Years ago, it was common to find multiple generations of a family living together under one roof, and it’s becoming a popular way to live once again. Today’s higher housing costs and the country’s struggling economy are prompting families to take in their parents and/or their adult children.

But with so many people needing to come and go for doctor appointments, jobs, or grocery shopping, home security can be an issue. And if family members have their own separate entrance, door security becomes more complex. A parent’s home care provider may need to visit them or kids or grandkids may need to let themselves in after school. Each person needs their own key, and that can mean many keys to lose. A Schlage digital door lock can solve this problem and give each family member the freedom to come and go as they need and help aging parents maintain a strong sense of independence. Each person can have their own digital code and lock and unlock doors without having to keep track of a key.

Schlage keyless entry locks come pre-programmed with two user codes and feature a 19-user code capacity with 10,000 user code combinations to choose from. They also have a battery life of over three years. Schlage electronic locks are available as a deadbolt or as a handleset. And they come in a variety of styles and finishes to match every décor. Door levers are often easier for older people to use.

When looking for an electronic deadbolt lock, be sure to look for Grade-2 or higher and one with wear-resistant keypad buttons, so would-be intruders can’t guess a code based on wear and tear.

Multigenerational living situations can be stressful, but Schlage digital door locks can help. And in addition to financial benefits, the family can become closer. Grandchildren can get special attention from grandparents, and the grandparents can feel less isolated. Young adults, too, experience a sense of safety and security when they move back “home” with their parents. Even though it can be a situation you’d rather not be in, multigenerational families living together under one roof can enjoy positive opportunities that many families will never have.

Around 1920, the founder of The Schlage Manufacturing Company, Walter Reinhold Schlage, created the bored cylindrical door lock, the basis of all interior door locks today with a push-button lock centered in the door knob. This revolutionary invention was designed to fit into two simple round holes bored in the door, eliminating the need for expensive mortising. It could be installed in minutes using ordinary hand tools.

On April 12, 1920, Schlage applied for his first cylindrical door lock patent, which described a lock made out of assembling the knob, spindle, and latch retractor into one unit within a circular housing. He received his patent on May 22, 1923.

Schlage continued to improve his door lock design, and in October 1920, filed a second patent for locking push-button door locks. The patent described a cylindrical lock design with a locking mechanism operated by pushing a button in the center of the door knob to lock and turning the interior door knob to unlock. He received his patent for the locking push-button door lock on April 8, 1924.

Four basic kinds of door knobs and door levers feature the bored cylinder design.
 

• Entrance Door Knob—Generally used for exterior applications with a keyed locking cylinder.
• Privacy Door Knobs—Generally used in bathrooms and bedrooms. Privacy knobs can be locked with a push button and come with a slotted tool that can be used to unlock from the outside.
• Passage Door Knobs—Also referred to as hall and closet knobs. These door knobs are not lockable.
• Dummy Door Knobs—These knobs are mounted on the front of the door and do not have a latch mechanism. These are most often used for bifold doors or decorative interior hardware applications that do not require a latch mechanism.
   

Schlage is proud to give our customers the value that comes from our 90-year heritage of door lock manufacturing. Continuing Walter Schlage’s legacy of continuous improvement, we have created keyless entry locks (electronic door knobs) and are now developing biometric locks. You can count on Schlage for quality, durability, and easy installation.

Our next post will continue this series with a look at the history of door knobs.