Patent Publication Number: US-2021180402-A1

Title: Closure Locking System

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a locking system and, more particularly, to a locking system configured to secure a closure. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment there is a lock module comprising a housing, a lock pawl, and an actuator. The lock pawl may be moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the lock pawl extends from the housing by a greater distance in the extended position than in the retracted position. The actuator may be configured to selectively couple to the lock pawl, the lock module being in a locked configuration when the actuator is coupled to the lock pawl. The lock pawl may be configured to move in a first direction as a closure moves from a first position to a second position and the lock pawl may be configured to move in a second direction as the closure moves from the second position to the first position. The first direction may be opposite the second direction. The lock pawl may be configured to block movement of the closure when the lock module is in the locked configuration. 
     The actuator may include a translatable portion that is configured to translate along an axis and the lock pawl may be configured to pivot about a lock pawl axis. The actuator may be a powered actuator. The powered actuator may be a solenoid. The lock pawl may be biased toward the extended position. In a further embodiment, the lock module includes a biasing element coupled to the lock pawl and the biasing element may bias the lock pawl toward the extended position. In a further embodiment, the lock module includes a blocking element coupled to the actuator, the blocking element configured to block movement of the lock pawl in the first direction from the extended position to the retracted position. The actuator may be configured to move the blocking element from a first position to a second position along a blocking element path. The lock pawl may include a lip and the blocking element may engage the lip to prevent movement of the lock pawl in the first direction from the extended position to the retracted position. The blocking element may be biased toward the first position. The lock module may be configured to be fail secure. The lock module may be configured to be fail safe. 
     In a further embodiment, the lock module includes a sensor configured to sense when the blocking element is in the second position. The sensor may be configured to transmit a signal to a processor that is configured to allow operation of a closure motor after transmission of the signal. The lock pawl may be configured to pivot about a lock pawl axis as the lock pawl moves between the extended position and the retracted position. The lock pawl may be in the extended position as the actuator moves the blocking element from the first position to the second position. 
     In a further embodiment, a closure assembly includes a first frame configured to be coupled to a wall defining a portion of an opening, a closure configured to be coupled to the frame, and the lock module. The closure may be moveable from an open position wherein the closure allows access through the opening to a closed position wherein the closure at least partially obstructs the opening. The actuator may be coupled to the first frame. The actuator may be positioned within a housing and the housing may be coupled to the first frame. The closure may include a bottom bar and the bottom bar may engage the lock pawl. The bottom bar may be configured to move the lock pawl from the extended position to the retracted position. 
     In a further embodiment, the closure assembly includes a second frame coupled to a wall defining another portion of the opening and the bottom bar is configured to substantially extend from the first frame to the second frame. The lock pawl may be configured to pivot about a lock pawl axis as the lock pawl moves between the extended position and the retracted position. The lock pawl axis may be substantially parallel to the bottom bar. The frame may include a closure track such that the closure moves within the closure track between the open position and the closed position. The lock pawl may extend into the closure track when the lock pawl is in the extended position. The lock pawl may be at least partially out of the closure track when the lock pawl is in the retracted position. In a further embodiment, the closure assembly includes a controller configured to send an activation signal to the actuator. In a further embodiment, the closure assembly includes a manual actuator configured to move the lock pawl from the extended position to the retracted position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the closure locking system, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For example, although not expressly stated herein, features of one or more various disclosed embodiments may be incorporated into other of the disclosed embodiments. