Cross-Reference

[0001] This application is related to United States provisional application number 62/189,458, filed July 7, 2015, entitled "ADJUSTABLE BACKSET CYLINDRICAL LATCH", naming Christopher Hill, Todd Zimmer, Brian R. Fournier, Christine E. Voelker, and William S. Middelaer as the inventors. The contents of the provisional application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and the benefit of the filing date of the provisional application is hereby claimed for all purposes that are legally served by such claim for the benefit of the filing date.

Background

[0002] An adjustable backset cylindrical latch is described and, more particularly, an adjustable backset cylindrical latch for use in a lockset for use with doors having different backset distances.

[0003] "Backset" is the distance between the edge of a door and the transverse axis of rotation about which a latch operator moves for extending and retracting a latch bolt. Backset has been standardized by the industry, wherein standard backsets for commercial door openings are 2 3/8 inches and 2 3/4 inches. Adjustable backset latch mechanisms have become an accepted feature of tubular locksets.

Summary

[0004] A latch assembly is provided for installation at more than one backset distance relative to a latch operator. The latch assembly comprises a latch bolt and a tailpiece. The tailpiece includes a first tailpiece member having a first end mounted to the latch bolt and a second tailpiece member. The first tailpiece member defines a longitudinal bore having two axially spaced transverse recesses interconnected by a longitudinal passage. The second tailpiece member has a first end configured to be movably received in the bore of the first tailpiece member and a second end adapted to be operably connected to the latch operator. The first end of the second tailpiece member is received in one of the two axially spaced recesses in a first backset position and in the second of the two axially spaced recesses in a l second backset position such that the second end of the second tailpiece member is axially spaced relative to the first tailpiece member from the first backset position. The second tailpiece member is rotatable relative to the first tailpiece member, wherein relative axial movement between the first tailpiece member and the second tailpiece member is prevented in a first rotational position in the first backset position and in a second rotational position in the second backset position. Relative axial movement of the second tailpiece member relative to the first tailpiece member is allowed in a third rotational position to allow the second tailpiece member to be movable along the longitudinal passage between the first backset position and the second backset position. A housing slidably receives the latch bolt therein. The housing includes a transversely extending protrusion. A casing defining a peripheral slot has two axially spaced circumferential portions interconnected by a longitudinal portion. The casing is configured for receiving the housing such that the protrusion on the housing is slidably received in the slot. The protrusion is received in one of the two axially circumferential portions in the first backset position and in the second of the two axially spaced circumferential portions in the second backset position such that the casing is axially spaced relative to the latch bolt from the first backset position. The casing is rotatable relative to the housing, wherein relative axial movement between the casing and the housing is prevented when the protrusion is in either one of the two circumferential portions of the slot in a first rotational position in the first backset position and in a second rotational position in the second backset position. Relative axial movement of the casing relative to the housing is allowed in a third rotational position to allow the protrusion on the housing to be movable along the longitudinal passage between the circumferential portions of the slot when transitioning between the first backset position and the second backset position.

[0005] A lockset is provided for use in an edge of a swinging door. The lockset comprises a latch operator having a rotational axis and a latch assembly for installation at more than one backset distance relative to the rotational axis of the latch operator. The latch assembly comprises a latch bolt and a tailpiece including a first tailpiece member having a first end mounted to the latch bolt and a second tailpiece member. The first tailpiece member defines a longitudinal bore having two axially spaced transverse recesses interconnected by a longitudinal passage. The second tailpiece member has a first end configured to be movably received in the bore of the first tailpiece member and a second end adapted to be operably connected to the latch operator. The first end of the second tailpiece member is received in one of the two axially spaced recesses in a first backset position and in the second of the two axially spaced recesses in a second backset position such that the second end of the second tailpiece member is axially spaced relative to the first tailpiece member from the first backset position. The second tailpiece member being rotatable relative to the first tailpiece member, wherein relative axial movement between the first tailpiece member and the second tailpiece member is prevented in a first relative rotational position in the first backset position and a second relative rotational position in the second backset position. Relative axial movement of the second tailpiece member relative to the first tailpiece member is allowed in a third relative rotational position to allow the second tailpiece member to be movable along the longitudinal passage between the first backset position and the second backset position. A housing slidably receives the latch bolt therein. The housing includes a transversely extending protrusion and is adapted to disposed in the edge of the door. A casing defines a peripheral slot having two axially spaced circumferential portions interconnected by a longitudinal portion. The casing is adapted to be disposed in the edge of the door and configured for slidably receiving the housing such that the protrusion on the housing is received in the slot. The protrusion is received in one of the two axially circumferential portions in the first backset position and in the second of the two axially spaced

circumferential portions in the second backset position such that the casing is axially spaced relative to the latch bolt from the first backset position. The casing is rotatable relative to the housing, wherein relative axial movement between the casing and the housing is prevented when the protrusion is in either one of the two circumferential portions of the slot in a first relative rotational position in the first backset position and a second relative rotational position in the second backset position. Relative axial movement of the casing relative to the housing is allowed in a third rotational position to allow the protrusion on the housing to be movable along the longitudinal passage between the circumferential portions of the slot when transitioning between the first backset position and the second backset position.

