Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a housing containing a force transfer member. At one end of the force transfer member, a first cam mechanism is provided which is intended to be rotated by an actuator handle. At the other end of the force transfer member, a second cam mechanism is pivotably mounted to the housing and is pivoted through movements of the force transfer member responsive to rotations of the first Cam mechanism. The second cam mechanism is coupled to a latch bolt so that rotations of the first cam mechanism will result in movements of the latch bolt. The improved latch mechanism is designed to permit complete retraction of the latch bolt through rotation of the first cam mechanism by less than one-twelfth of a revolution, in either direction of rotation.