of the spindle 26) to improve the tight nesting of adjacent rolls when the roll screen is in the retracted position. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the lip member 16f is also concentric with the inner surface D and the outer surface E to facilitate alignment of the engagement track base outer surface 12E with the guard member outer surface 18 b.

The tightly nested configuration of the retracted roller blind increases the risk of wear caused by contact between the slats of adjacent rollers. In one embodiment, worn ribs or protrusions 16g are positioned on the inner surface of the slat 1 (i.e., surfaces 4 and 16 d) to reduce contact of the slat in the retracted position. The worn boss 16g is preferably located at a position that has a high probability of contact with the strip of an adjacent (previous) roll, such as the hinge portion 24 area. In one embodiment, the wear tab 16g is positioned on the lip member outer surface 16 d. By reducing the face-to-face contact between the slats to the minimum area of the wear tab, the wear tab 16g creates a separation between the slats of adjacent rolls, which reduces accidental damage to the surface finish material of the slats and extends product life.

Fig. 6C and 6D show the roller blind in a retracted position wound or wrapped around the spindle 26 in a closely nested configuration. The blind winding comprises a roll comprising five slats 1a-1e, and the slats 1a are overlapped by the slats 1f in successive rolls. A wear tab 16g is positioned on the lip member 16 at the outer surface 16d of each slat to separate adjacent (overlapping) slats of the continuous roll. As shown in fig. 6D, the wear projection 16g of the strip 1e reduces the face-to-face contact between the inner and outer surfaces of adjacent rolls in the wrap, such as between the strip 1f body inner surface 4 and the lip member outer surface 16D (inner surface "I") and the strip 1e body outer surface 6 (outer surface "H").

The wear projection 16g also increases the allowable manufacturing dimensional tolerances and improves the manufacturability of the blind slats. For example, the separation between the slats created by the wear lobes 16g accommodates variations in concentricity of adjacent rolls. Instead, the concentricity of the strip may be adjusted by simply changing the size of the wear lobe 16, rather than redesigning the size and curvature of the strip.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the further from the spindle, the greater the circumference of the slats of each successive roll. Thus, the height of the slats has to be increased in each successive roll to accommodate the increased circumference and to maintain the same number of slats in each roll, i.e. the maximum vertical height of the slats 1 between the engagement track 12 and the receiving track 14 generally increases the further from the main axis. The radius of curvature of the slats must also be increased in each successive roll to maintain concentricity of the roll. In one embodiment, the height and radius of curvature of the slats in the rolling curtain monotonically increase the farther from the primary axis.

An initial starting slat of the rolling curtain is coupled to the main shaft. Fig. 8A and 9 show an embodiment of the spindle 26 and the corresponding starting slat 28. The spindle 26 is generally cylindrical with an outer surface 26a. The starting slat 28 is a partial slat with a similar structure to the slat 1, comprising a body 2 with a curvature with a concave inner surface 4 and a convex outer surface 6. The starter strip 28 has a top edge 8 and a bottom edge 10, and the receiving rail 14 is positioned at the bottom edge 10. However, the starting slat 28 does not include an engagement track at the top edge 8. The curvature of the starting slat body 2 (preferably the curvature of the concave inner surface 4) conforms to the curvature of the spindle outer surface 26a. The starter strip 28 may be coupled to the spindle 26 using various fasteners as known in the art. For example, the starter strip 28 may be attached to the spindle 26 with screws.

The starter strip and the spindle may also be configured to couple without fasteners. Fig. 8b and 10 show an embodiment of the spindle 32 and the complementary starting strip 29. The starter strip inner surface 4 has a flange 30 positioned at the edge 8 and the main shaft 32 has one or more complementary channels 32a sized and shaped to receive the flange 30. In the preferred embodiment, flange 30 is generally L-shaped, having a stem portion 30a and a leg portion 30b. The channel 32a is sized and shaped for hooking or snap-fitting the L-shaped flange 30 into the channel to couple the starter slat 29 to the main shaft 32. In one embodiment, the spindle 32 may include one or more channels 32b that mirror the channels 32a to allow the starter strip 28 to be coupled to the spindle in an opposite orientation. The starting slat 29 is coupled to the main shaft 32, the receiving rail 14 extending around the main shaft in a counter-clockwise direction when the flange 30 is received in the channel 32a, and the receiving rail 14 extending in a clockwise direction when the flange 30 is received in the channel 32 b.

In a preferred embodiment, the roller blind has a main shaft 26 with an outer diameter of about 3.325 inches and includes a series of slats having monotonically increasing heights (i.e., maximum height between the engagement track 12 and the receiving track 14) selected from the following incremental heights: the maximum difference in slat heights for the continuous slats in the series of 2.3118, 2.4618, 2.6180, 2.7787, 2.9446, 3.1170, 3.2699, 3.4265, 3.5877, 3.7543, 3.9275, and 4.0971 inches was about 6% (i.e., the difference between the continuous slat heights was 2.3118 inches and 2.4618 inches). The difference between the heights of the non-continuous slats was from a minimum of about 8.5% (3.7543 to 4.0971 inches) to a maximum of about 43.5% (2.3118 to 4.0971 inches). Fig. 7A and 7B show a comparison of a slat in an initial roll near a spindle having a height of about 2.3118 inches with a slat in a terminal roll distal to the spindle having a height of about 4.0971 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the main shaft 32 of the roller blind includes a snap-in drive tube (e.g., FIG. 5) having an outer diameter of about 3.315 inches.

As discussed above, the rib portion 12d enables the hinge portion 24 to be formed between slats having substantially different heights and radii of curvature. In the previously described embodiments of increasing slat heights, the hinge 24 may be formed between non-continuous slats having slat heights that differ by at least about 7%. In another embodiment, the hinge 24 is formed between discontinuous slats having a slat height in the range of between 9% and 45%.

To accommodate different spindle diameters, the number of identical slats in the initial layer (roll) of slats may be changed to be different from the standard value. In this arrangement, a number of slats equal to or smaller than the standard value may be used before the process of achieving the nested configuration by the standard set of slats. Furthermore, any subset of the standard slat groups may be used. In one embodiment, this alternative slat configuration may be used in the manufacture of (roller) blinds that exceed the mechanical limits of standard spindles.

