AU2014268168B2

AU2014268168B2 - An Apparatus for Securing a Roller Door, Shutter or Awning

Info

Publication number: AU2014268168B2
Application number: AU2014268168A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Woodruff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-25
Filing date: 2014-11-25
Publication date: 2018-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-25
Also published as: AU2014268168A1

Abstract

An apparatus for securing a roller door, shutter or awning, the apparatus including a locking member to minimise or prevent disengagement of a roller door or shutter from a guide channel, the locking member including a central connecting neck, a first planar leg extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on a second opposite lateral side and a second planar leg extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg and the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg spaced from the first planar leg. Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR SECURING A ROLLER DOOR, SHUTTER OR AWNING TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to roller doors, shutters or awnings and particularly to an apparatus for securing a roller door, shutter or awning.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Garage doors are typically made from aluminium or light weight steel sheet. Garage doors may comprise roller doors, in which the door is rolled up on a spool as it is closed, or a panel lift door in which a number of separate panels are hinged together.

[0003] Roller doors are widely fitted to residential and commercial buildings. They are convenient to use and relatively inexpensive to purchase and install. They are amenable to being opened and closed using remote-control apparatus.

[0004] In order to mount a roller door to a building, guide tracks are fixed to opposite sides of an opening in the building. The roller door is then mounted so that opposed edges of the roller door can move upwardly and downwardly in the guide tracks. The guide tracks are typically in the form of elongate extrusions having an edge-receiving portion defined typically by a U-shaped channel that receives an edge of the garage door. The guide tracks not only provide guidance to the edges of the roller door during opening and closing of the door, they also provide enhanced security as they act to prevent the roller door being pushed inwardly or outwardly.

[0005] In areas of Australia that may be subject to episodes of high wind, such as the tropical part of Australia that experiences cyclones, garage doors may suffer damage when high winds cause the garage door to be blown out of its guide tracks. Further, once high winds have dislodged the roller door, they can then blow inside the building and normally lift the roof from the building exposing the inside of the building to the weather.

[0006] Some attempts have been made to overcome this problem. For instance, garage doors may be fitted with wind locks. Wind locks typically consist of buttons or projections that are mounted to the garage door. The buttons or projections have enlarged heads that extend past edges of the garage door. The enlarged heads include shoulders that can abut on to similar shoulders formed in the guide tracks. When high winds are experienced (such as when a cyclone is passing), the high wind pushes on the garage door. This results in a force that has a component directed inwardly towards the centre of the door being applied to the wind locks.

This causes the shoulders of the wind locks to abut on and engage with the shoulders on the guide track which, in turn, causes the shoulders on the guide track to resist the wind pressure being applied to the wind locks.

[0007] It has been found that if especially strong winds are experienced, wind locks can force apart the shoulders on the guide track such that the wind locks can be removed from the guide tracks. Once the wind locks have been removed from the guide tracks, the garage door is no longer secure in the guide tracks and it can flap around in the high wind. This represents a breach in the exterior of the building. In addition, in the event of vandalism or burglary, the garage door may be forced out of its guide tracks if sufficient force is applied by a person wishing to damage the garage door.

[0008] Thus, it would be an advantage if it were possible to provide an apparatus for securing a garage door that eliminates the possibility of the garage door being blown out of its guide tracks during conditions of high wind, or forced out of its guide tracks by, for instance, a vandal or burglar.

[0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for securing a roller door, shutter or awning, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0011] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an apparatus for securing a roller door, shutter or awning, the apparatus including a locking member to minimise or prevent disengagement of a roller door or shutter from a guide channel, the locking member including a central connecting neck, a first planar leg extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on a second opposite lateral side and a second planar leg extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg and the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg spaced from the first planar leg.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the invention resides in a roller door assembly including a roller door comprising a number of slats, each pivotally attached to it least one adjacent slat, at least some of the slats having an opening adjacent at least one end thereof and at least one locking member engaged with at least some of the openings in at least some of the slats, the locking member including a central connecting neck, a first planar leg extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on a second opposite lateral side anda second planar leg extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg and the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg spaced from the first planar leg.

