AU2016101919B4

AU2016101919B4 - A Lock and Latch Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2016101919B4
Application number: AU2016101919A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dean Beardmore; Bryan Marshall; Tasman J. WALLWORTH
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2015-08-25
Filing date: 2016-10-28
Publication date: 2017-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-04
Also published as: AU2016101919A4

Abstract

A lock and latch assembly that is to be installed on a door. The assembly has inner and outer actuators, and a latch with a tongue that is movable between an extended position 5 and a retracted position. The tongue is displaceable by rotation of either inner or outer actuator. The assembly has a first lock cylinder with a keyed barrel, and a deadbolt that includes a bolt. The first lock cylinder is operable to displace the bolt between an extended position and a retracted position. A snibbing mechanism includes an inner portion that includes a manually operable snibbing actuator, an outer portion that has a 10 first outer hub that is rotationally fixed to the outer actuator, a second outer hub that is rotationally fixed to the barrel of the first lock cylinder, and an outer slide plate. The first outer hub and outer slide plate have complementary engaging members, wherein the outer slide plate is movable between a free position, and a blocking position in which rotation of the outer actuator is prevented. An intermediate drive connects the inner 15 portion to the outer slide plate. The snibbing actuator is operable to cause the snibbing mechanism to transfer a movement from the inner portion through the intermediate drive to the outer slide plate so as to move the outer slide plate into the blocking position. The outer slide plate is movable from the blocking position into the free position by a rotation of the barrel of the first lock cylinder that causes the deadbolt mechanism to move the bolt 20 from the extended position to the retracted position. Figure 3 to accompany Abstract

Description

σ^ σ^ ο Ό ο (Ν 10 Ό Ο (Ν -I—> οΟ 00 (Ν A Lock and Latch Assembly

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a lock and latch assembly for a swinging door fitted within a doorway of a building.

Background

It is known to fit a lock or latch to a swinging door within a doorway of a building. The lock or latch is used to retained the door in a closed position. A latch has a mechanism that is mounted to, or within, a door, the mechanism including a spring-loaded retractable (sliding) tongue that in its rest state protrudes outwardly from the side edge of the door that is opposite the door hinges. A strike plate is 15 mounted on the door jamb that surrounds the doorway. When the door is in the closed position, engagement of the tongue with a hole (or similar structure) in the strike plate holds the door from opening until a user actuates the latch. Typically, the latch also has an actuator on one or both of the internal and external sides of the door that a user can operate to cause the latch mechanism to withdraw the tongue, which disengages the 20 tongue from the strike plate, such that the door can be opened. The tongue of a latch has a ramped profile such that contact on the inclined face causes the tongue to be automatically retracted upon closure and contact with the strike plate.

In the most simple form of latch, the mechanism is configured such that a user can 25 operate the mechanism to withdraw the tongue at all times by rotation of the actuator on either side of the door. In other words, this type of latch cannot be locked to prevent actuation of the latch mechanism by one or both actuators. This type of latch is known as a "passage set". 30 In some applications, it is desirable to have a latch that can be placed in a "passage mode" in which the latch is operable to retract the tongue by either actuator, and a "privacy mode" in which the latch is operable to retract the tongue by the inner actuator but not the outer actuator. A latch that can be placed in these two modes is ο (Ν Ο ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο ο (Ν 10 15 -2- known as a "privacy set". A privacy set has a manual turn snib, push button, or the like on the inner side of the door that a user operates to place the latch in its privacy mode. However, for safety reasons, it is preferable that the latch mechanism is configured such that, when in privacy mode, the actuating the inner actuator to retract the tongue causes the latch to return to its passage mode, so that the outer actuator is released to retract the tongue upon actuation.

Further, it is known to provide a key cylinder on the outer side of a privacy set, such that a user with an appropriate key can operate the latch from the outer side to retract the tongue, even when in privacy mode.