[0006] An apparatus is provided for allowing passage through an opening. The apparatus comprises a door adapted to be mounted along one edge in the opening for swinging movement between an open position and a closed position. A lockset is configured to be disposed in an edge of the door opposite the mounted edge. The lockset comprises a latch operator having a rotational axis and a latch assembly for installation at more than one backset distance relative to the rotational axis of the latch operator. The latch assembly comprises a latch bolt and a tailpiece including a first tailpiece member having a first end mounted to the latch bolt and a second tailpiece member. The first tailpiece member defines a longitudinal bore having two axially spaced transverse recesses interconnected by a longitudinal passage. The first end of the second tailpiece member is configured to be movably received in the bore of the first tailpiece member and a second end adapted to be operably connected to the latch operator. The first end of the second tailpiece member is received in one of the two axially spaced recesses in a first backset position and in the second of the two axially spaced recesses in a second backset position such that the second end of the second tailpiece member is axially spaced relative to the first tailpiece member from the first backset position. The second tailpiece member being rotatable relative to the first tailpiece member, wherein relative axial movement between the first tailpiece member and the second tailpiece member is prevented in a first relative rotational position in the first backset position and a second relative rotational position in the second backset position. Relative axial movement of the second tailpiece member relative to the first tailpiece member is allowed in a third relative rotational position to allow the second tailpiece member to be movable along the longitudinal passage between the first backset position and the second backset position. A housing including a transversely extending protrusion is disposed in the edge of the door for slidably receiving the latch bolt therein. A casing defining a peripheral slot having two axially spaced circumferential portions interconnected by a longitudinal portion is also disposed in the edge of the door and configured for slidably receiving the housing such that the protrusion on the housing is received in the slot. The protrusion is received in one of the two axially circumferential portions in the first backset position and in the second of the two axially spaced circumferential portions in the second backset position such that the casing is axially spaced relative to the latch bolt from the first backset position. The casing is rotatable relative to the housing, wherein relative axial movement between the casing and the housing is prevented when the protrusion is in either one of the two circumferential portions of the slot in a first relative rotational position in the first backset position and a second relative rotational position in the second backset position. Relative axial movement of the casing relative to the housing is allowed in a third rotational position to allow the protrusion on the housing to be movable along the longitudinal passage between the circumferential portions of the slot when transitioning between the first backset position and the second backset position. Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0007] For a more complete understanding of the cylindrical latch, reference should now be had to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable backset cylindrical latch in a first position at a backset distance with a portion of the components shown in phantom.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a cylindrical latch for use with the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 4.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 1 in a second position with a portion of the components shown in phantom.

[0014] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 4 in the second position.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 1 in a third position with a portion of the components shown in phantom.

[0016] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 4 in the third position.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 1 in a fourth position with a portion of the components shown in phantom.

[0018] FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 4 in the fourth position. [0019] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 1 in a fifth position at a second backset distance with a portion of the components shown in phantom.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 12.

[0021] FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 4 in the fifth position.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 14.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-section of a lockset including the adjustable backset cylindrical latch as shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a horizontal cross-section of the lockset as shown in FIG. 16.

Description

[0025] The adjustable backset cylindrical latch described herein may be used in a cylindrical lockset, for example, a Grade 2 commercial lockset capable of meeting ANSI standards.

[0026] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limiting. For example, words such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," "downward," "top" and "bottom" merely describe the configurations shown in the FIGs. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. The words " interior" and "exterior" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the core and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, an embodiment of an adjustable backset cylindrical latch is shown in FIGs. 1-5 and generally designated at 10. The latch 10 comprises a bolt head 12 which is configured to extend from a face plate 24 in the edge of a door. The bolt head may include a deadlatch 14 slidably associated with the bolt head 12. The inner end of the bolt head 12 defines a longitudinal slot for receiving an outer tailpiece 16. The outer end of the outer tailpiece 16 defines a short longitudinal slot for receiving a transverse pin 17 for securing the bolt head 12 for movement together with the outer tailpiece 16.

[0028] The outer tailpiece 16 defines an inner cylindrical longitudinal bore for slidingly receiving an outer end of an inner tailpiece 18. The bore has a longitudinally extending intermediate portion. The intermediate portion terminates at each end in an outer transverse portion and an inner transverse portion extending transversely of the longitudinal portion of the bore. A pin 19 is disposed in the inner end of the inner tailpiece 18. The pin 19 extends transversely from the outer end of the inner tailpiece 18.