[0013] According to a third aspect, the invention resides in a roller door system including roller door comprising a number of slats, each pivotally attached to it least one adjacent slat, at least some of the slats having an opening adjacent at least one end thereof, at least one lateral guide channel which receives an edge of the roller door for guided movement between the open and closed conditions and at least one locking member engaged with at least some of the openings in at least some of the slats, the locking member including a central connecting neck, a first planar leg extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on a second opposite lateral side and a second planar leg extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg and the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg spaced from the first planar leg, wherein the edge of the roller door is located in the guide channel such that a first planar leg or second planar leg of at least some locking members abuts a portion of the guide channel to retain the roller door edge in the channel.

[0014] The locking member of the present invention is preferably adapted to prevent disengagement or dislodgement of the lateral edge(s) of the roller door from the guide channel and not to lock the roller door in the closed condition. Typically, any application of force from the weather side of the roller door toward the inner side or in the opposite direction is resisted by the locking member abutting the guide channel. This assists with maintaining the roller door edges in the guide track and prevents “blow in” and “blow out”.

[0015] Usually, the locking member is manufactured in a single piece. The locking member is normally manufactured from a robust material, typically a plastic or similar although the locking member could be manufactured from metal or another appropriate material.

[0016] In the particularly preferred embodiment, the locking member is made from approximately 50% reinforced polyacrylamide (PARA) or alternatively, approximately 40% reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a remainder of substrate plastic.

[0017] The locking member is generally substantially rectangular in plan.

[0018] The locking member includes a connecting neck. The connecting neck is generally coplanar with the roller door when inserted into the opening in the roller door slat. Typically, the connecting neck is received in the opening in the roller door slat and positions of the locking member relative thereto. Normally this insertion is accomplished during assembly of the roller door system and the roller door edge is fed into the guide channel with a locking member already located in the opening.

[0019] The locking member includes a first planar leg extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on a second opposite lateral side. The abutment shoulder is therefore preferably spaced from the second planar leg. This typically forms a substantially U-shaped opening into which a periphery of the opening in the roller door slat is at least partially received.

[0020] Generally, the abutment shoulder is substantially parallel to the surface of the second planar leg. The abutment shoulder is provided in order to abut one side of the roller door. The abutment shoulder provided on the first planar leg is preferably larger than the abutment shoulder provided on the second leg. The abutment shoulder of the first planar leg is typically located in position first allowing rotation of the locking member to engage the abutment shoulder on the second planar leg through the application of additional force or rotation.

[0021] Normally, the first planar leg is located on the weather side of the roller door within the guide channel.

[0022] The first planar leg will preferably have an angled end wall adjacent the abutment shoulder. Preferably, a planar end wall is provided at the opposite end to the angled end wall. Typically, the planar end wall is located at the end of the first planar leg located towards the centre of the roller door.

[0023] The planar end wall is preferably so located in order to abut a portion of the guide channel if force is applied to the roller door. The planar end wall may abut a portion of the guide channel at all times in order to assist with guiding the movement of the door during raising and lowering but preferably, it is spaced closely therefrom so that the abutment only occurs if force is applied to the door. This will minimise friction forces when raising and lowering the door which will typically reduce degradation of the locking member.

[0024] The first planar leg is typically generally rectangular in shape with an angled end wall at one end and a planar end wall at the other. The connecting neck typically extends from one side of the generally rectangular first leg between the angled and planar end walls.

[0025] The locking member of the present invention also includes a second planar leg extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck with an abutment shoulder on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg and the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg spaced from the first planar leg.

[0026] The second planar leg is similar in most respects to the first planar leg but extends on the opposite end of the connecting neck and predominantly to the opposite side to the first planar leg. Together, the first planar leg, the second planar leg and the connecting neck format generally H shaped cross sectional shape for the locking member and which the planar leg on one side of the connecting neck is longer on one side then the planar leg on the upper side of the connecting leg which extends to the opposite side.

[0027] Preferably, the abutment shoulder provided on the second planar leg is smaller in dimension than that provided on the first planar leg.

[0028] Preferably, a shaped portion typically an arcuate or angled portion is provided on the second planar leg adjacent the abutment shoulder. The purpose of the shaped portion is to provide clearance for that portion of the second planar leg relative to the periphery of the opening during insertion.

[0029] The shaped portion or the abutment shoulder on the second planar leg may be slightly deformable. Typically, this will be due to providing minimal material that particular region then to any inherent resilience of the material used to make the locking member. For example, manufacturing the locking member of a plastic material and providing an abutment shoulder which is only slightly larger than the dimension of the opening means that the locking member can be forced to pass the periphery of the opening during insertion. Therefore, typically the locking member will be substantially rigid but capable of some small deformation to allow the abutment shoulder and shaped portion of the second planar leg to pass the opening during insertion.