To optimize the standard envelope-sized slat profile sequence, a subset of curtains may be designed to use a nested configuration before transitioning to a standard non-nested configuration. This subset of nested curtain sets can be adjusted to optimize for geometry, cost, manufacturability, or field (roller) curtain strength. In particular, the slat configuration may be optimized for different safety levels at different locations of the curtain.

The roller blind system may also comprise one or more accessory slats, such as a thumbpull slat, a coupling, a base slat and/or a utility slat integrated in a series of slats 1. Referring to fig. 11-19, embodiments of slats, accessory slats, and slat couplings of a roller shade system are shown. In one embodiment, the roller shade system includes a thumbpull strip to facilitate manual operation of the roller shade. Fig. 11 shows an example of a fingerboard strip 100 having a similar configuration to strip 1, including a single-walled body 102 having a curvature, an inner side or surface 104 having a concave curvature, and an outer side or surface 106 having a convex curvature. The slats 100 also include a protrusion 108 formed in the body 102 that provides a handle for manually raising or lowering the roller blind. In one embodiment, protrusion 108 is formed as a generally U-shaped channel in body 102 having an opening 108a on outer side 106 and protruding from inner side 104 to form a handle surface 108b. In a preferred embodiment, the curvature of the base 108c of the U-shaped channel is concentric with the curvature of the body 102 to facilitate tight winding of the roller blind in the retracted position. The operator can grasp the handle 108b from the inside of the roll-up screen or can insert a finger into the opening 108a from the outside of the roll-up screen. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the protrusion 108 may be formed with the opposite configuration, i.e., with an opening on the inner side 104 and a handle protruding from the outer side 106.

In one embodiment, the roller shade system includes a coupling slat for adjusting the roller shade to incorporate a variety of different slat designs. The slats of the roller blind may be designed to emphasize different features reflected in the construction and geometry of the engagement track and the receiving track, such as tight nesting of the rolled (roller) blind, or hinge portions with improved water resistance. Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a coupling 12 for joining two panels of different design. The coupler 120 includes an engagement track 122 configured for a first slat design and a receiving track 124 configured for a second slat design. In the preferred embodiment, the coupler 120 does not include a body separating the engagement track 122 and the receiving track 124 to minimize the profile of the coupler in the roller blind and the separation between two different slats.

In one embodiment, the roller shade system may include a base slat positioned at an end of a series of linked slats to contact a bottom of an opening in the host structure when the roller shade is in the closed position. The base panel may include seals and/or may be shaped to conform to the bottom of the opening to prevent gaps that allow penetration or the insertion of a prying tool. The base slat may also include locking means for securing the roller blind in the closed position and preventing it from lifting from the bottom of the opening.

Fig. 14-18 illustrate base slats configured for a variety of different applications. Fig. 14, 15 illustrate an embodiment of a large base slat 130 and a small base slat 140. The large base slats 130 are generally configured for use in roller blind applications for building structures, such as doors or windows. The miniature base strip 140 is typically used in smaller structures and furniture such as safety cabinets, counters and display cases. The base panels 130, 140 have double-walled bodies 132, 142 with engagement rails 134, 144 at the top end and channels 136, 146 formed at the bottom end. The channels 136, 146 are configured to receive gaskets or seals to allow the bottom ends of the base panels 130, 140 to better conform to the bottom of the opening of the body structure. In one embodiment, the base panels 130, 140 may include receptacles 138, 148 that may serve as threaded bosses for end retainers (described below) or may be configured to receive simple end plugs or bushings (not shown) known in the art.

Fig. 16 shows the housing 152 coupled to the base slat 154 to provide additional strength and rigidity. The housing 152 has a generally rectangular cross-section that is sized and shaped to conform to a base slat 154, which may have a standard configuration, such as the base slat 130 (FIG. 14). The housing may be coupled to the base panel 154 by one or more fasteners known in the art, such as screws or bolts.

Fig. 17 shows a base slat 160 having a main body 162 with an interior space 164 configured to receive additional functionality, such as a roller blind locking device (not shown). The top end of the base slat 160 carries a removable coupling 166 that includes an engagement track and a removable bottom 168 the coupling 166 may be provided with different engagement track configurations to allow the base slat 160 to be adapted for use with different roller blind designs where the bottom 168 is removable to provide access to the interior space 164 for mounting a locking device or other function.

Fig. 18 shows a base slat 170 having a main body 172 with a channel 174 configured to receive a removable handle (not shown) to facilitate manual raising or lowering of the roller blind. In one embodiment, the channel 174 is C-shaped and configured for snap-fit insertion of the handle.

In one embodiment, the roller shade system may include utility slats with interior spaces that may be retrofitted to add functionality to the roller shade, such as a locking system or reinforcement bars for the roller shade. Fig. 19 shows an example of a utility slat 200, which includes a main body 202 and a cover 204. The utility-type slat body 202 forms a generally U-shaped channel that includes a base 206 and walls 208 and 210 defining an interior space 212. The ends 208a and 210a of the walls 208 and 210 define an opening in the interior space 212. The cover 204 is secured to the body 202 to cover the opening and enclose the interior space 212.

In one embodiment, cover 204 has edges 204a and 204b, with a height between edges 204a and 204b sufficient to cover the opening between ends 208a and 210a. The ends 208a and 210a are configured to receive the edges 204a and 204b, respectively, and secure the cover 204 to the body 202. In one embodiment, the cover 204 is removably secured to the body 202. In the preferred embodiment, edges 204a and 204b are secured to ends 208a and 210a by snap-fit insertion.

The utility slats 200 are preferably designed to be seamlessly incorporated into the roll-up screen at different locations in the slat sequence. The utility strip 200 has engagement tracks 214 and receiving tracks 216 that are similar to or otherwise compatible with the engagement tracks 12 and receiving tracks 14 of the strip 1. In one embodiment, the engagement track 214 and the receiving track 216 are positioned at opposite ends 206a and 206b of the base 206. In the preferred embodiment, engagement track 214 and receiving track 216 are positioned on walls 208 and 210, respectively, and may form at least a portion of walls 208 and/or 210. In one embodiment, utility slat cover 204 has the same convex outer profile as the outer side or surface 6 of slat 1 when the roller blind is in the extended or closed position.

