Abstract: A novel rack-pinion forms an outside operator of either a single latchbolt or a double latchbolt with the pinion rotating a latch operator of at least a single latchbolt to move the bolt between extended and retracted positions. The rack is shiftable between pinion engaging and nonengaging positions as determined by an inside operator control button, this being the sole means of shifting in the simplist, single latchbolt form. When it is a single latchbolt form, a lock may be added to the outside operator for also shifting the rack-pinion construction. In more complex, double latchbolt form, the second bolt, preferably a deadbolt, may have an outside operator formed by a lock or an inside operator formed by a turnpiece of both. With the outside lock of the second bolt construction, a yoke may connect that to the rack-pinion construction of the first latchbolt for shifting the rack by the second latchbolt outside lock.

Abstract: A double cylinder lock assembly includes a drive mechanism for extending and retracting a bolt, and exterior and interior key cylinder on opposite sides of said drive mechanism. The assembly further includes a torque blade extending from one of the key cylinders through the drive mechanism in operable engagement therewith toward the other key cylinder. An engagable clutch is disposed between the torque blade and the interior key cylinder. The clutch includes a pair of disengagable drive members, one of which is engagable by the torque blade and rotatable therewith and the second of which is rotatable with the interior key cylinder. The second engageable drive member includes a drive lug extending radially inward towards the horizontal axis of the interior key cylinder.

Abstract: The doorlatch may have an exterior free knob rotation which is in the knob collar and is tied through cam means for non-engagement or engagement to drive the latch bolt. If the doorlatch has an exterior key operated lock, the cam means may be shifted by that lock for driving the latch. The cam means may also be shifted by an interior control, such as a turn button of an interior knob. Various combinations of exterior knobs with or without key locks and interior knobs may be provided, including the freely rotatable mechanism as desired. The front end loading may include a cylinder with plug assembly for the doorlatch which may have the plug rotated 180 degrees out of phase with the cylinder, the assembly then inserted and the plug rotated back to normal. A flange is provided beyond the lock cylinder on the plug which engages behind an inward depression for controlling the proper rotation during and after assembly.

Abstract: The door latch construction is of the usual type wherein a bolt is reciprocal in a casing between extended and projecting positions with latch operating means forwardly operably connected to the bolt for causing such motion. In such latch construction, the longitudinal distance between the forward extremity of the casing and the operator axis constitutes backset. According to the present invention, the casing and bolt are each comprised of relatively longitudinally movable forward and rearward parts with a substantially helical slot on one of the parts and engaged by a projection on the other of the parts in each case. The slot and projection of each provides helical longitudinal movement for each of the determined same amount between a forward backset and a rearward backset, with interconnection means between certain of the bolt parts and certain of the casing parts for requiring substantially the same helical longitudinal movement of one upon such movement of the other.

Abstract: The doorlatch may have an exterior free knob rotation which is in the knob collar and is tied through cam means for non-engagement or engagement to drive the latch bolt. If the doorlatch has an exterior key operated lock, the cam means may be shifted by that lock for driving the latch. The cam means may also be shifted by an interior control, such as a turn button of an interior knob. Various combinations of exterior knobs with or without key locks and interior knobs may be provided, including the freely rotatable mechanism as desired. The front end loading may include a cylinder with plug assembly for the doorlatch which may have the plug rotated 180 degrees out of phase with the cylinder, the assembly then inserted and the plug rotated back to normal. A flange is provided beyond the lock cylinder on the plug which engages behind an inward depression for controlling the proper rotation during and after assembly.