[0030] One or more openings may be provided through the longer end of the second planar leg. A fixture may be provided through the at least one opening in order to more permanently fix the locking member to the roller door or slat. Normally, a screw or rivet will be used with a screw clearly being capable of removal and rivet being more permanent.

[0031] In assembly of the locking member into the opening provided on the slat, the longer portion of the second planar leg is typically inserted through the opening in the slat and moved until the abutment shoulder of the first leg is located adjacent the periphery of the opening. Simultaneous depression in lateral movement of the locking member towards the edge of the door will normally force passage of the shaped portion and the abutment shoulder on the second planar leg pass the periphery of the opening with tactile and/or audible feedback of the engagement between the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg and the edge of the opening taking place once properly located.

[0032] The opening provided in the roller door and/or roller door slat will normally be spaced inwardly from the edge of the slat or roller door. The opening is preferably provided such that it is adapted to be located within the guide channel when the door is assembled. The opening is preferably rectangular in shape. The opening is preferably dimensioned to be substantially equal in width to the connecting neck of the locking member.

[0033] A fixture opening may be provided adjacent the opening in the roller door or roller door slat in order to allow the fixture used to position the locking member to extend there through.

[0034] The opening will normally positioned centrally across the height of the slat.

[0035] Typically, a number of openings are provided spaced over the height of the roller door. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, an opening may be provided in every second slat on both sides of the door as this has been found to provide the optimal security without unduly complicating the roller door assembly process.

[0036] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0037] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0039] Figure 1 is a schematic side view from a first side of the locking member according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a side view from a second side of the locking member illustrated in Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the locking member of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 is an end view of the locking member illustrated in Figure 3.

[0043] Figure 5 is a view from below of the locking member illustrated in Figure 3.

[0044] Figure 6 is a semitransparent isometric view of the locking member illustrated in Figure 3.

[0045] Figure 7 is an isometric view of the locking member illustrated in Figure 3.

[0046] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the basic assembly of a locking member, roller door slat and guide channel according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 is an end view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 8 in the assembled form.

[0048] Figure 10 shows the configuration illustrated in Figure 9 and the movement of the roller door and locking member when force is applied to the roller door from the weather side.

[0049] Figure 11 is a plan view of the juxtaposition of the locking member and the slat prior to assembly.

[0050] Figure 12 is a side view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 11.

[0051] Figure 13 is a detailed view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 12.

[0052] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of roller door slat used according to the present invention.

[0053] Figure 15 is a side elevation view of the juxtaposition of the locking member and the slat prior to assembly.

[0054] Figure 16 is a side elevation view showing the initial rotation of the locking member as a first step to assembly according to the preferred embodiment.

[0055] Figure 17 is a side elevation view showing the insertion of the locking member into the opening in the slat according to the preferred embodiment.

[0056] Figure 18 is a side elevation view showing the final rotation of the locking member into the opening in the slat according to the preferred embodiment.

[0057] Figure 19 is an exploded view of a typical roller door assembly.

[0058] Figure 20 is an assembled view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 19.

[0059] Figure 21 is a schematic illustration showing a two-person assembly of a roller door including a locking member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for securing a roller door, shutter or awning is provided.

[0061] The preferred embodiment of the apparatus is a locking member 10 to minimise or prevent disengagement of a roller door 11 from a guide channel 12 if a force is applied to the roller door from either the weather side or inside. The locking member of the illustrated embodiment includes a central connecting neck 13, a first planar leg 14 extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck 13 with an abutment shoulder 15 on a second opposite lateral side and a second planar leg 16 extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck 13 with an abutment shoulder 17 on the first lateral side. In this configuration, the abutment shoulder 15 of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg 16 and the abutment shoulder 17 of the second planar leg 16 spaced from the first planar leg 14.

[0062] The locking member 10 of the present invention is preferably adapted to prevent disengagement or dislodgement of the lateral edge(s) of the roller door from the guide channel 12 and not to lock the roller door in the closed condition. Typically, any application of force from the weather side of the roller door toward the inner side or in the opposite direction is resisted by the locking member 10 abutting the guide channel 12. This assists with maintaining the roller door edges in the guide track and prevents “blow in” and “blow out” as illustrated in Figure 10 in particular.

