When was the combination lock invented

A combination lock or permutation lock , word lock is a keyless lock that uses a sequence of letters, numbers, or symbols to open the lock. Unlike keyed locks, combination locks require that a user knows the proper sequence of characters to open the lock, much like knowing a password for a computer login. A combination lock works by correctly positioning internal components as the sequence is entered, usually through the use of one or more dials. Combination locks are most commonly associated with safes , but are also popular in low security applications, particularly padlocks.

Combination locks are typically compromised via decoding or bypass rather than picking because they offer no direct access to locking components. The earliest combination lock was excavated from a Roman tomb in Athens, Greece.

Attached to a small box, it featured several dials instead of keyholes. Muhammad al-Astrulabi ca also made combination locks, two of which are kept in Copenhagen and Boston Museums.

Gerolamo Cardano later described a combination lock in the 16th century. Linus Yale, Jr. A rotary combination lock uses a single dial which must be rotated left and right in a certain combination in order to open the lock.

Rotary combination locks are commonly used on safes, vaults, and padlocks. Contained inside the mechanism are discs, usually three, with notches that must be aligned to allow for a release of the piece holding the lock in place, and the lock to open. The position of the discs are manipulated by turning the dial left and right; on the dial is a catch - a sort of nub - and on each side of the discs is also a small catch. As the dial rotates, there will not be enough space for the catch on the dial to pass the catch on that side of the disc, and so the disc will begin to rotate with the dial.

Master Lock introduced its first TSA approved travel lock number A new TSA approved sku was introduced every year until Master Lock introduces its professional, high security line of padlocks, Magnum. Master Lock introduces World's first set-your-own combination lock using letter and numbers, number D.

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In , James Sargent invented the world's first successful key-changeable combination lock. His lock became popular with safe manufacturers and the United States Treasury Department. In , Sargent patented a time lock mechanism that became the prototype of those being used in contemporary bank vaults. Samuel Segal former New York City policeman invented the first jimmy proof locks in Segal holds over twenty-five patents. Soref founded the Master Lock Company in and patented an improved padlock.

In April , he received a patent U. S 1,, for his new lock casing. Soref made a padlock that was both strong and cheap using a case constructed out of layers of metal, like the doors of a bank vault.

He designed his padlock using laminated steel.