Roller Shutters
The Origins: From Ancient Times to Modern Patents
 

• 1850: A.L. Johnson received a patent for a "rolling 'iron shutter'."
• 1882: Anton Griesser of Switzerland is widely credited with inventing and patenting the first modern roller shutter, which was made of individual wooden slats.

These early versions were operated manually, which was a slow and strenuous process, especially for the heavy metal doors.

Roller Shutters and World Events

The widespread adoption of roller shutters was influenced by significant historical events, demonstrating their value in times of crisis and change.

• World War I: Roller shutters became essential for businesses and property owners who needed to protect their storefronts from bomb damage, shrapnel, and looting. The need for security during this period rapidly increased their popularity.
• The 1970s Energy Crisis: As the world faced an energy crisis, people looked for new ways to conserve heat. Roller shutters proved to be an effective insulation method, helping to keep heat in during the winter and cold out during the summer. This led to another boom in the industry, as people and businesses sought to lower their electricity bills.

Technological Advancements

The roller shutter's design has evolved significantly over time.

• 1926: The invention of the "up-and-over" garage door mechanism by C.G. Johnson was adapted for roller shutters, making them easier to operate and leading the way for future automation.
• Modern Day: Today's roller shutters have come a long way from their simple origins. They are often electrically driven and include advanced safety features like sensors that prevent them from closing on an object, remote controls, and even "smart" technology that integrates them with home and business automation systems.