The utility slat interior 212 may be sized and shaped to receive a variety of different functions, such as a cut-resistant slat or other device, to enhance the safety of the roller blind. In one embodiment, a locking device is received in the interior space 212 to secure the roller shade in a closed or partially closed position. One or more flanges 218 may protrude from the base 206, cover 204, and/or walls 208 and 210 into the interior space 212 to locate and support a locking device or other feature within the interior space.

The roller blind may include an end retention system including a retention rail or guide rail positioned at both sides of the opening in the body structure. The guide rail is configured to receive an end of the slat and secure the slat in place to cover the opening of the structure. An end retention device is secured to the end of the slat and is received in the guide track to align and prevent disengagement of the slat end from the guide track. The ends of the slats may be configured with receptacles for receiving end retention devices, such as fasteners with washers, that are retained within the channels of the guide tracks. Examples of end retention systems are described in U.S. patent nos. 8,616,261 and 8,925,617 to miller, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 20 and 21 show an embodiment of the slat and end retaining means. The slat 300 has a main body 302, an engagement track 304, and a receiving track 306. The receiving rail 306 is similar to the receiving rail 14 of the slat 1 and comprises a receptacle 308 for receiving an end holding device, which is similar to the receptacle 34 (fig. 1C).

The end retention device includes a first end that secures the end retention device to the slat and a second end that engages the guide track. In one embodiment, the end retaining means is a retaining screw 310 with a first end 310a and a second end 310 b. The end 310a includes a threaded portion 310c for securing a retaining screw to the slat 300. A retaining screw head or flange 312 is positioned at end 310b for engaging the guide rail. In the preferred embodiment, end 310b includes an unthreaded portion 310d adjacent flange 312.

In one embodiment, the end retention device further includes a bushing 314 that includes a cylindrical body 316 with a first end 316a and a second end 316b, and an aperture 316c sized and shaped to receive the retention screw 310. A bushing head or flange 318 is positioned at the first end 316a of the body 316. The end retention device is assembled by inserting the retention screw 310 through the aperture 316c and positioning the bushing 314 at the end 310 b. Bushing end 136b is positioned proximal to retaining screw flange 312 or adjacent retaining screw flange 312 such that bushing flange 318 and retaining screw flange are spaced apart by body 316. In the preferred embodiment, bushing 314 is positioned on unthreaded portion 310d of retaining screw 310.

The retaining screw end 310a is received in the slat receiver 308 to couple the end retaining device to the ends 320 and/or 322 of the slat 300. In one embodiment, the receiving portion 308 of the slat 300 is sized and shaped to provide a threaded boss for retaining the threaded portion 310c to secure the end retention device to the slat. Retaining screw flanges 312 (and spaced apart bushing flanges 318) protrude from slat ends 320 and 322 to engage guide rails of the end retaining system.

Under load conditions, the end retainers are subjected to large stresses at the points of engagement with the slats. In one embodiment, the unthreaded portion 310d of the retaining screw 310 includes a portion 310e adjacent to the threaded portion 310c that has a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the screw boss (receptacle 308). As shown in fig. 21B and 21C, retaining screw 310 is configured such that unthreaded portion 310e becomes embedded within receptacle 308 and lath end 320 (or 322) to provide a stronger connection than the transition that occurs on the threaded portion of the screw. 21b and 21c.

Fig. 22A shows an embodiment of a guide rail 400 that includes a U-shaped channel 402 formed by a base 404 and a wall 406. Channel 402 is sized and shaped to receive a slat end 320 or 322 coupled to an end retaining device to retain and guide longitudinal movement of the slat within the channel. In one embodiment, a flange 408 protrudes from the wall 406 into the channel 402 to form a guide slot 410 that is sized and shaped to receive the bushing body 316. Movement of the bushing body 316 in the slot 410 guides longitudinal movement of the end retention device (the retention screw 310 and bushing 314) and the slat 300 within the guide track channel 402. The width or diameter of the retaining screw flange 312 is greater than the width or diameter of the guide slot 410 such that the retaining screw flange is captured by the guide slot and prevented from being withdrawn from the channel 402. The width or diameter of the bushing flange 318 is also greater than the width or diameter of the guide slot 410 such that lateral movement of the end retainer in the guide track 400 is limited by the length of the bushing body 316 between the retaining screw flange and the bushing flange.

In the embodiment of fig. 22A, the flanges 408 have different heights such that the slot 410 is positioned off-center within the channel 402 and the end retainers and the slats 300 are positioned closer to one of the walls 406 of the guide track 400. Fig. 22B shows an alternative embodiment of a guide rail 450 having a similar structure to guide rail 400, including a channel 456 defined by a base 452 and a wall 454. Flange 458 projects from wall 456 into channel 452 to form a guide slot 460 sized and shaped to receive bushing body 316 and capture retaining screw flange 312. Each guide slot flange 458 projects from wall 456 at approximately the same height such that guide slots 460 are equidistant from wall 456 and centered within channel 452.

In yet another embodiment, the guide track may include a stop within the channel that constrains the end retention device and lateral movement of the slat 300 into the guide track channel. Fig. 23A shows a guide rail 500 with a similar structure to guide rail 400, including a channel 502 defined by a base 504 and a wall 506. A flange 508 protrudes from the wall 506 into the channel 502 to form a guide slot 510 sized and shaped to receive the bushing body 316 and capture the retaining screw flange 312. A stop comprising one or more stop flanges 512 is formed within the channel 502 between the base 504 and the guide slot flange 508. As the end retainer and slat 300 move laterally into the guide track channel 502, the stop flange 512 is positioned to contact the retaining screw flange 312.

Similar to guide rail 400, guide slot flanges 508 protrude from walls 506 at different heights such that guide slots 510 are positioned off-center within channel 502 and end retainers and slats 300 are positioned closer to one of walls 506 of guide rail 500. In one embodiment, each stop flange 512 protrudes from the wall 506 at approximately the same height as the guide slot flange 508 protrudes from the same wall.