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a closure locking system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the closure in the closed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the closure locking system of  FIG. 1  with the closure in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom elevational view of the lock module and bottom bar of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the lock module of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the lock module of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the lock module of  FIG. 1  with the lock pawl in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the lock module of  FIG. 1  with the blocking element in a second position; 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the lock module of  FIG. 1  with the blocking element in a first position; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the lock module of  FIG. 1  with a cover thereon; 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of the lock pawl; and 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the lock pawl. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A closure may be configured to seal an opening to restrict passage of unwanted persons or objects. In some embodiments, a closure locking system is configured to secure the closure in a selected position (e.g., a closed or partially closed position). In some embodiments, a closure locking system automatically locks the closure as the closure moves from a first position (e.g., open position) toward a second position (e.g., an extended position). For example, the closure locking system may include a lock assembly having a lock pawl configured to prevent movement of the closure to the first position when the lock pawl is in a locked configuration. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-9  a closure locking system, generally designated  20 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , in some embodiments, the closure locking system  20  includes a closure  24  (e.g., a grille, curtain, door) configured to seal or obscure an opening (e.g., a window, door, roof opening, accessway). In some embodiments, the closure  24  is moveable between a first or open position ( FIG. 2 ) to allow passage through an opening; and a second or closed position ( FIG. 1 ) where the closure  24  prevents the passage of objects. In some embodiments, the closure  24  can be locked in the second position to prevent unauthorized movement of the closure  24  from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, a portion of the closure  24  may be within a hood  28  when the closure  24  is in the first position. For example, the closure  24  may coil about itself and/or about a shaft within the hood  28  as the closure moves from the second position to the first position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , in some embodiments, the closure locking system  20  includes a frame  26  on one or both sides of the opening. In some embodiments, the frame  26  defines a closure track  25 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the closure  24  is configured to move within the closure track  25  as the closure  24  moves between the second position and the first position. For example,  FIG. 3  shows a top view of one embodiment of the closure locking system  20  where the frame  26  defines a recess  30  and a portion of the closure  24  is within the recess  30  as the closure  24  moves between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the frame  26  is configured to retain a portion of the closure  24  within the frame  26 . For example, the frame  26  may include a sidewall  32  that defines an entry  34  to the recess  30  and the entry  34  may be narrower than the recess  30 . In some embodiments, the closure is configured to engage the sidewall  32  such that a portion of the closure  24  is retained within the recess  30 . For example, the closure  24  may include an end cap  36  having a width that is greater than the width of the recess  30  and thus could not be pulled out through the recess  30 . 
     In some embodiments, a portion of the closure  24  is flexible. In some embodiments, the closure  24  includes a rigid element at or near a bottom of the closure  24  configured to interact with a locking mechanism to keep the closure  24  in the closed position. Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , for example, the closure  24  may include a bottom bar  38  that is more rigid (e.g., more resistant to deflection from a horizontal or vertical force) than another portion of the closure  24 . In some embodiments, the bottom bar  38  is resistant to prying. In some embodiments, the end cap  36  is coupled to the bottom bar  38 . For example, the end cap  36  may be coupled to the bottom bar  38  via adhesive, weld, rivet, or threaded fastener. In some embodiments, frame  26  includes a first frame coupled to a first sidewall of the opening and a second frame coupled to a second sidewall of the opening. In some embodiments, the bottom bar  38  is configured to extend substantially from the first frame to the second frame. In some embodiments, a major axis of the bottom bar extends from the first frame toward the second frame. In some embodiments, the major axis of the bottom bar  38  is the longest length of the bottom bar  38 . 