[0063] Usually, the locking member 10 is manufactured in a single piece of a robust material, typically a plastic. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the locking member is made from approximately 50% reinforced polyacrylamide (PARA) or alternatively, approximately 40% reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a remainder of substrate plastic.

[0064] The locking member is generally substantially rectangular in plan as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5 in particular.

[0065] The connecting neck 13 is generally coplanar with the roller door when inserted into the opening 19 in the roller door slat 20. Typically, the connecting neck is received in the opening 19 in the roller door slat 20 and positions the locking member 10 relative thereto. Normally this insertion is accomplished during assembly of the roller door system and the roller door edge is then fed into the guide channel 12 with a locking member 10 already located in the opening 19.

[0066] The locking member 10 includes a first planar leg 14 extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck 13 with an abutment shoulder 15 on a second opposite lateral side. The abutment shoulder 15 is spaced from the second planar leg 16 to form a substantially U-shaped opening into which a periphery of the opening 19 in the roller door slat 20 is at least partially received.

[0067] Generally, the abutment shoulder 15 is substantially parallel to the surface of the second planar leg 16. The abutment shoulder 15 is provided in order to abut one side of the roller door and is preferably larger than the abutment shoulder 18 provided on the second leg 16. The abutment shoulder 15 of the first planar leg 14 is typically located in position first during insertion as illustrated in Figure 17, allowing rotation of the locking member 10 to engage the abutment shoulder 17 on the second planar leg 16 through the application of additional force or rotation.

[0068] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in particular, the first planar leg 14 has an angled end wall 21 adjacent the abutment shoulder 15 with a planar end wall 22 provided at the opposite end to the angled end wall 21. Typically, the planar end wall 22 is located at the end of the first planar leg 14 located towards the centre of the roller door as illustrated in Figure 10 in particular and it is preferred that the planar end wall 22 abuts the guide channel 12 when force is applied from the weather side of the roller door.

[0069] The locking member of the present invention also includes a second planar leg 16 extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck 13 with an abutment shoulder 17 on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder 15 of the first planar leg 14 spaced from the second planar leg 16 and the abutment shoulder 17 of the second planar leg 16 spaced from the first planar leg 14.

[0070] The second planar leg 16 is similar in most respects to the first planar leg 14 but extends on the opposite end of the connecting neck 13 and predominantly to the opposite side to the first planar leg 14. Together, the first planar leg, the second planar leg and the connecting neck format generally H-shaped cross sectional shape for the locking member in which the planar leg on one side of the connecting neck is longer on one side then the planar leg on the upper side of the connecting leg which extends to the opposite side.

[0071] As illustrated, the abutment shoulder 17 provided on the second planar leg 16 is smaller in dimension than that provided on the first planar leg 14.

[0072] Preferably, an arcuate portion 23 is provided on the second planar leg 16 adjacent the abutment shoulder 17 to provide clearance for that portion of the second planar leg 16 relative to the periphery of the opening 19 during insertion.

[0073] Typically the locking member 10 is substantially rigid but capable of some small deformation to allow the abutment shoulder 17 and arcuate portion 23 of the second planar leg 16 to pass the opening 19 during insertion.

[0074] An opening 24 is provided through the longer end of the second planar leg 16. A screw or rivet may be provided through the opening 24 in order to more permanently fix the locking member 10 to the roller door 11 or slat 20.

[0075] In assembly of the locking member 10 into the opening 19 provided on the slat 20, the longer portion of the second planar leg 16 is typically inserted through the opening 19 in the slat 20 and moved until the abutment shoulder of the first leg is located adjacent the periphery of the opening 19 as illustrated in Figures 16 and 17. Simultaneous depression and lateral movement of the locking member 10 towards the edge of the door will normally force passage of the arcuate 23 portion and the abutment shoulder 17 on the second planar leg 16 pass the periphery of the opening 19 with tactile and/or audible feedback of the engagement between the abutment shoulder 17 of the second planar leg 16 and the edge of the opening 19 taking place once properly located.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 15 in particular, the opening 19 provided in the roller door slat 20 is spaced inwardly from the edge of the slat 20. The opening 19 is preferably provided such that it is adapted to be located within the guide channel 12 when the roller door system is assembled. The opening is preferably rectangular in shape. The opening is preferably dimensioned to be substantially equal in width to the connecting neck 13 of the locking member 10.