Fig. 23B shows an alternative embodiment of a guide rail 550 having a similar structure to guide rail 500, including a channel 556 defined by a base 552 and a wall 554. Flange 558 protrudes from wall 556 into channel 552 to form a guide slot 560 sized and shaped to receive bushing body 316 and capture retaining screw flange 312. A stop including one or more stop flanges 562 is formed within channel 552 between base 554 and guide slot flange 558. As the end retainer and slat 300 move laterally into the guide track channel 502, the stop flange 512 is positioned to contact the retaining screw flange 312.

Guide slot flanges 558 project from wall 556 at approximately the same height such that guide slot 560 is equidistant from wall 556 and centered within channel 552. In one embodiment, each stop flange 562 protrudes from wall 556 at approximately the same height, and preferably protrudes from wall 556 at approximately the same height as guide slot flange 558.

The guide track may also include a stop within the channel to prevent the roller blind from inadvertently lifting off the guide track, for example, when the roller blind is retracted into the open position. For example, a spring may be positioned in the channel at the top of the guide rail to provide a resilient stop (not shown). Slats in the roller blind (e.g., base slats) may include stop bars (not shown) that protrude into the channel and align to engage the channel stops and prevent unintended removal of the roller blind from the guide track. In one embodiment, one or more flanges protruding within the channel may be configured to form or receive a guide channel stop. For example, flange 458 and base 454 may form a receptacle 457 (fig. 22B) within channel 452 that is sized and shaped to receive a stop, such as a spring (not shown). Similarly, flange 562 and base 554 can form a receptacle 563 (fig. 23B) within channel 552 that is sized and shaped to receive a stop.

In one embodiment, the roller shade system includes a base slat with an end retention system to improve safety disposed in a closed or extended position. The base slat end retaining means increases tamper resistance and prevents disengagement of the locking bar from the guide track. In a preferred embodiment, the base slat incorporates the same guide track and end retention system as the roller blind slat. For example, the base panel may include a receptacle for receiving an end retention device, such as receptacle 34 or 308, serving as a threaded boss for the end retention device, such as retention screw 310 and bushing 314.

Fig. 24-31 illustrate various aspects of the installation of a roller shade system at an opening of a host structure. In one embodiment, the roller shade system includes a frame including one or more guide rails positioned at the periphery of an opening in the body structure. The roller blind is typically fixed to the top of the opening and the guide tracks are positioned at either side of the opening. As the roller blind descends to cover the opening, the guide rail will retain and guide the ends of the slats as they extend toward the bottom of the opening and into the closed position.

Fig. 24 shows one embodiment of a roller blind system 600 mounted at an opening 602 of a host structure, such as for a window 601, by a wall mount. The opening 602 has a top 604, a bottom 606, and a wall 608. The roller shade system 600 includes a plurality of connecting slats 610 that form a roller shade. The slats 610 are coupled to the spindle 612 and are covered by a housing 614 that is sized and shaped to receive and store the roller blind in a retracted (rolled up) position. The housing 614 may be secured to the wall 608 at the top of the opening 602 using one or more fasteners 616, such as screws, bolts, nails, or other fasteners known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener 616 is a concrete or masonry anchor, such as The ends of the slats 610 are captured in one or more guide tracks 618 that align and secure the slats in place to cover the opening. The roller blind may include a base slat 620, the ends of which may also be received in guide tracks 618.

Fig. 25 shows an alternative embodiment of a roller shade system 650 installed by a sink-in-place installation. The opening of the host structure 652 has a top 654, a bottom 656, and sidewalls 658. The roller shade system 650 includes a plurality of link slats 660 that form a roller shade. The slats are coupled to the spindle 662 and are covered by a housing 664 that is sized and shaped to receive and store the roller blind in a retracted (wound) position. The housing 664 may be secured to the top 654 of the opening 652 using one or more fasteners 666. The ends of the slats 660 are captured in guide tracks 668 that align and secure the slats in place to cover the opening. Guide track 668 is secured to side wall 658 by a trap mount. Column 672 is secured to side wall 658 and guide track 668 (and housing 664) is secured to column 672 using one or more fasteners, such as fastener 666. The roller blind may include a base strip 670, the ends of which may also be received in the guide track 668.

Fig. 26 illustrates an embodiment of a roller shade system 700 that includes a single roller shade mounted over an opening of a host structure having a side wall 702. The roller shade curtain includes a plurality of slats 704 spanning the width of the opening between the side walls 702. The ends of the slats 704 are received in guide tracks 706 positioned at the sides of the opening and secured to the side walls 702. In the retracted position, the slats 704 are stored in a housing 708 positioned at the top of the opening.

Fig. 27 shows an alternative embodiment of a roller shade system 750 in which multiple roller shades are positioned side-by-side to span the width of an opening in a body structure. Each roller shade curtain includes a plurality of slats 752, a guide track 754, and a housing 756. The housings 756 of adjacent roller shades are positioned side by side and secured to the open top 758. Between adjacent roller shades, two guide rails 754a and 754b are positioned back-to-back to receive the ends of the slats 752 of their respective roller shades. In one embodiment, guide rails 754a and 754b are secured to a vertical support (not shown) inside the opening, such as an internal architrave.

Referring to fig. 28-31, an embodiment for securing a guide rail 800 at an opening of a host structure such as a sidewall 802. In the embodiment of fig. 28, the guide rail 800 is mounted to the wall 802 by a wall mount. The guide rail 800 includes a U-shaped channel 804 formed by a base 806 and a wall 808. End retaining means (retaining screw 310 and bushing 314) are received in channel 802 to couple the ends of the slats (not shown) to guide rail 800. A flange 814 extends from the base 804 for receiving the fastener 816 to secure the guide rail 800 to the wall 802. For example, the fasteners 816 may be anchors that extend through the flange 814 and into the wall 802.

In one embodiment, flange 814 forms a channel sized and shaped to enclose the head 816a of fastener 816. As shown in fig. 28, arms 818 extend from the flange 814 opposite the guide rail base 804. The flange 814, arms 818, and guide rail base 804 form a U-shaped channel 820 for receiving the fastener head 816 a. The cover may be positioned at the opening of the channel 820 to conceal the fastener heads 816a, such as the snap-fit cover 110 (fig. 12).