     In some embodiments, the end cap  36  is configured to keep the bottom bar  38  engaged with the frame  26 . For example, the end cap  36  may be sized and dimensioned such that the end cap  36  remains engaged with the frame  26  when a horizontal or vertical force is applied to the closure  24  or bottom bar  38 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the end cap  36  includes a dog bone shape. For example, a first end  40  and a second end  42  of the end cap  36  may be each have a width that is greater than a width of a middle portion  44 . In some embodiments, the first end  40  is coupled to the bottom bar  38 . In some embodiments, the second end  42  includes a protuberance  46  that engages the sidewall  32  of the frame  26 . For example, the protuberance  46  may include a fastener  48  and a collar  50  that is wider than the entry  34 . In some embodiments, the collar  50  is manufactured from brass, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. In some embodiments, the protuberance  46  engages the sidewall  32  and keeps the end cap  36  engaged with the frame  26  if a force (e.g., a horizontal or vertical force) is applied to the closure  24  or bottom bar  38 . In some embodiments, the end cap  36  maintains engagement of the bottom bar  38  and frame  26  when a force of up to about 1 pound to about 100 pounds, about 100 pounds to about 500 pounds, about 500 pounds to about 1,000 pounds, about 1,500 pounds to about 2,000 pounds, about 2,000 pounds to about 2,500 pounds, about 2,500 pounds to about 3,000 pounds, about 3,000 pounds to about 3,500 pounds, about 3,500 pounds to about 4,000 pounds, about 4,000 pounds to about 4,500 pounds, about 4,500 pounds to about 5,000 pounds, about 1 pound to about 2,500 pounds, about 2,500 pounds to about 5,000 pounds, or less than 5,000 pounds is applied to the bottom bar  38  or closure  24 . 
     In some embodiments, lock module  22  is coupled to frame  26 . The lock module  22  may be configured to prevent movement of the closure  24  from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the lock module  22  is configured to engage the bottom bar  38  and/or end cap  36  when the lock module  22  is in a locked configuration. In some embodiments, the lock module  22  is positioned within (or substantially within) the frame  26 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lock module  22  is positioned adjacent to the frame  26 . In some embodiments, the lock module  22  is positioned at or near a bottom of the frame  26 . In some embodiments, lock module  22  extends along a portion of frame  26 . In other embodiments, the lock module  22  is positioned between the top and bottom of the frame  26 . In some embodiments, the lock module  22  is positioned at an ergonomically convenient location (e.g., about 30-54 inches above the ground). In some embodiments, a first lock module  22  is within first frame and a second lock module  22  is within second frame. In some embodiments, the first lock module  22  is at a different height above the ground than second lock module  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the end cap  36  moves along the closure track  25  as the closure  24  moves between the second position and the first position. In some embodiments, the lock module  22  includes a lock pawl  52  positioned at least partially within the closure track  25  ( FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, the closure track  25  is an area defined by the frame  26  within which the end cap  36  moves as the closure  24  moves between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the closure track  25  extends the length of the frame  26 . In other embodiments, the closure track  25  extends partially along the frame  26 . 
     In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is moveable between an extended position ( FIG. 4 ) and a retracted position ( FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  in the extended position extends into the closure track  25 . In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is configured to block movement of the closure  24  when the lock pawl  52  is in a lock configuration, as explained in greater detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  includes a body  53  having a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the body  53  includes an outer surface  55  and a lip  70  extends away (e.g., upwardly when at least a portion of the lock pawl  52  is within the closure track) from the outer surface  55 . In some embodiments, the lip  70  includes a front surface  73  and a rear surface  71 . The front surface  73  may be disposed at a first angle (e.g., an oblique angle) relative to the outer surface  55  of the body. The rear surface  71  of the lip  70  may be disposed at a second angle (e.g., perpendicular or close to perpendicular) relative to the outer surface of the body. The first angle may be different than the second angle. The rear surface  71  of the lip  70  may be disposed at the second angle such that when the rear surface  71  of the lip  70  engages the blocking element  68 , the lock pawl  52  is prevented from rotating. 
     In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  includes one or more apertures  57  to receive a biasing element, as explained in greater detail below. In some embodiments, apertures  57  are disposed on opposing sides of the lock pawl  52 . In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  includes a tongue  59  extending from the body  53 . In some embodiments, the body  53  includes a body width W 1  and the tongue  59  includes a tongue width W 2  ( FIG. 11 ). In some embodiments, the body width W 1  is greater than the tongue width W 2 . In some embodiments, the tongue  59  includes an opening  63  ( FIG. 10 ). In some embodiments, the opening  63  is configured to receive an axle such that the lock pawl  52  can rotate about the axle as the lock pawl moves between the extended position and the retracted position. 
