Patent Publication Number: US-2020300035-A1

Title: Slip Fit Guide

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/564,785 filed Sep. 28, 2017 entitled “Slip Fit Guide”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a guide system and, more particularly, to a slip fit guide for a retractable closure such as a door or curtain. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a guide system may include a first member, a coupling element, and a second member. The first member may be configured to be fixed to a structure, the coupling element may be fixed to the first member, and the second member may be moveable relative to the first member. The second member may be configured to receive the coupling element to couple the first member to the second member. The guide system may include a channel between the first member and the second member when the first member is coupled to the second member. The channel may be configured to receive a portion of a closure. 
     The closure may be configured to move between an open position and a closed position with the portion of the closure in the channel. The second member may include an opening configured to receive the coupling element. The opening may include a first portion having a first portion width and a second portion having a second portion width. The first portion width may be greater than the second portion width. The coupling element may include a head having a head width and a body having a body width, the head width may be greater than the body width. The head width may be less than the first width and greater than the second width. The body width may be less than the first width and the second width. The first member may include a first surface and the head may be spaced from the first surface. The second member may be configured to be positioned adjacent the first surface by moving the second member relative to the first member in a first direction such that the head passes through the first portion of the opening. The second member may be configured to move relative to the first member in a second direction such that body may be moved from the first portion to the second portion of the opening. The second member may be prevented from moving in the first direction when the body may be within the second portion. The head may comprise a wedge configured to secure the second member between the head and a first surface of the first member. The wedge may include a deflectable arm configured to deflect when the second member contacts the deflectable arm. 
     In a further embodiment, the guide system may include an anchor coupled to the first member, the anchor may be configured to secure the first member to a structure. The second member may include a second opening configured to receive a portion of the anchor when the second member is adjacent the first member. 
     In a further embodiment, the guide system may include a fastener configured to prevent movement of the second member relative to the first member in the second direction. The first member may include a first segment and a second segment, the second segment may be transverse to the first segment. The second member may include a first portion and a second portion, the second portion may be transverse to the first portion. The coupling element may be fixed to the first segment and the first portion may include the opening. The channel may be at least partially defined by the second segment and the second portion. The second member may include a third portion coupled to the second portion, the third portion may be transverse to the second portion. The second member may include a fourth portion coupled to the third portion and the first portion, the fourth portion may be transverse to each of the third portion and the first portion. The fourth portion may be parallel to the second portion. The third portion may be parallel to the first portion. At least one of the coupling element and the anchor may not be visible from outside the channel when the second member may be coupled to the first member. 
     In one embodiment, a guide system may be configured to be positioned adjacent an opening and the guide system may include a closure means for selectively occluding the opening, the closure means moveable from an open position toward a closed position. The guide system may include a first guide means configured to be fixed to a sidewall of the opening. The guide system may include a coupling means fixed to the first guide means. The guide system may include a second guide means configured to be moveable relative to the first member. The second guide means may be configured to receive the coupling element to couple the first guide means to the second guide means. A channel may be formed between the first guide means and the second guide means when the first guide means is coupled to the second guide means. The channel may be configured to receive a portion of the closure means. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following detailed description of embodiments of the slip fit guide, 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 view of a closure system including a guide in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top, sectional view of a first member of the guide of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top, section view of a second member of the guide of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the guide of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the guide of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up view of the second member of the guide of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top, plan view of the guide of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a close-up view of a second member in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a top, rear, right-side perspective view of the ramp of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the ramp of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a close-up view of the second member of  FIG. 8  with a coupling element; 