In the embodiment of fig. 29, the guide rail 800 is secured to the wall 802 by a trap mount. Intermediate member 822 is secured to opening wall 802 by fasteners 824, such as anchors. The member 822 may be a vertical post such as a square or rectangular tube. The guide rail 800 is secured to a member 822 that is transverse or perpendicular to the wall 802 to receive a roller blind slat (not shown) that extends across the opening. In one embodiment, guide rail 800 is secured to member 822 by fasteners 816, such as metal screws, that extend through flange 814 and into member 822.

In the embodiment of fig. 30, two guide rails 800a and 800b are secured to the inner architrave 826 by a face mount. Guide rails 800a and 800b are positioned adjacent to each other in a back-to-back orientation on the same face of lintel frame 826. Each guide rail 800a and 800b is secured to the architrave 826 in a similar manner as the wall mount shown in fig. 28. Fasteners 816 (e.g., metal screws) extend through the flange 814 and into the architrave 826.

In the embodiment of fig. 31, two guide rails 800a and 800b are secured to the inner architrave 826 by a recessed mounting portion. Guide rails 800a and 800b are secured to different sides of architrave 826 by separate intermediate members 822a and 822b, respectively, in a manner similar to the entrapment feature shown in fig. 29. In one embodiment, members 822a and 822b are secured to opposing faces 826a and 826b of architrave 826, respectively, by fasteners 824 (e.g., metal screws). Guide rails 800a and 800b are secured to members 822a and 822b, respectively, by fasteners 816 (e.g., metal screws) transverse or at right angles to lintel frame face 802. The mounted guide rails 800a and 800b are oriented back-to-back and extend parallel to each other to receive a roller blind slat (not shown) extending across the opening.

Referring to fig. 32-34, a roller shade system 900 is shown including an alternative embodiment of a base slat with a locking system. The roller shade system 900 includes a series of linked slats 902 and guide tracks 904. The guide rail 904 has a U-shaped guide channel 906 formed by a channel base 906a, channel walls 906b and 906 c. The guide channel 906 is sized and shaped to receive the end of the slat 902, with the slat 902 being longitudinally slidable in the guide channel, as previously described. The base strip 908 is coupled to the series of strips 902 and is positioned at the ends of the series of strips 902. The end 908a of the base strip 908 is positioned at the guide track 904. In one embodiment, the base slat end 908a is positioned adjacent to the guide rail channel 906, but not within the guide rail channel 906, as best shown in fig. 34A and 34B.

The base slat 908 includes a locking system that includes a locking bar 910 positioned within the base slat to couple the locking bar to the joined slats 902. The locking bar 910 is longitudinally slidable in the base bar 908, laterally slidable within the guide channel 906 and channel base 906a, and slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking bar 910 extends transverse to the channel base 906 a. In one embodiment, the locking bar 910 has opposite ends 910a and 910b, wherein the locking bar end 910a is positioned proximate to the guide channel 906 and extends transverse to the channel base 906a in the locked position. As shown in fig. 34A, a slot 912 may be formed in the channel base 906a that is sized and shaped to receive the locking bar end 910a and allow the locking bar end to pass through the channel base and extend transverse to the channel base in the locked position. In the preferred embodiment, slot 912 is positioned to correspond to the position of locking bar 910 when the roll-up shade is extended to the closed position. Attempting to raise the base slat 908 and move the blind to the open position causes the locking bar 910 (locking bar end 910 a) to contact the channel base 906a, which prevents upward movement of the base slat and blind.

Attempts to forcibly raise the roller blind from the closed position by prying the base strip 908 upward may cause the base strip to deflect or bend into an inverted V-shape. As the base slat 908 flexes, the locking bar 910 may be pulled out of lateral engagement with the channel base 906a and extracted from the guide track 904, which allows the base slat and roller blind to be raised. In one embodiment, the locking bar 910 includes a tamper-resistant feature. The locking bar 910 has an edge 914 that includes a section that includes a break wall 914a, the break wall 914a extending over a cutout or groove 916 in the edge of the locking bar. The groove 916 has a groove base 916a, an opposing first groove side 916b, and a second groove side 916c, the first groove side 916b being proximate the locking bar end 910a. The groove base 916a, the first groove side 916b, and the second groove side 916c define a groove space 916, which is enclosed by the break wall 914 a. The break wall 914a and the groove 916 are positioned at the locking bar end 910a, and when the locking bar 910 is in the locked position, the break wall 914a and the groove 916 are aligned with the channel base 906a.

When the base strip 908 is forced upward, the break wall 914a contacts the channel base 906a. As additional force is applied, break wall 910b fails and breaks, allowing channel base 906a to move into recess 916. If sufficient force is applied to the base strip 908, the channel base 906a is captured in the groove 916, which prevents the locking bar 910 from being pulled out of lateral engagement with the channel base 906a and extracted from the guide track 904. As a result, the locking bar 910 becomes a tension member that resists deflection of the base slat 908 and upward movement of the roller blind. The groove 916 may be configured to prevent inadvertent disengagement and increase the retention of the channel base 906a in the groove. In one embodiment, the first groove side 916a and the locking bar edge 914 form an acute interior angle (and the first groove side 916a and the break wall 910b form a complementary obtuse interior angle). In another embodiment, the groove base 916a and the first groove side 916a may form an inner right angle.

Attempts to apply roller shutter force may also include twisting the base slat 908 to disengage the locking bar 910 from the guide track 904. In one embodiment, the locking system further includes an anti-twist bolt or sleeve 918 positioned in the base slat 908. As best shown in fig. 32 and 33, the base strip 908 includes a longitudinal channel 908c with a channel opening at end 908a. The sleeve 918 is slidingly received in the base slat channel 908c and may extend from the channel opening transversely to the guide channel 906 (or retract into the channel opening). In one embodiment, the width of the base slat channel 908c is greater than the width of the sleeve 918 such that one or more longitudinal pockets 908d are formed in the channel adjacent to the sleeve 918 (e.g., on one or both sides of the sleeve 918). The base panel pocket 908d may be used to provide additional functionality to the base panel 908. For example, a reinforcing bar (force such as a hardened steel bar or plate) may be positioned in the pocket 908d to strengthen the base panel 908.