     In some embodiments, the lock module  22  includes a housing  54 . In some embodiments, the housing  54  is coupled to the frame  26 . In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  extends from the housing  54  by a greater distance in the extended position than in the retracted position. In some embodiments, a portion of the lock pawl  52  (e.g., body  53 ) extends from the housing  54  by a distance of about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches, about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches, about 0.75 inches to about 1 inch, about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2 inches, or less than about 2 inches when the lock pawl  52  is in the extended position. In some embodiments, the housing  54  is positioned at least partially within the frame  26 . In some embodiments, the frame  26  forms at least a portion of the housing  54 . In some embodiments, the frame  26  is positioned between the closure  24  and the housing  54 . In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  extends into the closure track  25  when the lock pawl  52  is in the extended position. In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is at least partially out of the closure track  25  when the lock pawl  52  is in the retracted position. 
     In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is configured to move in either of a first direction or a second direction as the closure  24  moves between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is configured to move in a first direction as the closure  24  moves from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is configured to move in a second direction as the closure  24  moves from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the first direction is opposite the second direction. In some embodiments, the bottom bar  38  or end cap  36  move the lock pawl  52  from the extended position to the retracted position. 
     In some embodiments, lock pawl  52  is configured to pivot about a lock pawl axis A-A ( FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  pivots about the lock pawl axis A-A as the lock pawl  52  moves between the extended position and the retracted position. In some embodiments, lock pawl axis A-A is substantially parallel to the major axis of the bottom bar  38 . In other embodiments, the lock pawl axis A-A is transverse to the major axis of the bottom bar  38 . In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  pivots in a first direction  58  ( FIG. 5 ) as the closure  24  moves from the first position (e.g., open position) to the second position (e.g., closed position). In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  pivots in a second direction  60  as the closure moves from the second position to the first position. 
     In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is biased toward the extended position. For example, the lock module  22  may include a biasing element assembly  56  coupled to the lock pawl  52  and biasing the lock pawl  52  toward the extended position. In some embodiments, the biasing element assembly  56  includes one or more than one biasing element. In some embodiments, the biasing element assembly  56  includes a first biasing element  62 . In some embodiments, the biasing element assembly  56  includes a second biasing element  64 . In some embodiments, the first biasing element  62  and the second biasing element  64  bias the lock pawl  52  in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the biasing forces from the first biasing element  62  and the second biasing element  64  are at equilibrium when the lock pawl  52  is in the extended position. In some embodiments, first biasing element  62  and second biasing element  64  are substantially identical but oriented in opposite directions to maintain a neutral position of the lock pawl  52 . 
     In some embodiments, the neutral position of the lock pawl  52  is the position where the first biasing element  62  and the second biasing element  64  acting on the lock pawl  52  are in equilibrium. In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  extends generally perpendicularly away from the frame  26  in the neutral position. In other embodiments, the lock pawl  52  extends away at an angle (e.g., at an angle other than 90°). In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  remains in the neutral position until a force (e.g., contact from the bottom bar  38  or end cap  36 ) moves the lock pawl  52  from the neutral position. 
     In some embodiments, body width W 1  is selected such that the body extends substantially across the width of the housing  54  of the lock module  22 . In some embodiments, the tongue width W 2  is selected such that the first biasing element  62  and second biasing element  64  are positioned on the axle between the tongue  59  and a sidewall of the housing  54 . 
     In some embodiments, the first biasing element  62  (e.g., a torsional spring) generates a first biasing force that resists movement of the lock pawl  52  in the first direction. In some embodiments, the second biasing element  64  (e.g., a torsional spring) generates a second biasing force that resists movement of the lock pawl  52  in the second direction. In some embodiments, the first biasing force increases, and the second biasing forces decreases, proportionally to the distance the lock pawl  52  is moved from the extended position toward the retracted position in the first direction  58 . In some embodiments, the first biasing force decreases, and the second biasing force increases, proportional to the distance the lock pawl  52  is moved from the extended position toward the retracted position in the second direction  60 . In some embodiments, the first biasing force and second biasing force acting in different directions force the lock pawl  52  to the extended position where the first biasing force and second biasing force are at equilibrium. 
