The modern keychain is a product of evolution.
Several inventions contributed both concepts and design to what eventually became the modern keychain.
Below are four inventors whose contribution we recognize.
Samuel Harrison
Invented the keyring or “split ring” in the 19th century. This is a small ring that is used to hold small items and is attached to keychains.
Linus Yale, Jr
In 1861, Linus Yale Jr was awarded a patent for a smaller, flat key with serrated edges. His design was inspired his fathers earlier inventions on the pin and tumbler lock. Without the use of smaller and flat keys, the modern keychain might well be very bulky and ungainly to use.
Frederick J. Loudin
Frederick Loudin was a teacher, impresario, manufacturer and Fisk Jubilee Singers. He was also an inventor. In 1894, he was awarded a patent for a Key fastener, a device which helps keep people from loosing their keys, and to prevent buglers from seeing in to a locked room or using implements to open a lock.
G Herluf Johnson
G Herluf Johnson was awarded a patent in 1955 for the invention of the key ring. The key ring was simple and easy to mass produce.
Soon after the invention of the key ring, people started to add more than just keys. These were decorative and were useful for identifying keys, for better grip or for making a personal statement. We now know this a key Fog. The origins of the word “fob” could be the German dialect “Fuppe” meaning “pocket”. The real origin is not known.
Today, we use the keychain and fob for a whole range of products, not just physical keys. We use these to promote products, secure homes and vehicles, carry discount cards, USB flash drives. We can expect more interesting uses in the coming years.
© 2019, Norman Talon. All rights reserved.