         FIG. 12  is a top, front, left-side perspective view of a coupling element in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the guide of  FIG. 1  with the coupling element of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a close-up view of the second member of  FIG. 1  with an opening in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a top, plan view of the guide of  FIG. 1  coupled to a tube; 
         FIG. 16  is a top, plan view of the guide of  FIG. 1  coupled to a wall; 
         FIG. 17  is a top, plan view of the guide of  FIG. 1  coupled to a jamb; 
         FIG. 18  is a top, front, right-side perspective view of a bottom bar and a sectional view of the guide of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the housing of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view of a housing in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of a closure with a wind lock attached in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the wind lock of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a top, front, right-side close-up perspective view of the closure and wind lock of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of the closure and wind lock of  FIG. 21  in a coiled state; 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of a wind lock in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 26  is a top, front, right-side close-up view of the wind lock of  FIG. 25  coupled to a closure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, there is a guide system adapted to receive a sliding closure such as a flexible closure. In one embodiment the guide system includes an assembly adapted to fit together through a secure sliding motion. When fit together, embodiments of the assembly will accommodate wind locks and door locks that are smooth functioning, tamper resistant, aesthetically pleasing and not visible from the exterior of the closure. In addition, the installation of the assembly and closure may be facilitated by a modular prefabricated construction. Some embodiments of the guide system include a first member configured to be fixed to a structure, a coupling element fixed to the first member; and a second member moveable relative to the first member, the second member configured to receive the coupling element to couple the first member to the second member; wherein there is a channel between the first member and the second member when the first member is coupled to the second member, the channel configured to receive a portion of a closure. The guide system may be configured to attach to any passageway opening but may be especially useful in accommodating rolling closures such those found in storefronts. Among the benefits of embodiments of the present invention is to facility installation and/or repair of the guide system. It is also desirable to provide a closure system that is aesthetically pleasing that, for example, limits the sight lines to attachment fixtures while providing for a compact, secure means for guiding retractable closures. It is also desirable to provide a closure system that can accommodate a locking system internally to a guide structure that is both aesthetically pleasing and tamper resistant. 
     The invention will be more clearly understood from the following examples. Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is thus shown in  FIGS. 1-7  exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, a guide  20  is adapted to receive at least a portion of a closure  22  (e.g., a door, a screen, or a window). In one embodiment, the guide  20  is positioned adjacent an opening  24  and the closure  22  may be moveable between an open position and a closed position with the portion of the closure  22  within the guide  20 . In one embodiment, the closure  22  is a flexible closure and can be stored in a hood  26  or headspace enclosure (e.g., when rolled into an open position) when the closure  22  is in the open position. In one embodiment, the closure  22  is a curtain or grille. In one embodiment, the closure  22  is adapted to obscure an opening (e.g., a doorway, a window, or an opening in a wall) when the closure  22  is in the closed position. 
     In one embodiment, guides  20  are positioned on opposing sides of the opening  24 . In one embodiment, a width of the opening  24  is the width between the guides  20  and the width is between about 10 feet and about 30 feet. In one embodiment, the width is about 6 feet, about 8 feet, about 10 feet, about 12 feet, about 14 feet, about 16 feet, about 18 feet, about 20 feet, about 22 feet, about 24 feet, about 26 feet, about 28 feet, about 30 feet or about 32 feet. In one embodiment, the width of the opening  24  is between about 3 feet and about 26 feet. In one embodiment, a height of the opening  24  is between about 3 feet and about 20 feet. 
     In one embodiment, the guide  20  includes a first member  28  ( FIG. 2 ) and a second member  30  ( FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, the first member  28  is coupleable to a structure (e.g., a wall, an edge of the opening  24 , a support beam or tube, or a doorjamb). In one embodiment, the first member  28  includes an anchor  32  ( FIGS. 4-5 ) adapted to secure the first member  28  to the structure. In some embodiments first member  28  is adapted to receive and/or engage with anchor  32  that is adapted to secure the first member  28  to the structure. For example, the anchor  32  may include a screw, a bolt, or other threaded anchor that threadedly engages the structure. In one example, the anchor  32  may include a magnet, adhesive, an expandable anchor, non-threaded anchor (such as a rivet), or a welded joint. In one embodiment, the first member  28  includes an anchor opening  34  adapted to receive the anchor  32  ( FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, the geometric features (e.g., width, size, shape) of the anchor opening  34  are selected based on the type of anchor  32  selected. For example, a threaded anchor opening  34  may be adopted when a threaded anchor is selected. In one embodiment, the anchor opening  34  includes a chamfered edge such that a machine head fastener may sit flush with a first surface  36  of the first member  28  when the anchor  32  is seated within the anchor opening  34 . In one embodiment, a head  38  of the anchor  32  sits proud of the first surface  36  when the anchor is within the anchor opening  34 . 