     In some embodiments, the lock module  22  is selectively movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is configured to block movement of the closure  24  when the lock module  22  is in the locked configuration. For example, the lock module  22  in the locked configuration may prevent movement of the end cap  36  such that the closure  24  cannot move from the second position to the first position. 
     In some embodiments, an actuator  66  is configured to selectively engage the lock pawl  52 . In some embodiments, the lock module  22  is in the locked configuration when the actuator  66  engages the lock pawl  52 . In some embodiments, the actuator  66  includes a translatable portion  72  configured to translate along axis B-B ( FIG. 7 ). In some embodiments, the translatable portion  72  is configured to translate along axis B-B and the lock pawl  52  is configured to pivot about axis A-A. In some embodiments, axis A-A is transverse to axis B-B. In some embodiments, axis A-A is perpendicular to axis B-B. 
     In some embodiments, a blocking element  68  is configured to prevent movement of the lock pawl  52 . In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  prevents movement of the lock pawl  52  in the second direction  60 . In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  prevents movement of the lock pawl  52  in the second direction  60  but allows movement of the lock pawl  52  in the first direction  58 . In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  is configured to block movement of the lock pawl  52  in the second direction  60  from the extended position to the retracted position. 
     In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  is moveable from a first position ( FIGS. 7-8 ) to a second position ( FIGS. 4-5 ). In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  in the first position prevents movement of the lock pawl  52  in the second direction  60 . For example, the blocking element  68  may engage the lip  70  thereby preventing movement (e.g., rotation in the second direction  60 ) of the lock pawl  52  when the blocking element is in the first position ( FIG. 8 ). In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  has at least one flat or generally flat surface that confronts the rear surface  71  of the lip  70 . In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  rotates about a pivot  61  ( FIG. 8 ). In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  begins to rotate about the pivot  61  until the flat surface of the blocking element  68  engages the rear surface  71  of the lip  70  thereby blocking further rotation of the lock pawl  52 . 
     In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  extends substantially across the width of the housing  54 . In some embodiments, the width of the blocking element  68  is greater than the width of the body  53 . In some embodiments, the front surface of the blocking element  68  engages the rear surface  71  of the lip  70 . In some embodiments, a rear surface of the blocking element  68  engages a rear wall of the housing  54 . In some embodiments, a rear surface of the blocking element  68  contacts a rear wall of the housing  54  such that force from rotation of the lock pawl  52  is transferred to the blocking element  68  and through to the rear wall of the housing  54 . In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  includes a depth that is at least about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or about 98% of the distance between the rear surface  71  of the lip  70  and the rear wall of the housing  54  (e.g., when the lock pawl  52  is in the extended position). 
     In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  is closer than the lip  70  to a vertical axis C-C extending through a center of the pivot  61 . In some embodiments, a majority of the blocking element  68  is on a first side of the axis C-C and the lip  70  is on a second side of the axis C-C opposite the first side. 