While latches are convenient in domestic / residential applications, they are known to have limited security, even when in a privacy mode. To this end, a credit card (or the like) can be pushed between the door edge and the door jamb to apply a lateral force against the inclined face of the tongue, which forcibly retracts the tongue and enables the door to be opened. This type of forced entry is known as a "credit card attack". A higher level of security can be provided to the door by installing a deadbolt, in addition to a latch. A deadbolt has a mechanism that is mounted to, or within, a door. 20 The mechanism includes a bolt that can be extended to protrude outwardly from the side edge of the door. However, the bolt shape is such that it can only be extended to engage its strike plate after the door is closed. Further, the bolt shape prevents the bolt from being retracted by a lateral force, for instance by a credit card attack. Deadbolt mechanisms use a key cylinder on the outer side of the door to extend / retract the bolt. 25

Providing a door with independent latch and deadbolt mechanisms has the benefits of enabling the door to be latched closed, of providing security against a credit card attack, and also of minimal cost. As will be apparent, a door with a privacy set, and an independent deadbolt is only workable if the privacy set has a key cylinder, and this 30 configuration has two separate key cylinders on the outer side of the door. This is undesirable for cost, complexity, usability and appearance considerations.

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Accordingly, there is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative. 5 Summary of the invention A sub-assembly of a lock/latch assembly, the sub-assembly being configured to be mounted to the face of a door, the assembly comprising: a manually operable actuator; a hollow member that is in communication with the actuator, the holiow member 10 having a radially spaced arm such that movement of the actuator causes a rotation of the hollow member by action on the radially spaced arm; and a connecting rod having first end that includes a head portion, and a shaft portion that projects rearwardly with respect to the sub-assembly to a second end, such that, when the sub-assembly is mounted to the door, the shaft portion extends into or through 15 the door for rotational engagement with another component of the lock/latch assembly, a housing of the sub-assembly; and a compression spring that is disposed in the hollow member and applies a bias that has the effect of urging the connecting rod away from the housing towards an extended position, 20 wherein the head portion is disposed within the hollow member, wherein the hollow member has an aperture through which the shaft portion extends, wherein the aperture and the shaft portion have complementary engaging shapes such that the connecting rod rotates with the hollow member, and wherein the connecting rod is displacable from the extended position against the bias to reduce the separation of the 25 second end from the housing.

In some embodiments, the compression spring extends between the housing and the head portion of the connecting rod, and the connecting member is displacable relative to the hollow member.

The housing can include a cover plate with an aperture within which the hollow member is disposed. ο (Ν +-> Ο ο οο (Ν σ^ Η σ^ Η Ο νο ο (Ν 10 15 -4-

The actuator can be a rotatable actuator that is any one of a group of rotatable actuators that include knobs, levers, turn snibs, and lock cylinders, and whereby rotation of the rotatable actuator causes a rotation of the hollow member.

The present invention also provides a lock/latch assembly that is to be installed on a door, the assembly comprising: a first sub-assembly configured to be mounted to a first face of the door, the first sub-assembly being in accordance with the sub-assembly previously described; a second sub-assembly configured to be mounted to a second face of the door; and at least one of a latch and a deadbolt, wherein, when the lock/latch assembly is installed on a door, the connecting rod of the first sub-assembly extends through the door and is in rotational engagement with a hollow member of the second sub-assembly, such that the hollow members of the first and second sub-assemblies rotate in unison.

The present invention can also provide a lock and latch assembly that is to be installed on a door, the assembly comprising: an inner actuator and an outer actuator that are respectively disposed on inner 20 and outer sides of the door when the assembly is installed on the door; a latch that includes a latching mechanism, and a tongue that is connected to the latching mechanism and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the latching mechanism includes a spring to bias the tongue towards the extended position, and wherein the inner and outer actuators are each connected to the 25 latching mechanism, whereby the latching mechanism is operable to displace the tongue towards the retracted position by rotation of either inner or outer actuator; a first lock cylinder that is disposed on the outer side of the door when the assembly is installed on the door, the first lock cylinder having a keyed barrel; a deadbolt that includes a deadbolt mechanism, and a bolt that is connected to the 30 deadbolt mechanism, wherein the first lock cylinder is connected to the deadbolt mechanism, whereby the deadbolt mechanism is operable to displace the bolt between an extended position and a retracted position by rotation of the barrel of the first lock cylinder; and Ο (Ν -I—> ο Ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο Ό ο (Ν a snibbing mechanism that includes: an inner portion that is disposed on the inner side of the door when the assembly is installed on the door, the inner portion including a manually operable snibbing actuator; 5 an outer portion that is disposed on the outer side of the door when the assembly is installed on the door, the outer portion having a first outer hub that is rotationally fixed to the outer actuator, a second outer hub that is rotationally fixed to the barrel of the first lock cylinder, and an outer slide plate, wherein the first outer hub and outer slide plate have complementary 10 engaging members, and wherein the outer slide plate is movable between a free position in which the complementary engaging members are spaced apart such that the outer actuator is rotatable, and a blocking position in which the complementary engaging members engage one another such that the outer slide plate prevents rotation of the outer actuator; 15 an intermediate drive that is connected to the inner portion and to the outer slide plate, whereby the snibbing actuator is operable to cause the snibbing mechanism to transfer a movement from the inner portion through the intermediate drive to the outer slide plate so as to move the outer slide plate into the blocking position, 20 and whereby the outer slide plate is movable from the blocking position into the free position by a rotation of the barrel of the first lock cylinder that causes the deadbolt mechanism to move the bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.