     In one embodiment, the second member  30  is adapted to be coupled to the first member  28 . First member  28  and second member  30  may be configured to form guide  20  that is adapted to be coupled to the structure ( FIGS. 15-17 ). In one embodiment, the second member  30  is detachably couplable to the first member  28  and may be coupled to first member  28  when in use. In one embodiment, the guide  20  includes a coupling means (e.g., a pawl and groove engagement, a hook and loop fastener, magnets, a threaded fastener, a weld, a rivet, adhesive, or a nail) for coupling the first member  28  to the second member  30 . In one embodiment, the coupling means temporarily couples the first member  28  to the second member  30 . In one embodiment, the coupling means is configured to facilitate the coupling and decoupling of the first member  28  and second member  30 . One benefit of being able to couple and decouple the first member  28  and second member  30  is to permit repairs and replacement of elements of guide  20 . Another benefit may include facilitating installation and fit out of the guide  20 . In one embodiment, the coupling means fixes the first member  28  to the second member  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the coupling means is a coupling element  40  ( FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment, the coupling element  40  is fixed to one of the first member  28  and the second member  30 . Coupling element  40  is preferably adapted to engage the other of the first member  28  and the second member  30  to at least temporarily couple the first member  28  to the second member  30 . In one embodiment, the coupling element  40  includes a body  42  and a head  44 . The head  44  may be defined by a head width  46 . The body may be defined by a body width  48 . In one embodiment, the head width  46  is greater than the body width  48 . In one embodiment, the head width  46  is about 50% to about 100% larger than the body width  48 . In some embodiments, guide  20  includes a plurality of coupling members. The plurality of coupling means may be spaced apart in selected locations along guide  20 . In one embodiment, the guide  20  does not include a first member  28 , instead, the coupling element  40  is coupled to a wall or structure adjacent the opening. 
     In one embodiment, the body  42  is defined by a length  50 . In one embodiment, the length  50  is selected such that the body  42  extends through an opening  60  in the second member  30  and a portion of the second member  30  is positioned between the head  44  and the first member  28  when the second member  30  is coupled to the first member  28  ( FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the coupling element  40  includes a fastener  52  (e.g., a threaded fastener, a rivet, or a dowel) and the head  44  is a nut or other type of connecting element adapted to be fixed to the fastener  52 . In one embodiment, the head  44  is a nut that is partially threaded onto the fastener  52  and the head  44  is tightened after the second member  30  is coupled to the first member  28 . In one embodiment, the fastener  52  extends through the first member  28 . In another embodiment, the fastener  52  is fixed to a first surface  54  of the first member  28  and the fastener  52  stands proud of the first surface  54 . In one embodiment, the first member  28  includes a plurality of anchors  32  and a plurality of coupling elements  40  alternatingly positioned along the length of the first member  28  ( FIGS. 4-5 ). 
     In one embodiment, the second member  30  includes an opening  60  configured to receive the coupling element  40  ( FIGS. 3, 5-6 ). For example, in one embodiment the opening  60  includes a first portion  62  defined by a first portion width  66  ( FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, the first portion width  66  is selected such that the coupling element  40  can move through the first portion  62 . In one embodiment, the opening  60  includes a second portion  64  defined by a second portion width  68 . In one embodiment, the second portion width  68  is less than the first portion width  66 . In one embodiment, the second portion width  68  is about 30% to about 60% of the first portion width  66 . The second member  30  may include a first surface  70  which may be adjacent to, or abut, the first surface  54  of the first member  28  when the second member  30  is coupled to the first member  28 , as explained in greater detail below. 