The sleeve 918 has opposite first and second ends 918a, 918b, wherein the first end 918a is positioned proximate to the base slat end 908a and the second end 918b is positioned distal to the base slat end 908a. The sleeve first end 918a has a sleeve opening 920 sized and shaped to slidably receive the locking bar 910, with the locking bar end 910a positioned proximate the sleeve first end 918a and the locking bar end 910b positioned distal from the first end in the sleeve 918.

In operation, the locking bar 910 is retracted into the sleeve 918, and the sleeve 918 is retracted into the base bar 908 to allow the base bar end 908a to be positioned at the guide track 904. Subsequently, the sleeve end 918a is laterally slidably extended and positioned in the guide channel 906. In the locked position, the locking bar end 910a extends from the sleeve opening 920 and the base bar 908 into the guide channel 906 and slidingly extends transverse to the channel base 906 a. The sleeve 918 acts as a sheath for the locking bar 910, which increases the torsional strength of the locking bar. Positioning the sleeve 918 in the guide channel 906 further increases resistance to torsion within the guide track 904.

In one embodiment, the locking bar 910 includes one or more longitudinal slots 910c. The pin 911a extends transversely through the base strip 908, sleeve 918, and slot 910c. In the preferred embodiment, the pin 911a is a removable fastener, such as a screw or bolt. Movement of the pin 911a in the longitudinal slot 910c guides longitudinal movement of the locking bar 910 in the base slat 908 and sleeve 918, and also constrains the maximum retraction or extension of the locking bar in the base slat and sleeve.

In one embodiment, the locking system further includes a stop bar 922 that prevents the base slat and roller blind from being completely lifted out of the guide track 904. The stop bar 922 is positioned in the base slat 908 and is longitudinally slidable therein, transversely to the guide channel 906. The stop bar has opposite ends 922a and 922b, wherein the stop bar end 922a is positioned to slidably extend into the guide channel 906.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve first end 918a has a sleeve opening 924 sized and shaped to slidably receive the stop bar 922, with the stop bar end 922a positioned proximate the sleeve first end and the stop bar end 922b positioned distally in the sleeve 918. The stop bar sleeve opening 924 is preferably spaced apart from the locking bar sleeve opening 920. In operation, the stop bar 922 (and locking bar 910) is retracted into the sleeve 918, and the sleeve 918 is retracted into the base bar 908 to allow the base bar end 908a to be positioned at the guide track 904. The sleeve end 918a then laterally slidably extends into the guide channel 906 and the stop tab end 922a further slidably extends into the guide channel 906. The stop bar end 922a is preferably positioned adjacent to the channel base 906a. Unlike the locking bar 910, the stop bar 922 does not extend transverse to the channel base 906a and does not operate to lock the position of the roller blind. In one embodiment, the stop bar 922 is secured in the extended position by a pin 923a that extends transversely through the base slat 908, the sleeve 918, and the stop bar 922. In the preferred embodiment, the pin 923a is a removable fastener such as a screw or bolt.

The guide channel 906 includes a guide channel stop (not shown) positioned at or near the top of the guide track 904. The guide channel stops are aligned to engage the stop bar 922, and preferably the stop bar end 922a. As the roller blind rises and the base strip 908 reaches the top of the guide track 904, the stop strip end 922a contacts the guide channel stop, preventing further upward movement of the base strip and roller blind. In one embodiment, the stop comprises a spring providing a resilient stop. To allow the base slat and roller blind to be lifted completely out of the guide track 904, the stop bar 922 may be slidably retracted into the opening 924 of the sleeve 918 and out of alignment to engage the guide track stop.

As shown in fig. 32, a roller blind system generally includes two guide rails 904 positioned at both sides of the roller blind. The configuration of the two guide rails 904 and the engagement of the two ends of the slats 902 in the guide rails are mirror images of each other. Similarly, the base strip 908 may have opposite ends 908a and 908b that include a mirrored locking system. Fig. 35A-35C illustrate an embodiment of a locking mechanism 1000 having a mirror image arrangement of locking bar 910, stop bar 922, and sleeve 918 at opposite ends. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 1000 includes a conventional rack and pinion type mechanism 1002 for moving the locking bars 910 between their locked and unlocked positions, as is known in the art.

The locking system preferably allows for adjustment and correct positioning of the locking bar when the locking mechanism and locking bar are positioned in the base slat and guide track. The locked and unlocked positions of the locking bar 910 relative to the base strip 908 are typically determined at the time of installation, and the locking mechanism 1000 is adjusted to conveniently switch the locking bar between predetermined positions. Conventional locking devices must be removed from the base panel to adjust the locking elements to their proper locked and unlocked positions. This requires a trial and error process, since the correct positioning of the locking element can only be confirmed after reinstallation in the base strip and the guide rail. To facilitate installation of the locking device, the base panel is generally configured to open at the bottom with a removable cover plate. Such an opening structure reduces the strength of the base panel. The ability to adjust the locking bar 910 when installed in the base strip 908 and guide rail 906 facilitates installation and allows for a higher strength base strip design.

The locking mechanism 1000 may be actuated to move between an extended (locked) position and a retracted (unlocked) position and is coupled to the locking bar 910. In one embodiment, the locking bar 910 includes a longitudinal slot 926 (e.g., at end 910 b), and the locking mechanism 1000 includes one or more pins 1004 slidably positioned in the slot 926. Once positioned in the base slat 908, the locking mechanism 1000 is actuated to the fully extended position, and the locking bar 910 slides over the pin 1004 and adjusts to the proper locking position transverse to the channel base 906 a. The locking bar 910 is then fixedly secured to the locking mechanism 1000 such that actuating the locking mechanism to the fully extended position automatically moves the locking bar to the proper locking position. In one embodiment, the pin 1004 is a fastener that releasably secures the locking bar 910 to the locking mechanism 1000. For example, the pin 1004 may be a bolt that may be tightened to fixedly secure the locking bar 910 to the locking mechanism 1000.

In one embodiment, the base strip 908 has one or more ports or openings 928 and 930 (fig. 32) to allow access to and adjustment of the locking mechanism 1000 and locking bar 910 when the locking mechanism is installed in the base strip. The opening 928 is aligned with the section 932 of the locking bar 910 such that the locking bar section is accessible through the opening 928 to adjust the position of the locking bar in the base slat 908-e.g., by tool insertion to manually engage and slide the locking bar within the base slat. In a preferred embodiment, the segment 932 includes a series of holes that can be alternately engaged by a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) to move the locking bar 910. The openings 930 are aligned with the pins 1004 such that the pins are accessible through the openings 930 (e.g., by tool insertion) to manually run fasteners and fixedly secure or release the locking bar 910 and locking mechanism 1000.

