description Linus Yale Jr. Overview
Linus Yale Jr. was a nineteenth-century American inventor and lock manufacturer whose work helped establish the compact cylinder lock used in many modern doors. In 1861 he patented a lock employing a small, flat key and pin-tumbler mechanism, refining a principle with ancient precedents into a practical industrial design. His inventions influenced mechanical security and became the foundation of the Yale lock business and the widely recognized Yale lock format.
help Linus Yale Jr. FAQ
What did Linus Yale Jr. patent in 1861?
In 1861, Linus Yale Jr. patented a lock using a small, flat key and a pin-tumbler mechanism. The design refined an older principle and helped shape compact cylinder locks used in many modern doors.
Why is Linus Yale Jr. important to modern locks?
His work helped establish the compact cylinder lock and the small flat key familiar from many modern doors. The catalog specifically dates his key patent to 1861.
Was Linus Yale Jr. an inventor or a lock maker?
He was both a nineteenth-century American inventor and a lock manufacturer. His best-known contribution was refining the pin-tumbler lock around the small flat key.
How does the Yale lock principle work at a high level?
The mechanism uses pins that interact with a small, flat key to allow the lock cylinder to operate. Linus Yale Jr.'s 1861 patent is the concrete milestone tied to that pin-tumbler design.
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