     In one embodiment, the first portion width  66  is greater than the head width  46  and the body width  48 . In one embodiment, the second portion width  68  is greater than the body width  48  and less than the head width  46 . In one embodiment, the body width  48  is less than the first portion width  66  and the second portion width  68 . In one embodiment, the head width  46  is less than the first portion width  66  and the greater than the second portion width  68 . In one embodiment, the second member  30  includes a plurality of openings  60  spaced (e.g., every 12 inches) along the length of the second member  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the coupling element  40  is adapted to pass through the first portion  62  of the opening  60  as the first surface  70  of the second member  30  is moved adjacent to the first surface  54  of the first member  28 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, the second member  30  is configured to be moved in a first direction  72  relative to first member  28  such that the coupling element  40  passes through the opening  60  and the second member  30  is adjacent the first member  28  ( FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the coupling element  40  passes through the first portion  62  of the opening  60  as the second member  30  is moved relative to the first member  28 . In one embodiment, the body  42  of the coupling element is within the opening  60  when the first surface  54  of the first element  28  is adjacent the first surface  70  of the second member  30 . In one embodiment, the second member  30  is adapted to be moved in a second direction  74  (e.g., vertically) such that the body  42  is moved from the first portion  62  of the opening  60  to the second portion  64 . In one embodiment, the head  44  contacts the second member  30  thereby preventing movement of the second member  30  in the first direction  72  when the body  42  of the coupling element  40  is within the second portion  64  of the opening  60 . In one embodiment, a fastener (not shown) may be coupled to at least one of the first member  28  and the second member  30  to prevent movement of the second member  30  in the second direction  74  such that the body  42  remains in the second portion  64  of the opening  60 . In one embodiment, neither the coupling element  40 , nor the anchor  32 , are visible from outside of the guide  20  when the first member  28  is coupled to the second member  30 . In some embodiments, the second portion  64  of the opening  60  is above the first portion  62 . In other embodiments, the first portion  62  is above the second portion  64 . The second direction  74  may be selected depending on which of the first portion  62  and the second portion  64  is above the other portion. In other embodiments, the second member  30  may move horizontally or diagonally relative to the first member  28  to move the coupling element  40  from the first portion  62  to the second portion  64  of the opening  60 . In one embodiment, the first member  28  includes a plurality of coupling elements  40 , the second member  30  includes a plurality of openings  60  and the plurality of coupling elements  40  are simultaneously moved from the first portion  62  to the second portion  64  of the plurality of openings  60 . 
     In one embodiment, first member  28  and second member  30  are configured to form a channel  76  when assembled together. In one embodiment, a portion of the first member  28  and a portion of the second member  30  are separated by a channel  76  when the second member  30  is coupled to the first member  28  ( FIG. 7 ). The channel  76 , in one embodiment, is configured to receive a portion of the closure  22  (e.g, a side edge of the closure). In one embodiment, the closure  22  is adapted to move between the open position and the closed position while a portion of the closure  22  is within the channel  76 . In one embodiment, the channel  76  has a width  78  of about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch. In one embodiment, the width  78  of the channel  76  may be selected to receive a closure  22  having a width of about 0.125 inches to about 0.75 inches. In one embodiment, the channel  76  extends the length of the guide  20 . In one embodiment, the guide  20  defines an interior space  58  adapted to receive a wind lock, as explained in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the interior space  58  has a greater width than the channel  76 . Channel  72  may be defined by a free end segment of first member  28  and a free end segment of second member  30 . For example, an end portions of first member  28  and an end portion of second member  30  may be bent to form substantially parallel segments of first member  28  and second member  30  that define channel  76  when the substantially parallel segments aligned (e.g., when first member  28  is mated with second member  30 . In one embodiment, first member  28  and second member  30  includes opposing bends (e.g., third segment  88  and fifth portion  108 ). Opposing bends may facilitate the insertion of closure  