Abstract: The invention is directed to a device to protect a deadbolt assembly from tampering. A deadbolt assembly comprising a deadbolt reciprocable along a longitudinal axis, and a deadbolt actuating mechanism having an axis transverse to that of the deadbolt, is protected from intrusion and tampering by a pair of protective shells which encircle the actuating mechanism. The shells are generally cylindrical and of like structure and opposite orientation. Each shell comprises a ring and a circumferentially extending protective structure which extends axially toward the ring of the other shell. A preferred protective structure comprises a plurality of projections, including an arcuate tongue. A gap or opening in the protective structure permits actuation and movement of the deadbolt without interference with the shells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device to protect a deadbolt assembly from tampering. A deadbolt assembly comprising a deadbolt reciprocable along a longitudinal axis, and a deadbolt actuating mechanism having an axis transverse to that of the deadbolt, is protected from intrusion and tampering by a pair of protective shells which encircle the actuating mechanism. The shells are generally cylindrical and of like structure and opposite orientation. Each shell comprises a ring and a circumferentially extending protective structure which extends axially toward the ring of the other shell. A preferred protective structure comprises a plurality of projections, including an arcuate tongue. A gap or opening in the protective structure permits actuation and movement of the deadbolt without interference with the shells.

Abstract: An interconnected lock assembly mounted in a door which provides a feature to automatically lock a deadbolt when the door is opened from the inside and closed. The interconnected lock assembly comprises a first lock assembly including an inside handle and an outside handle and a second lock assembly interconnected to the first lock assembly. The second lock assembly comprises a deadbolt assembly operably connected to a deadbolt latch. The deadbolt latch comprises a deadbolt movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The interconnected lock assembly further comprises an automatic locking mechanism selectively engageable to automatically move the deadbolt to an extended position when the door is closed.