02/27/2024
Meet Osborne Dorsey: the African American inventor of. modern door k***s. In 1878 he submitted a patent with. the U.S Patent Office for a âdoor-closing History Of Door Handles
Weâre sure youâll be happy you read todayâs article as we cover the history of Door Handles! This doesnât sound very interesting, but we assure you it is. Once you read this article you can share all the cool facts you learned about door handles with every person you know.
What Did People Use Before Door Handles?
Before handles and door k***s were invented, people used a bolt or a lock to keep a door shut. Only the wealthy could afford a lock and key. Most people used a latch-string, which involved making a small hole in a door and threading a leather thong or string through, which was then looped around a wooden bar.
First Door K**b Invention
It may surprise you to learn that the first documented invention of door k***s, as we know them, was in 1878 by a man called Osbourn Dorsey. Osbourn Dorsey was an African American man who invented the doork**b to change the culture of people using unorthodox means of keeping their doors closed.
Early History
China or ceramic k***s were mainly imported from France and England until the first U.S. patent was granted for making door k***s out of potterâs clay, and cast-metal k***s were introduced around 1846. Wooden k***s were common but were phased out as composite metal k***s were introduced.
Different Styles
With the Industrial Revolution and the availability of different materials, door k**b and door handle styles evolved from functional to decorative. Designs expanded in line with interior trends of the time and incorporated movements such as Art Deco, Minimalist, as well as a revival of older period styles including Tudor and Georgian. Today you can get a wide range of styles and finishes with a new door. You can even get a keyless entry lock to open your door without a traditional key.
Modern Door K**bs
The Typical design features of a doork**b today include:
No sharp edges or ridges,
A shape that is easily grasped or turned
A textured finish or non-slip coating on k**b to improve grip
A shaft long enough to fit your hand behind the k**b
Final Thoughts
As you can see the history of door k***s is quite fascinating. The modern door k**b has evolved over the decades to function better and keep your home safer over time. We are happy to go over all the styles of new door k***s with you. If you are in need of a new front door you can contact us today for your free quote. Thank you for reading and please comment below with your favorite part of the article.
July 26, 2023 Conservation Construction Tags: Door Handles, Doork***s, Entry Door K**bs, Entry Door Replacement, Front Door K**bs, Front Door Replacement, new entry doors, New Front Doors, Replacement Entry Doors, 29, 2019