22  through channel  76 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the first member  28  includes a first segment  80 . In one embodiment, the coupling element  40  is coupled to the first segment  80  disposed along a first plane  82 . In one embodiment, the first member  28  includes a second segment  84  disposed along a second plane  86 . In one embodiment, the second plane  86  is transverse to the first plane  82 . In one embodiment, the first member includes a third segment  88  disposed along a third plane  90 . In one embodiment, the third plane  90  is transverse to the second plane  86 . In one embodiment, the first plane  82  is parallel to the third plane  90 . In one embodiment, the second plane  86  is perpendicular to at least one of the first plane  82  and the third plane  90 . In one embodiment, the third segment  88  is a sidewall of the channel  76 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the second member  30  includes a first portion  92  disposed along a first portion plane  94 . In one embodiment, the first portion  92  includes the opening  60 . In one embodiment, the second member  30  includes a second portion  96  disposed along a second portion plane  98 . In one embodiment, the second portion plane  98  is transverse to the first portion plane  94 . In one embodiment, the second portion plane  98  is perpendicular to the first portion plane  94 . In one embodiment, the second member  30  includes a third portion  100  disposed along a third portion plane  102 . In one embodiment, the third portion plane  102  is transverse to the second portion plane  98 . In one embodiment, the third portion plane  102  is perpendicular to the second portion plane  98 . In one embodiment, the third portion plane  102  is parallel to the first portion plane  94 . In one embodiment, the second member  30  includes a fourth portion  104  disposed along a fourth portion plane  106 . In one embodiment, the fourth portion plane  106  is transverse to at least one of the third portion plane  102  and the first portion plane  94 . In one embodiment, the fourth portion plane is perpendicular to at least one of the third portion plane  102  and the first portion plane  94 . In one embodiment, the fourth portion plane  104  is parallel to the second portion plane  98 . In one embodiment, the second member  30  includes a fifth portion  108  disposed along a fifth portion plane  110 . In one embodiment, the fifth portion plane  110  is transverse to at least one of the fourth portion plane  106  and the second portion plane  98 . In one embodiment, the fifth portion plane  110  is perpendicular to at least one of the fourth portion plane  106  and the second portion plane  98 . In one embodiment, the fifth portion plane  110  is parallel to at least one of the first portion plane  94  and the third portion plane  102 . In one embodiment, the channel  76  is defined by the fifth portion  108  and the third segment  88 . 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , the second member  30  includes a ramp  112  adapted to increase the friction between the second member  30  and the coupling element  40 . For example, the ramp  112  may include an angled surface  114  which is angled relative to a second surface  116  of the second member  30 . In one embodiment, friction between the ramp  112  and the coupling element  40  further secures the first member  28  to the second member  30 . The ramp  112  may be fixed to the second member  30  (e.g., by adhesive, welding, threaded connector, or rivet). In one embodiment, the ramp  112  and the second member  30  are a unitary construct. In one embodiment, each of the first member  28  and the second member  30  include a ramp  112  that engage each other as the second member  30  is moved relative to the first member  28 . In one embodiment, the ramp  112  includes a rear surface  118  adapted to be adjacent the second surface  116  of the second member  30  when the ramp  112  is coupled to the second member  30 . In one embodiment, the ramp  112  includes a front surface  120  configured to engage the head  44  of the coupling element  40  as explained in greater detail below. In one embodiment, an angle  122  between a plane including the front surface  120  and a plane including the angled surface  114  is about 150 degrees to about 165 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, the ramp  112  includes a sidewall  124  which defines a trough  126 . In one embodiment, the trough  126  has a shape similar to that of the second portion  64  of the opening  60 . In one embodiment, the trough  126  and the second portion  64  are aligned when the ramp  112  is coupled to the second member  30 . In one embodiment, the body  42  of the coupling element  40  is configured to move along the trough as the second member  30  is moved in the second direction  74  when the first member  28  and second member  30  are in a coupling orientation. In some embodiments, the body length  50  is fixed, such that as the head  44  moves along the angled surface  114 , the second member  30  is drawn closer to the first member  28  and the friction force between