In at least some embodiments, the inner portion of the snibbing mechanism 25 includes an inner hub that is rotationally fixed to the inner actuator, and a transfer member that is connected to the intermediate drive, wherein the snibbing mechanism is configured such that, when the outer slide plate is in the blocking position, the transfer member is in contact with the inner hub, and whereby the outer slide plate is movable from the blocking position towards the free 30 position by a rotation of the inner actuator that causes the tongue to move towards the retracted position. ο (Ν Ο ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο ο (Ν 10 -6-

Preferably, the transfer member is an inner slide plate that is connected to the intermediate drive, wherein movement of one of the inner and outer slide plates is transferred through the intermediate drive to the other of the outer and inner slide plates, and wherein when the outer slide plate is in the free position the inner slide plate is in a first position, and when the outer slide plate is in the blocking position the inner slide plate is in a second position.

The inner hub can include a lobe that bears against a contact surface of the inner slide plate during a rotation of the inner actuator that moves the inner slide plate from the second position towards the first position. In some embodiments, at least part of the contact surface is convex.

In certain embodiments, the inner portion includes a pivot bar with a catch, and 15 whereby, when the inner slide plate is in the first position, the catch engages a shoulder on the inner slide plate to hold the inner slide plate in the first position. Preferably, the pivot bar includes a button head that is manually movable to release the inner slide plate from engagement with the catch. Even more preferably, the pivot bar is biased such that the catch is urged into engagement with the shoulder, and wherein the button head is 20 depressed to release the inner slide plate from engagement with the catch.

The inner portion can further include a spring that biases the inner slide plate towards the second position. 25 In at least some embodiments, the inner and outer actuators each have keyed seats, and the inner and outer hubs each have one or more keys to locate in the keyed seat of the respective inner and outer actuator.

The assembly can further comprise an inner trim plate with a first aperture through 30 which the inner actuator extends, and a second aperture through which a portion of the snibbing actuator extends. Preferably, the inner trim plate includes guides that guide movement of the inner slide plate. The assembly can also further comprise an inner cover plate that is secured to the inner trim plate, and wherein the inner portion of the Ο (Ν -I—> ο Ο 00 (Ν

σ^ σ^ o Ό o (N 10 30 snibbing mechanism is substantially disposed between the inner trim plate and the inner cover plate.

The assembly can further comprise an outer trim plate with a first aperture through which the outer actuator extends, and a second aperture through which a portion of the first lock cylinder extends. Preferably, the outer trim plate includes guides that guide movement of the outer slide plate. The assembly can also further comprise an outer cover plate that is secured to the outer trim plate, and wherein the outer portion of the snibbing mechanism is substantially disposed between the outer trim plate and the outer cover plate.

The present invention can also provide a sub-assembly of a lock/latch assembly, the sub-assembly being configured to be mounted to the face of a door, the assembly comprising: 15 an actuator; a hollow member that is in communication with the actuator such that movement of the actuator causes a rotation of the hollow member; and a connecting rod having first end that includes a head portion, and a shaft portion that projects rearwardly with respect to the sub-assembly to a second end, such that, 20 when the sub-assembly is mounted to the door, the shaft portion extends into or through the door for rotational engagement with another component of the lock/latch assembly, wherein the head portion is disposed within the hollow member, wherein the hollow member has an aperture through which the shaft portion extends, and wherein the aperture and the shaft portion have complementary engaging shapes such that the 25 connecting rod rotates with the hollow member.

