Quick release curtain closure system

A closure apparatus for covering a portal, comprising:

• a) a curtain assembly comprising at least one curtain;
• b) a spindle assembly mounted superjacent the portal, the spindle assembly operably engaged with the curtain assembly to extend the curtain assembly to cover the portal and retract the curtain assembly to uncover the portal;
• c) channel members that define channels disposed on lateral sides of the portal, wherein the channels engage the curtain assembly when the curtain assembly is extended to cover the portal, wherein each of the channel members comprises a support structure, at least one first magnet, at least one second magnet, a rear channel member, and a front channel member, wherein each front channel member has a first end for engaging the curtain assembly and a second end for engaging a respective one of the support structures;
• d) wherein each front channel member is pivotably connected to the respective one of the support structures, wherein each front channel member is operable to pivot 90 degrees between an engaged position and a released position;
• e) wherein each front channel member is parallel to a respective one of the rear channel members when each front channel member is in the engaged position, wherein the curtain assembly is secured between each rear channel member and each front channel member when the curtain assembly is extended to cover the portal and each front channel member is in the engaged position;
• f) wherein each front channel member is perpendicular to the respective one of the rear channel members when each front channel member is in the released position, wherein the curtain assembly is released from engagement with the channels to allow egress through the portal when the curtain assembly is extended to cover the portal and each front channel member is in the released position;
• and
• g) wherein each front channel member is releasably maintained in the engaged position through magnetic interaction between each front channel member and a respective one of the at least one first magnets, wherein each front channel member is releasably maintained in the released position through magnetic interaction between each front channel member and a respective one of the at least one second magnets, wherein each front channel member is operable to pivot from the engaged position to the released position to release the curtain assembly from engagement with the channels upon application of sufficient force from the curtain assembly against each front channel member.