the head  44  of the coupling element and the ramp  112  increases. In some embodiments, the friction between the head  44  and the ramp  112  resists movement of the second member  30  in the second direction  74 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-13 , one embodiment of a coupling element, generally designated  140 , is shown. In one embodiment, the coupling element  140  is adapted to couple the first member  28  to the second member  30 . In one embodiment, the coupling element  140  includes a first piece  142  adapted to be positioned adjacent the first surface  54  of the first member  28 . In one embodiment, the coupling element  140  includes an opening  144  adapted to receive the fastener  52  to secure the coupling element  140  to the first member  28 . In one embodiment, the coupling element  140  includes a second piece  146 . In one embodiment, the second piece  146  is transverse to the first piece  142 . In one embodiment, the second piece  146  stands proud of the first surface  54  when the coupling element  140  is coupled to the first member  28  ( FIG. 13 ). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second piece  146  extends through the opening  60  when the second member  30  is coupled to the first member  28 . In one embodiment, the coupling element  140  includes an arm  148 . In one embodiment, the arm  148  is cantilevered from the second piece  146  and a space  150  may separate a portion of the arm  148  from the second piece  146 . In one embodiment, the arm  148  is deflectable from a relaxed state where the space  150  has a first width to a contracted state where the space  150  has a second width different than the first width. In one embodiment, the first width is greater than the second width. In one embodiment, the arm  148  contacts the second surface  116  of the second member  30  as the second member moves in the second direction  74 . In one embodiment, the arm  148  is deflected from the relaxed state to the contracted state as the arm  148  comes into contact with the second surface  116  of the second member. In one embodiment, the coupling element  140  is manufactured from sheet metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, or stainless steel). In one embodiment, the arm  148  moves from the relaxed state to the contracted state as the arm  148  contacts the second member  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a second embodiment of an opening  152  is shown. In one embodiment, the opening  152  includes a first portion  154  and a second portion  156 , which may be analogous to first portion  62  and second portion  64  of opening  60  as previously described. However, the first portion  154  and the second portion  156  include a polygonal (e.g., rectangular) shape rather than the arcuate portion of a circle shape of the first portion  62  and second portion  64 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , the guide  20 , in one embodiment, may be coupled to a substrate  158 . For example, the substrate  158  may be a structural column (e.g., a steel beam as shown in  FIG. 15 ), a wall surface (e.g., the wall of a building as shown in  FIG. 16 ), or a jamb (e.g., a steel beam as shown in  FIG. 17 ). In some embodiments, (e.g., the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 15-17 ), the guide  20  may be coupled to a variety of surfaces or structures but the coupling element  40  and the anchor  32  remain out of sight from outside of the guide  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the guide  20  includes a lock. One type of lock contemplated for use with the guide  20  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,464, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In one embodiment, the lock is an auto lock  162  ( FIG. 18 ). In one embodiment, the closure  22  includes a bottom bar  164 . In one embodiment, the bottom bar  164  is fixed to the bottom of the closure  22  (closure not shown in  FIG. 18 ) to provide rigid structure to the bottom of the flexible closure  22 . In one embodiment, the bottom bar  164  includes an extension  166  adapted to be positioned within the channel  76  of the guide  20  when the first member  28  is coupled to the second member  30 . In one embodiment, the extension  166  is moveable from a first position at least partially within the bottom bar  164  to a second position at least partially outside of the bottom  164 . In one embodiment, the extension  166  is at least partially within the channel  76  when the extension  166  is in the second position. In one embodiment, a bearing  168  is coupled to the extension  166 . In one embodiment, the bearing  168  is configured to resist removal of extension  166  from channel  76 . In one embodiment, the bearing  168  includes a thickness that is greater than the channel width  78  such that the bearing  168  prevents the removal of the extension  166  from the channel  76 . In one embodiment, the bearing  168  is fixed to the extension  166  (e.g., by adhesive, welding, or threaded coupling). In one embodiment, the bearing  168  includes a nut and bolt which are coupled to the extension  166 . 
