Black American inventionIn 1894, Black American inventor Fredrick J. Loudin was issued a U.S. patent for a "Key Fastener" (No.512,308). The invention was a device designed to attach to the knob-shaft or door-handle above the key-hole and fasten the door key in place in the lock by engaging with the eyed-end of the key to keep it from being turned in the lock. As the patent described, this would prevent disengaging the key, as might otherwise be done by a burglar from the outside of the door with some suitable implement, inserted through the key-hole. Loudin's first patent was issued 12 Dec 1892 for a window "Fastener for the Meeting Rails of Sashes" that permitted the window to be locked either closed or partially opened (No. 510,432). |