     In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  is biased toward the first position. In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  is gravity biased toward the first position. In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is prevented from rotating in the second direction  60  when the blocking element is in the first position. In some embodiments, the body  53  of the lock pawl  52  is disposed about an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, lock pawl  52  is at least partially rotatable about the axis of rotation. For example, lock pawl  52  can rotate, in some embodiments, in the first direction  58 . Lock pawl  52  can rotate, for example, when the blocking element  68  is in the first position. In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is configured to rotate in either of the first direction  58  or second direction  60  when the blocking element  68  is in the second position. In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  is biased toward the first position and the closure  24  can be moved from an open position to a closed position when the blocking element is in the first position. In some embodiments, the lock module  22  is fail safe. In other embodiments, the lock module  22  is fail secure. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator  66  is configured to move the blocking element  68  from the first position to the second position along a blocking element path. In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  moves along a linear axis as the blocking element moves along the blocking element path. In some embodiments, the depth of the blocking element  68 , as measured from the rear wall of the housing to the front surface of the blocking element  68 , is selected such that the blocking element  68  can move between the first position and the second position when the lock pawl  52  is in the extended position. In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  is in a position outside of the arcuate rotational path of the lock pawl  52  when the blocking element  68  is in the second position. In some embodiments, the lock pawl  52  is in the extended position as the actuator  66  moves the blocking element  68  from the first position to the second position. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator  66  comprises a powered actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator  66  comprises a solenoid. In other embodiments, the actuator  66  comprises a motor (e.g., direct current motor), an electro-magnet, a hydraulic actuator, or a pneumatic actuator. 
     In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  comprises part of a carriage  78  ( FIG. 7 ). In some embodiments, the carriage  78  defines an open box (e.g., open on at least one side). In some embodiments, the carriage  78  includes a first wall  80  (e.g., a sidewall) and a second wall  82  (e.g., a top wall). In some embodiments, second wall  82  is coupled to the translatable portion  72  of the actuator  66 . In some embodiments, second wall extends between the sidewalls of the housing  54 . 
     In some embodiments, second wall  82  is positioned opposite the blocking element  68 . 
     In some embodiments, first wall extends between second wall  82  and the blocking element  68 . In some embodiments, carriage  78  includes two first walls  80  positioned on opposing sides of the carriage  78 . In some embodiments, first wall  80  has a length such that the carriage  78  at least partially surrounds internal components of the closure locking system (e.g., a cam or manual actuator as described in greater detail below). In some embodiments, first wall  80  and blocking element  68  are coupled together via a tongue and groove engagement. In some embodiments, the blocking element  68  is fixed to first wall  80  (e.g., via welding, adhesive, rivet, or fastener). In some embodiments, the carriage  78  is a unitary construct. 
     In some embodiments, movement of the bottom bar  38  or end cap  36  in a first direction (e.g., vertical) applies a force in the first direction on the body  53  of the lock pawl  52 . The force in the first direction (e.g., vertical) causes the lock pawl  52  to rotate or pivot about its axis of rotation. The rear surface  71  of the lip  70  of the lock pawl  52  contacts the flat surface of the blocking element  68  which transforms the force in the first direction to a force in a second direction (e.g., horizontal). 
     In some embodiments, the rear surface of the blocking element  68  is spaced from a rear wall of the housing  54  and the force applied to the blocking element  68  by the lip  70  is transferred to the first wall  80  of the carriage  78 . In other embodiments, the force on the first wall  80  to the frame  26  or sidewall of the opening. In some embodiments, a portion of the lock pawl  52  (e.g., the body  53 ) extends away from the blocking element  68  at an angle of about 65 degrees to about 115 degrees, about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, or about 90 degrees when the lock pawl  52  engages the blocking element  68 . 
     In some embodiments, the actuator  66  is coupled to the carriage  78  (e.g., via welding, adhesive, or fastener) such that movement of the translatable portion  72  of the actuator  66  causes movement of the carriage  78 . In some embodiments, movement of the carriage  78  causes movement of the blocking element  68  along the blocking element path. In some embodiments, movement of the carriage  78  moves the blocking element  68  between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, movement of the translatable portion  72  of the actuator  66  simultaneously moves the carriage  78  and blocking element  68 . 