Preferably, the sub-assembly further comprises a second member that closes an open end of the hollow member, and a compression spring that is disposed in the hollow member and extends between the second member and the head portion to bias the connecting rod away from the second member.

In certain embodiments, the second member is a trim plate of the sub-assembly. ο (Ν -I—> ο Ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο Ό ο (Ν 10 -8

The sub-assembly can further comprise a mechanism that is movable in response to movement of the actuator, whereby movement of the mechanism is transferred to rotation of the hollow member.

The actuator can be manually operable. In some embodiments, the actuator is a rotatable actuator, whereby rotation of the rotatable actuator causes a rotation of the hollow member.

The rotatable actuator can be any one of a group of rotatable actuators that include knobs, levers, turn snibs, and lock cylinders.

Brief description of the drawings

In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will 15 now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1: is a first perspective view of a lock and latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly mounted in a door;

Figure 2: is a second perspective view of the door, and lock and latch assembly 20 of Figure 1;

Figure 3: is an exploded view of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4: is an enlarged view of region IV in Figure 3, showing an inner sub-assembly of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 5: is an enlarged view of region V in Figure 3, showing an outer sub-25 assembly of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 6: is a rear view of the inner sub-assembly of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 7: is a partial perspective view of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 1, showing the assembly in a passage mode; 30 Figure 8: is a side elevation view of the lock and latch assembly corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 7; Ο (Ν -I—> ο Ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο Ό ο (Ν 10 15 20 25 30

Figure 9: is a rear view of the inner trim plate, inner actuator, and inner portion of the snibbing mechanism corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 7;

Figure 10: is a rear view of the outer trim plate, outer actuator, and outer portion of the snibbing mechanism corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 7;

Figure 11: is a first enlarged vertical cross section view of the lock and latch assembly corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 7;

Figure 12: is a partial perspective view of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 1, showing the assembly in a privacy mode;

Figure 13: is a side elevation view of the lock and latch assembly corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14: is a rear view of the inner trim plate, inner actuator, and inner portion of the snibbing mechanism corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 12;

Figure 15: is a rear view of the outer trim plate, outer actuator, and outer portion of the snibbing mechanism corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 12;

Figure 16: is a second enlarged vertical cross section view of the lock and latch assembly corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 12;

Figure 17: is a partial perspective view of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 1, showing the assembly being moved out of the privacy mode by actuation of the inner actuator;

Figure 18: is a side elevation view of the lock and latch assembly corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19: is a rear view of the inner trim plate, inner actuator, and inner portion of the snibbing mechanism corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 17;

Figure 20: is a partial perspective view of the lock and latch assembly of Figure 1, showing the assembly being moved out of the privacy mode by actuation of the outer lock cylinder;

Figure 21: is a side elevation view of the of the lock and latch assembly corresponding with the mode shown in Figure 20; ο (Ν Ο ο (X) (Ν σ^ σ^ Ο Ο (Ν 10 15 20 25 30 -10-

Figure 22: is a rear view of the outer trim plate, outer actuator, and outer portion of the snibbing mechanism corresponding with the configuration shown in Figure 20; and

Figure 23: is a third enlarged vertical cross section view of the lock and latch assembly, showing the assembly between the passage and privacy modes.

Detailed description

Figures 1 and 2 show a lock and latch assembly 10 that is installed on a door D. The assembly 10 includes an inner actuator 12 on an inner side of the door D, and an outer actuator 14 on an outer side of the door D. The outer side of the door D is shown in Figure 1, and the inner side of the door D is shown in Figure 2.

The assembly 10 includes a latch 16 that includes a latching mechanism (not shown), and a tongue 18. The tongue 18 is connected to the latching mechanism within a latch housing 20 (shown in Figure 3) of the latch 16. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the latch 16 is installed in a latch hole (not shown) that is formed in the edge E of the door D, and parallel to the major faces of the door D. The latch 16 has a face plate 22 that retains the latch 16 in latch hole. The latch mechanism structure and function will be well known to the person skilled in the art, and is not germane to this disclosure. The tongue 18 is movable between an extended position (shown in Figures 1 and 2), and a retracted position in which the tongue 18 is approximately flush with the face plate 22. The latching mechanism includes a spring (not shown) to bias the tongue 18 towards the extended position. In this particular embodiment, each of the inner and outer actuators 12, 14 is each connected to the latching mechanism by a respective spindle (not shown) that extends between that actuator and the latch mechanism. The latching mechanism is operable to displace the tongue 18 towards the retracted position by rotation of either inner or outer actuator 12, 14.