In one embodiment, the locking bar 910 is coupled to the sleeve 918 such that adjusting the position of the locking bar also adjusts the position of the sleeve. In another embodiment, the stop bar 922 may be coupled to the sleeve 918 such that adjusting the position of the locking bar also adjusts the sleeve and stop bar positions. For example, adjusting to retract the locking bar 910 toward the base strip 908 also adjusts and retracts the sleeve 918 and stop bar 922. In one embodiment, the locking bar 910 is coupled to the sleeve 918 by a pin 911b that extends transversely through the sleeve and through the locking bar slot 910 c. The stop bar 922 may be coupled to the sleeve 918 by a pin 923b that extends transversely through the sleeve 918 and engages the stop bar. In a preferred embodiment, pins 911b and/or 923b are removable fasteners, such as roller pins.

Fig. 36-39 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a locking system that includes a base slat 950 and a locking bar 952. The base slat 950 has an end 950a, and a longitudinal locking bar channel 954 with a channel opening 954a at the base slat end 950 a. The locking bar 952 is positioned in the locking bar channel 954 and is longitudinally slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking bar 952 has opposite first and second ends 952a, 952b. In the locked position, locking bar second end 952b is positioned within locking bar channel 954 and locking bar end 952a extends from channel opening 954a and base bar end 950 a. In the unlocked position, the locking bar 952 is retracted into the base slat 950, and the first locking bar end 952a and the second locking bar end 952b are positioned in the locking bar channel 954.

The base slat 950 is positioned in the guide track 956 to increase resistance to torsional forces on the base slat and locking bar 952. The guide rail 956 includes a U-shaped guide channel 958 formed by a channel base 958a, channel walls 958b and 958 c. The base slat end 950a is positioned in the guide channel 956. Fig. 36A and 36B illustrate the locking bar 952 in the locked position. The locking bar end 952a extends from the base bar end 950a transverse to the guide channel 956 and channel base 958a. As the base slat 950 is raised, the locking bars 952 (locking bar ends 952 a) align to contact the channel base 958a, preventing the base slat from moving upward. Fig. 37A and 37B illustrate the locking bar 952 in a partially unlocked position. The locking bar 952 is partially retracted toward the base slat 950 and into the locking bar channel 954. The locking bar end 952a does not extend transversely to the channel base 958a and is not aligned to contact the channel base and prevent upward movement of the base bar 950. Fig. 38 shows the locking bar 952 in the fully unlocked position, with the locking bar 952 and locking bar ends fully retracted toward the base slat 950 and into the locking bar channel 954.

In one embodiment, the locking system further includes a removable base slat handle 960. In conventional roller blind systems, the base slat handle is raised transversely to the base slat to facilitate manual raising and lowering of the base slat and roller blind. However, the raised handle prevents the end of the roller blind from wrapping tightly around the spindle. Failure to tightly wind the ends of the roller blind can affect the complete retraction and removal of the roller blind from the guide track-e.g., facilitating installation, maintenance, or replacement of the roller blind.

39A-39B illustrate the operation of the removable base slat handle 960. The base slat handle 960 includes opposed first and second ends 960a, 960b. The first end 960a forms a grip 962 extending transversely to the base slat 950 to facilitate manual raising and lowering of the roller blind. The second end 960b includes a stop flange 964 sized and shaped to be received in the locking bar channel 954 and couple the base bar handle 960 to the base bar 950. In a preferred embodiment, the locking bar channel 954 forms a longitudinal slot in the base bar 950. As best shown in fig. 39B, the stop flange 964 is configured to be removably received in the locking bar channel 954 by being laterally inserted through the locking bar channel slot 954. In one embodiment, the locking bar channel 954 forms a slot with a C-shaped cross-section, and the stop flange 964 is configured for lateral (rotational) insertion through the locking bar channel slot and into the locking bar channel 954. Insertion of the stop flange 964 in the locking bar channel 954 provides a stop that limits sliding movement of the locking bar 952 in the locking bar channel and limits retraction of the locking bar into the base slat 950. In a preferred embodiment, the base slat handle 960 is coupled to the base slat 950 such that the stop flange 964 is positioned to contact the locking bar 952 (fig. 38) in the fully unlocked position.

In one embodiment, the handle second end 960b further includes a connection flange 966 configured to be positioned on the base slat 950 when the base slat handle 960 is coupled to the base slat. As best shown in fig. 39A, the slot of the locking bar channel 954 opens out at one side 950b of the base slat 950. When the base slat handle 960 is coupled to the base slat 950, the connection flange 966 is positioned on the base slat side 950 b. The connection flange 966 may be coupled to the base slat 950 by removable fasteners 966, such as screws. In a preferred embodiment, stop flanges 964 and connecting flanges 966 are positioned on opposite sides of base slat handle second end 960 b.

In one embodiment, the locking system further includes a stop bar 970 that prevents the base slat 950 and the roller shutter from being completely lifted out of the guide track 956. The base slat 950 has a longitudinal stop bar channel 972 with a channel opening 972a at the base slat end 950a. The stop bar channel 972 and the channel opening 972a are preferably spaced apart from the locking bar channel 954 and the channel opening 954 a. The stop bar 970 is positioned in the stop bar channel 972 and is longitudinally slidable in the base slat 950 transversely to the guide channel 956. The stop bar has opposite ends 970a and 970b, wherein the stop bar end 970a is positioned proximate to the channel opening 972a and the base bar end 950a and the stop bar end 970b is positioned distal to the base bar end 950a.

The stop bar 970 operates similarly to the stop bar 922. The stop bar 970 is first retracted into the base slat 950 to facilitate positioning of the base seat in the guide track 956. The stop bar 970 then extends transversely into the guide channel 958 slidingly and is preferably positioned adjacent to the channel base 958a. As the base slat 950 rises within the guide track 956, the stop bar end 970a contacts a stop 974 positioned within the guide channel 958, which prevents further upward movement of the base slat. In one embodiment, stop 974 includes a spring that provides a resilient stop.