[0077] A fixture opening 25 is provided in the preferred embodiment adjacent the opening 19 in the roller door slat 20 in order to allow the screw or rivet used to position the locking member 10 to extend therethrough. Typically, a number of openings are provided spaced over the height of the roller door. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, an opening may be provided in every second slat both sides of the door as this has been found to provide the optimal security without unduly complicating the roller door assembly process.

[0078] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0079] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0080] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing a roller door, shutter or awning, the apparatus including a unitary locking member to minimise or prevent disengagement of a roller door or shutter from a guide channel, the locking member including a central connecting neck, a first planar leg extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck with a first abutment shoulder on a second opposite lateral side and a second planar leg extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck with a second abutment shoulder on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg and the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg spaced from the first planar leg, the first abutment shoulder extending part only of the length laterally of the second planar leg and the second abutment shoulder extending part only of the length laterally of the first planar leg.

2. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking member is manufactured in a single piece from a robust material.

3. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg forms a substantially U-shaped opening with the second planar leg into which a periphery of an opening in a roller door slat is at least partially received.

4. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg is substantially parallel to the surface of the second planar leg.

5. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the abutment shoulder provided on the first planar leg is larger than the abutment shoulder provided on the second leg.

6. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg is located in position allowing rotation of the locking member to engage the abutment shoulder on the second planar leg through the application of additional force or rotation.

7. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first planar leg is located on an external weather side of the roller door within the guide channel.

8. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first planar leg has an angled end wall adjacent the abutment shoulder and a planar end wall is provided at the opposite end to the angled end wall.

9. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in claim 8 wherein the planar end wall is located in order to abut a portion of the guide channel if force is applied to the roller door.

10. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in claim 9 wherein the planar end wall abuts a portion of the guide channel at all times in order to assist with guiding the movement of the roller door during raising and lowering.

11. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the central connecting neck extends from one side of the generally rectangular first leg between the angled and planar end walls.

12. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second planar leg is similar in most respects to the first planar leg but extends on the opposite end of the central connecting neck and predominantly to the opposite side to the first planar leg.

13. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein together, the first planar leg, the second planar leg and the central connecting neck form a generally H-shaped cross sectional shape for the locking member and which the planar leg on one side of the connecting neck is longer on one side then the planar leg on the upper side of the connecting leg which extends to the opposite side.

14. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the abutment shoulder provided on the second planar leg is smaller in dimension than that provided on the first planar leg.

15. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an arcuate or angled portion is provided on the second planar leg adjacent the abutment shoulder.

16. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in claim 15 wherein the arcuate or angled portion on the abutment shoulder on the second planar leg is slightly deformable.

17. An apparatus for securing a roller door as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more openings is provided through a longer end of the second planar leg.

18. A roller door assembly including a roller door comprising a number of slats, each pivotally attached to it least one adjacent slat, at least some of the slats having an opening adjacent at least one end thereof and at least one unitary locking member engaged with at least some of the openings in at least some of the slats, the locking member including a central connecting neck, a first planar leg extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck with a first abutment shoulder on a second opposite lateral side and a second planar leg extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck with a second abutment shoulder on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg and the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg spaced from the first planar leg, the first abutment shoulder extending part only of the length laterally of the second planar leg and the second abutment shoulder extending part only of the length laterally of the first planar leg.

19. A roller door system including roller door comprising a number of slats, each pivotally attached to it least one adjacent slat, at least some of the slats having an opening adjacent at least one end thereof, at least one lateral guide channel which receives an edge of the roller door for guided movement between the open and closed conditions and at least unitary one locking member engaged with at least some of the openings in at least some of the slats, the locking member including a central connecting neck, a first planar leg extending predominantly to a first lateral side of the connecting neck with a first abutment shoulder on a second opposite lateral side and a second planar leg extending predominantly to the second lateral side of the connecting neck with a second abutment shoulder on the first lateral side, the abutment shoulder of the first planar leg spaced from the second planar leg and the abutment shoulder of the second planar leg spaced from the first planar leg, the first abutment shoulder extending part only of the length laterally of the second planar leg and the second abutment shoulder extending part only of the length laterally of the first planar leg, wherein the edge of the roller door is located in the guide channel such that a first planar leg or second planar leg of at least some locking members abuts a portion of the guide channel to retain the roller door edge in the channel.

20. A roller door system or assembly as claimed in either claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the opening provided in the roller door and/or roller door slat are spaced inwardly from the edge of the slat or roller door such that it is adapted to be located within the guide channel when the door is assembled.