The lock and latch assembly 10 includes an outer sub-assembly that is to be installed on an external side of the door D, in the manner shown in Figure 1. Further, the ο (Ν Ο ο (X) (Ν

σ^ σ^ o o (N 10 25 -11 - lock and latch assembly 10 includes an inner sub-assembly that is to be installed on an internal side of the door D, in the manner shown in Figure 2.

The assembly 10 also includes a first lock cylinder 24 that is disposed on the outer side of the door D. The first lock cylinder 24 has a keyed barrel 26 that is accessible from the outer side of the door D. In this particular embodiment, the assembly 10 also includes a second lock cylinder 28 that is disposed on an inner side of the door D. The second lock cylinder 28 has a keyed barrel 30 that is accessible from the inner side of the door D. It will be appreciated that in some alternative embodiments, the second lock cylinder can be omitted.

The assembly 10 further includes a deadbolt 32 that includes a deadbolt mechanism (not shown), and a bolt 34. The bolt 34 is connected to the deadbolt mechanism within a deadbolt housing 36 (shown in Figure 3) of the deadbolt 32. As 15 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the deadbolt 32 is installed in a deadbolt hole (not shown) that is formed in the edge E of the door D. The deadbolt hole is parallel to the major faces of the door D, and is also parallel to, but spaced apart from, the latch hole. The deadbolt 32 has a face plate 38 that retains the deadbolt 32 in deadbolt hole. The deadbolt mechanism structure and function will be well known to the person skilled in the art, and is 20 not germane to this disclosure.

The tongue 18 and bolt 34 will each co-operate with a respective strike plate mounted in a door jamb surrounding the door D. When one or both of the tongue 18 and bolt 34 is in its extended position and also engaged with the respective strike plate, the door D is retained in a closed position. Further, when the door D is in a closed position and both the tongue 18 and bolt 34 are in their retracted positions, the door D is free to be opened.

The bolt 34 can be displaced between an extended position (shown in Figure 3), 30 and a retracted position (shown in Figures 1 and 2) in which the bolt 34 is approximately flush with the face plate 38 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). To this end, the deadbolt mechanism is connected to the first and second lock cylinders 24, 28 by either a single, shared spindle, or an individual spindle (not shown) that extends between the respective ο (Ν 'ί—> Ο ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο Ό ο (Ν -12- lock cylinder and the deadbolt mechanism. Rotation of the keyed barrel 26, 30 of either first or second lock cylinder 24, 28 displaces the bolt 34 between the extended and retracted positions. 5 An outer trim plate 40 is mounted against the major surface of the door D on the outer side, and an inner trim plate 42 is mounted against the major surface of the door D on the inner side, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. Each of the outer and inner trim plates 40, 42 have an actuator aperture 44, and each of the outer and inner actuator 12, 14 extends through the actuator aperture 44 in the respective outer and inner trim 10 plates 40, 42. Further, each of the outer and inner trim plates 40, 42 have a lock cylinder aperture 46, and each of the first and second lock cylinders 24, 28 extend through the lock cylinder aperture 46 in the respective outer and inner trim plates 40, 42. The inner trim plate 42 includes a button head aperture 48, which will be described in further detail below. 15

The assembly 10 includes a snibbing mechanism 50 (shown in Figure 3) that includes an inner portion 52, an outer portion 54, and an intermediate drive 56. An inner cover plate 58 retains the inner portion 52 of the snibbing mechanism 50 beneath the inner trim plate 42, as shown in Figure 6. To this end, the inner cover plate 58 is secured 20 to the internal side of the inner trim plate 42, and the inner trim plate 42 is concave so as to define an internal cavity within which the inner portion 52 of the snibbing mechanism 50 is disposed. The inner sub-assembly has a housing, which in this embodiment is formed of the inner trim plate 42 and the inner cover plate 58. Similarly, an outer cover plate 60 retains the outer portion 54 of the snibbing mechanism 50 beneath the outer trim plate 40. 25 The outer portion 54 is also within an inner cavity of the outer trim plate 40. The outer sub-assembly also has a housing, which in this embodiment is formed of the outer trim plate 40 and the outer cover plate 60.