In one embodiment, the stop bar 970 has a longitudinal slot 970c and a pin 971 extending transversely through the base slat 950 and the longitudinal slot 970 c. In a preferred embodiment, the pin 971a is a removable fastener, such as a screw or bolt. Movement of the pin 971 in the longitudinal slot 970c guides longitudinal movement of the stop bar 970 in the base slat 950 and also constrains maximum retraction or extension of the stop bar in the base slat. Once the stop bar 970 extends in the guide channel 958 and is properly positioned to contact the stop 974, a second pin 973 may be inserted through the base slat 950 to engage and fixedly secure the stop bar to the base slat. In one embodiment, the pin 973 is a removable fastener, such as a screw.

The base slat 950 is preferably constructed as a unitary extruded body for ease of manufacture. One example of a base slat with an integral extruded configuration is shown in the cross-sectional profile of fig. 39A-39C. The locking bar channel 954 and the stop bar channel 972 are integrally formed in the base slat 950 and are configured as longitudinal C-shaped channels for ease of extrusion. Configuring the locking bar 952 and the base slat handle 960 to be positioned in the same locking bar channel 954 further reduces the complexity of the base slat profile for extrusion.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A locking system for a roller shade including a plurality of roller shade slats, the locking system comprising:

a guide rail comprising a U-shaped guide channel having a channel base and first and second channel walls, wherein the guide channel is sized and shaped to receive an end of the roller shade slat and guide the end of the roller shade slat to move longitudinally within the guide channel; and

A locking bar coupled to the joined slats and laterally slidable within the guide channel between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking bar in the locked position extends transversely to the channel base.

2. The locking system of claim 1 wherein the locking bar includes a locking bar edge, the break wall extending over a groove in the locking bar edge; and

wherein the break wall is aligned with the channel base when the locking bar is in the locked position.

3. The locking system of claim 2, wherein the locking bar has opposed first and second locking bar ends, the first locking bar end positioned proximate the guide channel;

wherein the groove has a groove base, opposing first and second groove sides, the first groove side being proximate the first locking bar end, wherein the groove base, first groove side and second groove side define a groove space enclosed by the break wall; and

wherein the first groove side and the locking bar edge form an acute interior angle.

4. A locking system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the groove base and the first groove side form a right angle.

5. The locking system of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve having a sleeve end with a first sleeve opening;

wherein the sleeve end is positioned in the guide channel and the locking bar is slidably received in the first sleeve opening; and

wherein the locking bar has opposed first and second locking bar ends, the second locking bar end being positioned in the sleeve and the first locking bar end extending transversely to the channel base from the first sleeve opening in the locked position.

6. The locking system of claim 5, further comprising a stop bar;

wherein the sleeve end has a second sleeve opening and the stop bar is slidably received in the second sleeve opening.

7. The locking system of claim 5, further comprising a base slat coupled to the plurality of joined slats, the base slat having a base slat end positioned adjacent to the guide track, and a longitudinal base slat channel with a base slat opening at an implement base slat end;

Wherein the sleeve is slidably received in the base slat channel.

8. The locking system of claim 7, wherein the base panel channel has a longitudinal pocket adjacent the sleeve.

9. The locking system of claim 8, further comprising a stiffening bar sized and shaped to be received in the longitudinal pocket.

10. A locking system for a roller blind, comprising:

a unitary extrusion body having a body end and a longitudinal first channel with a first opening at the body end;

a locking bar having opposed first and second locking bar ends, the locking bar being positioned in the first channel and being longitudinally slidable in the body between the locked position in which the second end is positioned within the channel and the first end extends from the first opening and the unlocked position in which the first and second locking bar ends are positioned in the first channel; and

A handle having opposed first and second handle ends, the first handle end including a grip projecting laterally from the body and the second handle end including a stop flange removably received in the first channel;

wherein the stop flange is a stop for movement of the locking bar in the first channel.

11. The locking bar of claim 10, wherein the locking bar contacts the stop flange in the unlocked position.

12. The locking slat of claim 10, wherein said main body further comprises a longitudinal second channel with a second opening at said main body end; and

a stop bar positioned in the second channel and longitudinally slidable in the body.

13. The locking slat of claim 10, wherein the main body has a main body side, the first channel forms a slot in the main body side, and the stop flange is sized and shaped to be received in the first channel by being inserted laterally through the slot.

14. The locking slat of claim 13, wherein the stop flange is received in the first channel by a rotational insertion through the slot.

15. The locking bar of claim 13, wherein the second handle end further comprises a connection flange, and wherein the stop flange is received in the first channel and the connection flange is positioned on the body side.

16. The locking bar of claim 15, wherein the stop flange and the connecting flange are raised on opposite sides of the handle.

17. The locking slat of claim 15, wherein the connecting flange is removably secured to the main body side by fasteners.

18. A locking system for a roller shade including a plurality of roller shade slats, the locking system comprising:

a base slat coupled to the roller blind slat and having a first opening;

A locking bar laterally slidable within the guide channel between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking bar in the locked position extends transversely to the channel base;

a lock movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and

a fastener releasably securing the lock to the locking bar;

wherein the lock and the locking bar are positioned in the base panel, the locking bar being accessible through the first opening to adjust the position of the locking bar in the base panel, and the locking bar in the locked position is fixed to the lock in the extended position.

19. The locking system of claim 18, wherein the first opening is aligned with a locking bar section having a plurality of holes, and the position of the locking bar in the base strap is adjustable through alternating engagement of the plurality of holes through the first opening.

20. The locking system of claim 18, wherein the base strap further comprises a second opening, and wherein the fastener is accessible through the second opening to secure the lock to the locking bar.

21. The locking system of claim 18, further comprising:

a sleeve positioned in the base slat and slidable laterally within the guide channel, the sleeve having a first sleeve opening and a second sleeve opening, and the locking bar being slidably received in the first sleeve opening;

a stop bar laterally slidable within the guide channel, the stop bar slidably received in the second sleeve opening;

wherein the locking bar and the stopping bar are coupled to the sleeve, and wherein adjustment of the position of the locking bar in the base slat also adjusts the position of the sleeve and the stopping bar.