     In one embodiment, the auto lock  162  includes a housing  170  adapted to be positioned within the guide  20  ( FIGS. 17-20 ). In one embodiment, a pawl  172  extends from the housing  170  and is adapted to prevent movement of the closure  22  from the closed position to the open position by blocking the path of the extension  166 . In one embodiment, the pawl  172  is rotatably coupled to an axle  174  and the axle  174  is coupled to the housing  170 . In one embodiment, the pawl  172  is rotatable about the axle  174  from a first position where the pawl  172  is within (or substantially within) the housing  170  to a second position where at least a portion (or at least a greater portion) of the pawl  172  is outside of the housing  170  ( FIG. 18 ). In one embodiment, the pawl  172  is adapted to be rotated by an actuator  176  (e.g., a piston within a cylinder, an electric motor, or a manually powered actuator). In one embodiment, the actuator  176  is a solenoid (e.g., McMaster Carr Part #9719K22, 24 Volt solenoid). In one embodiment, a link  178  is coupled to each of the actuator  176  and the pawl  172  such that linear motion of the actuator  176  is translated into rotation of the pawl  172  about the axle  174 . In one embodiment, the actuator  176  moves vertically (e.g., along the length of the guide  20 ) thereby causing rotation of the pawl  172 . In one embodiment, an actuator  176  which moves vertically rather than horizontally allows the actuator to have a longer range of motion which may be translated into a mechanical advantage as the to rotate the pawl  172  about the axle  174 . In one embodiment, the length of linear travel of the actuator is about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches. In one embodiment, the pawl  172  is adapted to rotate about 15 degrees to about 30 degrees when the actuator  176  moves from a retracted position to an extended position. In one embodiment, the auto lock  162  includes a sensor  180  (e.g., a micro switch, a contact sensor, or an optical sensor) adapted to sense the position of the pawl  172 . 
     In one embodiment, the pawl  172  includes a shoulder  182  adapted to engage the housing  170  when the pawl  174  is in the second position. In one embodiment, for example, shoulder  182  is adapted to engage a fulcrum (e.g., a shelf) of housing  170 . In one embodiment, the shoulder  182  is brought into contact, or positioned adjacent to, the fulcrum (e.g., shelf  184 ) as the actuator  176  moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment, a wall  186  of the housing  170  includes the fulcrum (e.g., shelf  184 ). 
     In one embodiment, the pawl  172  includes a cam surface  188  such that the extension  166  can move the pawl  172  from the second position to the first position when the extension  166  contacts the cam surface  188  as the closure  22  moves from the open position to the closed position. In one embodiment, the extension  166  contacts a bottom surface  190  of the pawl  172  when the pawl  172  is in the second position, and a user attempts to move the closure  22  from the closed position to the open position. In one embodiment, the pawl  172  is rotated about the axle  174  as the extension  166  contacts the bottom surface  190 . In one embodiment, the pawl  172  rotates until the shoulder  182  contacts the shelf  184 . In one embodiment, the force of resistance to rotation provided by the shoulder  182  in contact with the shelf  184  is about 500 pounds to about 1,000 pounds. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , in one embodiment, the auto lock  162  includes a manual unlock  192 . In one embodiment, the manual unlock  192  is adapted to be rotated by a lever. In another embodiment, the manual unlock  192  is adapted to be rotated by a key such that only a person with the key will be able to override the auto lock  162 . In one embodiment, the manual unlock  192  includes a paddle  194  adapted to engage pawl  172  such as by engaging a lever  196  coupled to the pawl  172 . In one embodiment, the paddle  194  contacts the lever  196  by movement of the manual unlock  192 , such as the rotation of manual unlock  192 . In one embodiment, the pawl  172  is rotated from the second position to the first position as the manual unlock  192  continues to be moved after paddle  194  engages paw  172  (e.g., to rotated after the paddle  194  engages the lever  196 ). In one embodiment, the actuator  176  is selected such that the manual unlock  192  can rotate the pawl  172 , thereby moving the actuator  176  from the extended position to the retracted position. 
     In one embodiment, the actuator  176  is in the retracted position when power to the actuator  176  is lost (e.g., fail safe). In one embodiment, the actuator  176  is in the extended position when power to the actuator  176  is lost (e.g., fail secure). 
     In one embodiment, the closure  22  includes a wind lock  200  adapted to prevent removal of the portion of the closure  22  from the guide  20  ( FIGS. 21-24 ). In one embodiment, the closure  22  comprises a grille having a plurality of rods  202  extending in a first direction and one or more ties  204  extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction. In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  is coupled to one or more rods  202 . In one embodiment, the rods  202  have a diameter of about 0.05 inches to about 0.5 inches. In one embodiment, the closure  22  is flexible such that the closure  22  can be coiled about itself for storing. In one embodiment, such as where the closure includes a plurality of rods extending across an opening to and/or through opposing guides, the length of one or more selected rods are shorter to better fit with the wind locks when the closure is coiled about itself. In some embodiments, rods fixed to the wind lock(s) (fixed rods) extend further into the guide than free rods (those rods that are not fixed to wind locks). In one embodiment, a plurality of free rods extend substantially between the guides, but do not enter the guides while a plurality of fixed rods extend into the guides. 