The inner portion 52 includes a manually operable snibbing actuator, which in this 30 embodiment includes a button head 62 shown in Figure 2. The button head 62 is shaped so as to be able to protrude outwardly of the inner trim plate 42, and through the button head aperture 48. Thus, the button head 62 is accessible for actuation by a user. ο (Ν Ο ο (X) (Ν σ^ σ^ ο ο (Ν 10 13

The outer portion 54 of the snibbing mechanism 50 has a first outer hub 64 that is rotationally fixed to the outer actuator 14. The first outer hub 64 is disposed between the outer trim plate 40 and the outer cover plate 60. Further, the outer portion 54 has a second outer hub 66 that is rotationally fixed to the barrel 26 of the outer lock cylinder 24, and an outer slide plate 68. The first outer hub 64 and outer slide plate 68 have complementary engaging members. In this particular embodiment, the first outer hub 64 has two engaging members that are both in the form of radially projecting tabs 70. The engaging member on the outer slide plate 68 is in the form of a keyway 72 formed in an upper end of that plate 68. As will be evident from the description that follows, only one of the two tabs 70 is used for engagement with the keyway 72 at any one time, depending on the selected handing of the assembly 10.

The outer slide plate 68 is movable between a free position and a blocking position. In this particular embodiment, the outer slide plate 68 is slidable in a direction 15 that is radial with respect to the rotational axis of the first outer hub 64. As will be evident, particularly from Figures 10, 15 and 22, the outer trim plate 40 has guides 74 that are disposed laterally of the outer slide plate 68, and constrain the movement of the outer slide plate 68. When the outer slide plate 68 is in its free position, the tab 70 is spaced apart from the keyway 72 and the outer actuator 14 is rotatable. When the outer slide 20 plate 68 is in its blocking position, the tab 70 engages the keyway 72, and by this engagement the outer slide plate 68 prevents rotation of the outer actuator 14.

Figures 7, 10, 11 and 22 show the outer slide plate 68 in its free position. Figures 12, 15 and 16 show the outer slide plate 68 in its blocking position, with one of the 25 tabs 70 located within the keyway 72. As will be evident, when the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position, the outer actuator 14 is effectively locked against rotation, so that the outer actuator 14 cannot be operated to withdraw the tongue 18 of the latch 16.

The intermediate drive 56 connects to the inner portion 52 of the snibbing 30 mechanism 50 to the outer slide plate 68. By virtue of the intermediate drive 56, a movement of the snibbing actuator is transferred to the outer slide plate 68 so as to move the outer slide plate 68 into the blocking position. In other words, the snibbing actuator is operable to cause the snibbing mechanism 50 to transfer a movement from the inner ο (Ν Ο ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο Ό ο (Ν 25 30 -14- portion through the intermediate drive 56 to the outer slide plate 68. To this end, in this particular embodiment, it is the movement of the button head 62 being depressed that leads to movement being transferred through the intermediate drive 56 to the outer slide plate 68. Thus, depressing the button head 62 initiates movement of the inner portion 52. 5 This chain of movements will be described in further detail below.

As will be described in further detail below, the outer slide plate 68 is movable from the blocking position into the free position by a rotation of the barrel 26 of the first lock cylinder 24 in a direction that causes the deadbolt mechanism to move the bolt 34 10 from the extended position to the retracted position. Accordingly, if the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position, the action of rotating the barrel 26 of the first lock cylinder 24 in a direction that would cause the deadbolt mechanism to retract the bolt 34 simultaneously operates the snibbing mechanism 50 so as to move the outer slide plate 68 away from the blocking position. Sufficient rotation of the barrel 26 causes the outer 15 slide plate 68 to move into the free position, thus freeing the first outer hub 68 and the outer actuator for rotation. If the bolt 34 is the retracted position and the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position, rotating the barrel 26 of the first lock cylinder 24 in the direction that would cause the deadbolt mechanism to retract the bolt 34 will operate the snibbing mechanism 50 so as to move the outer slide plate 68 away from the blocking 20 position. In this embodiment, in the event that the outer slide plate 68 is in the free position, a rotation of the barrel 26 of the first lock cylinder 24 produces no corresponding movement in the snibbing mechanism 50.