     In some embodiments, the lock module  22  includes a sensor  84  configured to sense when the lock module  22  is in at least one of the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the sensor  84  is a contact sensor. In other embodiments, the sensor  84  is an optical sensor, ultrasonic sensors, capacitive, photoelectric, inductive, or magnetic sensor. In some embodiments, a feedback sensor could be housed within a different actuator. In some embodiments, the sensor  84  senses the presence or absence of the carriage  78 . In some embodiments, the sensor  84  senses the presence or absence of the blocking element  68 . In some embodiments, the sensor  84  senses a condition associated with the presence or absence of the blocking element  68 . In some embodiments, the closure locking system  20  includes a controller and the sensor  84  is configured to send a signal to the controller based on the presence or absence of the carriage  78  or blocking element  68 . In some embodiments, the sensor  84  sends a signal to the controller when the blocking element  68  is in the first (e.g., locked) position. In other embodiments, the sensor  84  sends a signal to the controller when the blocking element  68  is in the second (e.g., unlocked) position. 
     In some embodiments, the controller is configured to send an activation signal to the actuator  66 . In some embodiments, the actuator  66  is configured to move the translatable portion  72  in response to receiving the activation signal from the controller. In some embodiments, the lock module  22  is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration in response to the actuator  66  receiving the actuation signal from the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is hardwired to the actuator  66 . In some embodiments, the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with the actuator  66  (e.g., via BlueTooth, Zigbee, WiFi, or cellular communication network). 
     In some embodiments, the controller is configured to send an opening signal to an activation means (e.g., a motor) to open the closure  24 . In some embodiments, the controller is configured to send the opening signal after receiving a sensor signal from the sensor  84 . In some embodiments, the controller is configured to send the opening signal to the activation means at a predetermined time after receiving the sensor signal from the sensor  84 . In some embodiments, the predetermined time is about 2 seconds, about 5 seconds, about 10 seconds, about 20 seconds, about 30 seconds, about 45 seconds, about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, or about 5 minutes. 
     In some embodiments, the lock module  22  includes a manual actuator  74  configured to move the lock module  22  from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the manual actuator  74  moves the blocking element  68  from the first position to the second position ( FIG. 8 ). For example, the manual actuator  74  may include a manually engagable handle or a key that moves the blocking element  68  from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the manual actuator  74  includes a cam  76 . In some embodiments, movement (e.g., rotation) of the cam  76  causes the blocking element  68  to move along the blocking element path. In some embodiments, the manual actuator  74  is coupled to an axle  87  such that movement of the manual actuator  74  causes movement of the axle  87  ( FIG. 8 ). For example, rotation of the manual actuator  74  may cause rotation of the axle  87 . In some embodiments, movement of the axle  87  causes movement of the cam  76 . For example, the cam  76  may be rotationally fixed to the axle  87  such that rotation of the axle  87  causes rotation of the cam  76 . 
     In some embodiments, the cam  76  contacts the second wall  82  such that movement of the cam  76  causes movement of the carriage  78 . In other embodiments, the lock module  22  includes a cam follower or link  86 . In some embodiments, the link  86  includes a first end  88  and a second end opposite the first end  88 . In some embodiments, the second end is coupled to the cam  76 . 
     In some embodiments, the lock module  22  includes a cover  94  ( FIG. 9 ) with a track  96 . The cover  94  may be coupled to one or more sidewalls of the housing  54 . The cover  94  may extend across the width of the housing  54  to prevent access to the internal components of the closure locking system  20 . In some embodiments, the cover  94  is axially fixed relative to the housing  54 . In some embodiments, track  96  is a vertical or generally vertical slot. 
     In some embodiments, the first end  88  of the link  86  includes a pin  92  positionable within the track  96 . In some embodiments, rotation of the cam  76  causes linear movement of the carriage  78 . For example, rotation of the cam  76  may cause the pin  92  to move along the track  96 . In some embodiments, the track  96  confines the pin  92  to linear movement such that rotation of the cam  76  causes movement of the first end  88  to move linearly (e.g., upwardly). In some embodiments, the first end  88  of the link  86  moves the carriage  78  (e.g., linearly) such that the blocking element  68  is moved from the first position to the second position. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the closure locking system. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. 
     It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein. 
     Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims. Any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.