[0029] The latch 10 is housed in an open-ended cylindrical inner case 20. The inner case 20 is fixed to the inner surface of the face plate 24 by a back plate 25. The back plate 25 captures opposed transverse tab 21s 21 between the face plate 24 and the back plate 25.

[0030] A cylindrical outer case 22 is configured to be slidably disposed on the inner case 20. The outer case 22 defines a slot 23 having a central longitudinal portion interconnecting an inner circumferential portion and an outer circumferential portion. The inner case 20 has a radial external tab 21 extending into the slot in the outer case.

[0031] FIGs. 1, 2, 4 and 5 show the latch 10 in a first backset position at 2 3/8 inches. In this position, the outer end of the inner tailpiece 18 is fully inserted into the bore in the outer tailpiece 16. The inner tailpiece 18 is rotated such that the end of the pin 19 is received in the outer transverse portion of the bore of the outer tailpiece 16. The bolt head 12 and the inner tailpiece 18 are secured for axial movement together particularly upon rotation of a latch operator 28 for retraction of the bolt head 12 into the inner case and opening of the door. In the first backset position, the tab 21 on the inner case 20 is at the end of the inner circumferential portion of the slot 23 in the outer case 22.

[0032] To move the latch 10 to a second backset position, the inner tailpiece 18 and the outer case 22 are first rotated 90° counterclockwise to a position shown in FIGs. 6 and 7. As best shown in FIG. 1, the outer case 22 defines an inner opening configured for non-rotatably passing the inner portion of the inner tailpiece 18. Thus, the inner tailpiece 18 and the outer case 22 rotate together to the 90° counterclockwise position. In this position, the pin 19 in the outer end of the inner tailpiece 18 is aligned with the longitudinal portion of the slot in the outer tailpiece 16. Similarly, the tab 21 on the inner case 20 is now aligned with the central longitudinal portion of the slot 23 in the other case 22. In this position, the inner tailpiece 18 and the outer case 22 are slidable in an axial direction relative to the outer tailpiece 16 and the inner case 20, respectively.

[0033] FIGs. 8 and 9 show the inner tailpiece 18 partially advanced along the longitudinal portion of the slot towards the inner end of the bore in the outer tailpiece 16. Accordingly, the tab 21 on the inner case 20 is partially advanced toward the outer circumferential portion of the slot in the outer case 22.

[0034] In FIGs. 10 and 11, the outer end of the inner tailpiece 18 is at the inner end of the bore in the outer tailpiece 16. The tab 21 on the inner case 20 is at the inner end of the longitudinal portion of the slot 23 in the outer case 22.

[0035] To complete movement of the latch 10 to the second backset position, the inner tailpiece 18 and the outer case 22 are rotated together 90° counterclockwise to the position shown in FIGs. 12-15. The pin 19 at the outer end of the inner tailpiece 18 is now in the inner transverse portion of the slot in the outer tailpiece 16. The tab 21 on the inner case 20 is disposed at the end of the outer circumferential slot 23 in the outer case 22. In this position, the backset distance is 2 3/4 inches, and the bolt head 12 and the inner tailpiece 18 are secured for axial movement together upon rotation of a latch operator 28.

[0036] Referring to FIGs. 16 and 17, ears at the inner end of the outer case 22 of the adjustable backset cylindrical latch 10 and the inner end of the inner tailpiece 18 are in the same relative position for engagement with a latch retractor 30 of a commercial grade lockset. This conventional arrangement is shown in FIGs. 4, 7 and 8 of U.S. Application. No. 2009/0152875. Another prior art arrangement for a commercial grade lockset is shown in U.S. Application No. 2010/0307207. The contents of both U.S. Application. No.

2009/0152875 and U. S. Application No. 2010/0307207 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0037] Moreover, because the outer tailpiece 16 and the inner tailpiece 18 are rigidly attached to the bolt head 12 for conjoined axial movement in both backset positions, the adjustable backset cylindrical latch 10 functions with a kickoff feature of the lockset. Kickoff is a required feature for certain lock applications in which it is desired that the lockset unlocks a locked door when the door is closed to prevent persons from becoming unintentionally locked out of a room. In use, when the bolt head 12 hits a strike plate (not shown) upon door closing and is pushed into the case, the inward motion of the bolt head 12 is transferred through the rigid connection at the outer tailpiece 16 via the pin 19 to the inner tailpiece 18. Since the inner tailpiece 18 is operatively connected to the retractor, the retractor is thus moved inwardly for unlocking the lockset. Therefore, the adjustable backset cylindrical latch 10 has a bolt tail configuration providing kickoff functionality in either backset position.

[0038] Although the adjustable backset cylindrical latch has been shown and described in considerable detail with respect to only a few exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that we do not intend to limit the latch to the embodiments since various modifications, omissions and additions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, we intend to cover all such modifications, omission, additions and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the cylindrical latch as defined by the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.