When the outer slide plate 68 is in the free position, both inner and outer actuators 12, 14 are operable to retract the tongue 18 of the latch 16. In this way, the assembly 10 is in a passage mode (subject to the bolt 34 being in the retracted position), and a person can withdraw the tongue 18 to open the door D. When the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position and the tongue 18 is within the strike plate, the outer actuator 14 cannot be operated to retract the tongue 18 of the latch 16.

The inner portion 52 of the snibbing mechanism 50 includes an inner hub 76, and a transfer member, which in this embodiment is in the form of an inner slide plate 78. ο (Ν Ο ο (X) (Ν

σ^ H σ^ H O H H O (N 10 30 -15-

The inner hub 76 is rotationally fixed to the inner actuator 12. The inner hub 76 is disposed between the inner trim plate 42 and the inner cover plate 58.

The inner slide plate 78 is connected to the intermediate drive 56. By virtue of this connection, movement of the inner slide plate 78 is transferred through the intermediate drive 56 to the outer slide plate 68. Accordingly, when the outer slide plate 68 is in the free position, the inner slide plate 78 is in a first position. Further, when the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position, the inner slide plate 78 is in a second position. Thus, the inner slide plate 78 is movable between the first and second positions. In this particular embodiment, the inner slide plate 78 is slidable in a direction that is radial with respect to the rotational axis of the inner hub 76. As will be evident, particularly from Figures 4, 9, 14 and 19, the inner trim plate 48 has guides 80 that are disposed laterally of the inner slide plate 78, and constrain the movement of the inner slide plate 78. 15 Figures 7, 9, 11, 17, 19 and 20 show the inner slide plate 78 in its first position.

Figures 12, 14 and 16 show the inner slide plate 78 in the second position.

When the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position, the inner slide plate 78 is in the second position, whereupon the inner slide plate 78 is in contact with the inner hub 20 76. The outer slide plate 68 is movable from the blocking position towards the free position by a rotation of the inner actuator 12 that causes the tongue 18 to move towards the retracted position. In this embodiment, the inner hub 76 includes a lobe 82 that bears against a contact surface 84 of the inner slide plate 78 during a rotation of the inner actuator 12 that moves the inner slide plate 78 from the second position towards the first 25 position.

When the lobe 82 is in contact with the contact surface 84, rotation of the inner hub 76 (by rotation of the inner actuator 12) provides a camming effect, which moves the inner slide plate 78 towards the first position. As will be evident from the Figures, at least part of the contact surface 84 is convex. This facilitates movement of the inner slide plate 78 with rotation of the inner hub 76. Ό Ο (Ν -I—> οΟ 00 (Ν -16- σ^ σ^ο Όο (Ν 10 15 20

It follows that, when the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position (and the inner slide plate 78 is correspondingly in the second position), a user can rotate the inner actuator 12, which rotates the inner hub 76 and - by virtue of the contact between the lobe 82 and the inner slide plate 78 - causes the inner slide plate 78 to move away from the second position. In turn, the movement of the inner slide plate 78 is transferred through the intermediate drive 56 to the outer slide plate 68. Thus, the movement of the inner slide plate 78 away from the second position causes the outer slide plate 68 to move away from the blocking position. With sufficient rotation of the inner hub 76, the outer slide plate is moved into the free position. When the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position, the inner actuator 12 is operable to drive the outer slide plate 68 to the free position. Simultaneously with this rotation of the inner actuator 12, the latch mechanism is operated to retract the tongue 18. Accordingly, the inner actuator 12 remains operable to retract the tongue 18 of the latch 16, whether the outer slide plate 68 is in the blocking position or the free position. In this way, the assembly 10 can be placed in a privacy mode (subject to the bolt 34 being in the retracted position), in which a user can withdraw the tongue 18 to open the door D by rotation of the inner actuator 12, but the outer actuator 14 cannot be used to withdraw the tongue 18. In this particular embodiment, the inner hub 76 has two lobes 82. Only one of the two lobes 82 is positioned to work against the inner slide plate 78 at any one time, depending on the selected handing of the assembly 10. 25 The outer portion 54 of the snibbing mechanism 50 includes a pin 85 with an external threaded portion. The pin 85 is to be secured into one of two threaded pin holes 86 formed in the outer slide plate 68. The necessary pin hole 86 into which the pin 85 is secured depends on the handing of the assembly 10 that is selected during installation. 30 The second outer hub 66 includes a radially projecting arm 88. The pin 85 is positioned in either pin hole 86 such that rotation of the first (outer) lock cylinder 24 in a direction corresponding with the bolt 34 being withdrawn to its retracted position causes the arm 88 to rotate towards the pin 85. If the outer slide plate 68 is in its blocking ο (Ν Ο ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο ο (Ν 10 25 30 -17- position, the rotation of the second outer hub 66 (by rotation of the barrel 68 of the first lock cylinder 24) brings the arm 88 against the pin 85. Further rotation of the second outer hub 66 drives the outer slide plate 68 away from its blocking position. With sufficient rotation of the second outer hub 66, the outer slide plate 68 will be moved into its free position. By virtue of the connection through the intermediate drive 56, the inner slide plate 78 will be moved into its first position, whereupon the pivot bar 87 pivots to bring the catch 89 into engagement with the shoulder 90 on the inner slide plate 78.

