An Ultimate Key to Success

HPD Captain Ron Daniels: Crime-scene clues led to his inventing the Ultimate Lock.

Image: Michael Stravato/Houston Business Journal

Ron Daniels conceived a key invention investigating gruesome crime scenes.

The Ultimate Lock developed by the reserve captain in the Houston Police Department is now an eye-opening item in local Lowe’s stores.

Ultimate Locks first appeared in a Lowe’s store six weeks ago, and the high-security deadbolt devices sold out in less than three hours. Daniels estimates he sold at least 40 the first day, and well over 1,000 at area Lowe’s stores since then.

Daniels grew aware of the need in home security and home-invasion prevention as an HPD field officer.

“I came across many home-invasion crime scenes as a police officer where we got there too late and the surviving victims would ask for any recommendations to prevent this from happening again,” he says. “I started thinking and looking around for a better lock and security system because it made me feel bad that I couldn’t do anything to make them feel better.”

He researched for 10 years to develop the locking mechanism, and tested the endurance of the product with members of a SWAT team from Northern Virginia who were unable to penetrate the lock.

Through NASA’s Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program, Daniels received grant funding to research and refine his idea, which was patented in 2002.

Bob Mitchell, executive director of the NASA program, says the company was a welcome addition.

“We get real excited when we have a company like Ultimate Lock come to us,” says Mitchell. “Especially with a product that we think will eventually help all of mankind and society when it comes to safety issues with families, homes, and businesses.”

For more on Ultimate Lock, click here for the full story from the Houston Business Journal (subscription required).