     In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  includes an aperture  206  defined by a sidewall  208  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 22 ). Although the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22  includes two apertures  206 , any number of apertures could be incorporated into a wind lock, including 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 apertures. In one embodiment, the aperture  206  is adapted to receive a rod  202 . In one embodiment, the apertures  206  have a diameter of about 0.75 inches to about 0.188 inches. In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  includes a body  210  and the apertures  206  extend through the body  210 . In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  includes one or more flanges  212  protruding from the body  210 . In one embodiment, the flanges  212  are adapted to fit in the space between the rods  202  of a subjacent layer when the closure  22  is coiled about itself in the closed position. In one embodiment, an end of the flanges  212  have a thickness of about 0.15 inches to about 0.5 inches. In one embodiment, the flanges  212  are tapered as they extend away from the body  210 . In one embodiment, the tapered shape of the flanges  212  facilitate the flanges being positioned in the space between the rods  202  as the closure  22  coils about itself as it moves from the open position to the closed position. 
     In one embodiment, the flanges  212  include an inner wall  214 , an outer wall  216 , and an end wall  218 . In one embodiment, the inner wall  214  is positioned at an inner angle  220  relative to the end wall  218 . In one embodiment, the outer wall  216  is positioned at an outer angle  222  relative to the end wall  218 . In one embodiment, the inner angle  220  is equal to or greater than the outer angle  222 . In one embodiment, the inner angle  220  is less than or equal to the outer angle  222 . In one embodiment, at least one of the inner angle  220  and the outer angle  222  are about 70 degrees to about 120 degrees. In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  includes a space  224  between the flanges  212 . In one embodiment, wind lock  200  includes a space on a front side and a back side of wind lock  200 . In one embodiment, the space  224  is adapted to receive a rod  202  when the closure is in the closed position ( FIG. 24 ). Space  224  may be defined by tapered edges of flanges  212  such that surfaces of adjoining flanges diverge from the interior of wind lock  200  to an exterior of wind lock  200 . In one embodiment, a wind lock  200  with flanges  212  that are received in the spaces between the rods  202  facilitates more compact nesting when the closure  22  is in the closed position than a closure with flanges that do not fit in the spaces between the rods. In one embodiment, the flanges  212  have a length which is greater than the channel width  78 . In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  is positioned within the interior space  58  ( FIG. 7 ) of the guide  20  such that the wind lock  200  prevents the end of the closure from being removed from the guide  20 . In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  is configured to engage the guide (e.g., the third segment  88  and the fifth portion  108 ) when a force is applied to the closure  22  (e.g., a force transverse to direction of movement of the closure as the closure moves between the open and closed position). 
     In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  is coupled to the closure  22  when the rods  202  are within the apertures  206  ( FIG. 23 ). In one embodiment, the rods  202  are configured to be fixed to wind lock  200  when the rods  202  are within the apertures  206  (e.g., via welding or adhesive). In one embodiment, an end of the rods  202  are configured to be bent (e.g., at an angle of about 90 degrees) after the rod is within the aperture  206  such that the bend in the rod  202  prevents decoupling from the wind lock  200 . In one embodiment, an end of the rod  202  is adapted to be compressed to create a bulge (e.g., mushroomed). In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  is spaced from one or both of the lateral edges of the closure  22 . In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  is space about 0.05 inches to about 0.5 inches from the lateral edge of the closure  22 . In one embodiment, the wind lock  200  is fixed to the closure  22  by adhesive or weld after the rods  202  are within the apertures. 
       FIGS. 25-26  show another embodiment of a wind lock, generally designated  230 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the wind lock  230  includes a body  210  with apertures  206 . In one embodiment, the wind lock  230  includes a flanges  212  extending from opposing sides of the body  210 . The wind lock  230  does not include the space  224  between the flanges  212  as described regarding wind lock  200 . In one embodiment, a wind lock with two or more apertures may resist rotation of the wind lock about the rods. 
     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. 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.