HISTORY OF LOCKS AND KEYS - NIMISHA AHUJA
LOCK AND KEY
A key is a device that is used to operate a lock (to lock or unlock it). A typical key is a small piece of metal consisting of two parts: the bit or blade, which slides into the keyway of the lock and distinguishes between different keys, and the bow, which is left protruding so that torque can be applied by the user.
A lock is a mechanical or electronic fastening device that is released by a physical object , by supplying secret information like password, by a combination thereof, or it may only be able to be opened from one side, such as a door chain.
PREMODERN LOCKS
Locks were used nearly 6000 years ago like in the ruins of ninevah. They were developed into the Egyptian wooden pin lock, which consisted of a bolt, door fixture or attachment, and key. A warded lock is a type of lock that uses a set of obstructions, or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. This type of lock used to open with a more complicated set of key.
A special type of lock, dating back to the 17th-18th century, although potentially older as similar locks date back to the 14th century, can be found in the beguniage of the Belgian city lier.
MODERN LOCKS
The Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century and the concomitant development of precision engineering and component standardization, locks and keys were manufactured with increasing complexity and sophistication. The lever tumbler lock, which uses a set of levers to prevent the bolt from moving in the lock, was invented by Robert Barron in 1778. required the lever to be lifted to a certain height by having a slot cut in the lever, so lifting the lever too far was as bad as not lifting the lever far enough.
In 1820, Jeremiah joined his brother Charles in starting their own lock company, Chubb. Chubb made various improvements to his lock: his 1824 improved design didn't require a special regulator key to reset the lock; by 1847 his keys used six levers rather than four; and he later introduced a disc that allowed the key to pass but narrowed the field of view, hiding the levers from anybody attempting to pick the lock. The Chubb brothers also received a patent for the first burglar-resisting safe and began production in 1835.
PHYSICAL KEYS
WARDED LOCKS- A warded locks uses a set of obstructions, or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted.
PIN TUMBLER LOCK- The pin tumbler lock uses a set of pins to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted.
WAFER TUMBLER LOCK- A wafer tumbler lock is similar to the pin tumbler lock and works on a similar principle.
ABLOY LOCK- The disc tumbler lock or abloy lock is composed of slotted rotating detainer discs.
LEVER TUMBLER LOCK-The lever tumbler lock uses a set of levers to prevent the bolt from moving in the lock.
MAGNETIC KEYED LOCK-A magnetic keyed lock is a locking mechanism whereby the key utilizes magnets as part of the locking and unlocking mechanism.
ELECTRONIC KEYS
An electronic lock works by means of an electric current and is usually connected to an access control system. In addition to the pin and tumbler used in standard locks, electronic locks connect the bolt or cylinder to a motor within the door using a part called an actuator.
A keycard lock operates with a flat card of similar dimensions as a credit cards.In order to open the door, one needs to successfully match the signature within the keycard.
JAPANESE SYSTEM OF LOCK AND KEYS
Problem-typical houses didn't have locks, but the Palaces and Courtyard Gates had large doors that could be barred.
Solution- as normal Japanese people did not have locks and keys to protect their house in ancient time they used to hide it underground than locking it up.
In prestigious places like kingdoms there was a special type of locking system called “Nightingale floorboards” where only certain boards would chirp when stepped on, and only palace staff would know which boards wouldn't make a noise.
GREEK STYLE OF LOCK AND KEYS
The Egyptian wooden bolt lock came to Greece from one of the cultures in the Near East some time in the early Greek Middle Ages, 1100–1000 BC. The locks are called Ancient Greek or Spartan locks and may have been considered a Greek invention. The Romans adopted the concept from Greece and began making locks of metal as well.
www.historicallocks.com
www.amusingplanet.com
www.metmuseum.com
www.encyclopedia.com
www.quora.com
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Nimisha Ahuja
(22BD1018)
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