The inner portion 52 includes a pivot bar 87 that includes the button head 62, and a catch 89, which in this embodiment is positioned at the upper end of the pivot bar 87. The inner slide plate 78 includes a shoulder 90 and, when the inner slide plate 78 is in the first position, the catch 89 engages the shoulder 90 to hold the inner slide plate 78 in the first position. 15 In this embodiment, the pivot bar 87 has the general shape of an inverted Ύ". At the lower end of the pivot bar 87 and on each leg of the forked portion, the pivot bar 87 includes a pivot pin 92. Each of the two pivot pins 92 is located in seats 94 formed on the internal side of the inner trim plate 42. The inner cover plate 58 retains the pivot pins 92 in their respective seats 94. The button head 62 is positioned intermediate the upper and 20 lower ends of the pivot bar 87.

The pivot bar 87 is biased by a pair of springs 96 such that the catch 89 is urged into engagement with the shoulder 90. The springs 96 are positioned between the pivot bar 87 and the inner cover plate 58, and work to bias the pivot bar 87 away from the inner cover plate 58. Thus, when the inner slide plate 78 is in the first position, the catch 89 engages the shoulder 90, and retains the inner slide plate 78 in the first position. When in this configuration, the button head 62 sits proud of the inner trim plate 42, as shown in Figures 8, 11, 18 and 21. The button head 62 can be manually depressed by a user to release the inner slide plate 78 from engagement with the catch 89.

The inner portion 52 of the snibbing mechanism 50 further includes a spring 98 that biases the inner slide plate 78 towards the second position. The spring 98 is a torsion spring, and has one end that works against the inner trim plate 42 and another

'sO ο (N +-> Ο ο 00 (Ν -18- σ^ σ^ο Ό Ο (Ν 10 end that locates in a slot in the inner slide plate 78, so as to generate the biasing force. In addition, the spring 98 is Accordingly, when the inner slide plate 78 is in the first position and the catch 89 is moved out of engagement with the inner slide plate 78, the spring 98 drives the inner slide plate 78 out of the first position and towards the second position. This movement of the inner slide plate 78 is transferred through the intermediate drive 56 to cause a corresponding movement of the outer slide plate 68 from the free position towards the blocking position. If the tab 70 of the first outer hub 64 is in the appropriate orientation, the outer slide plate 68 will continue to move into the blocking position, whereupon the tab 70 is located within the keyway 72 (and the inner slide plate 78 is in its second position).

In addition, in this embodiment, the outer portion 54 of the snibbing mechanism 50 further includes a spring 100 that biases the outer slide plate 68 towards the blocking position. The spring 100 is a compression spring that works between the outer trim plate 15 40 and the outer slide plate 68 to generate the biasing force. Accordingly, when the outer slide plate 68 is in the free position and the catch 89 is moved out of engagement with the inner slide plate 78, the spring 100 drives the outer slide plate 68 out of the free position and towards the blocking position. 20 25

When the inner slide plate 78 is in its second position, the catch 89 rests against the face of the inner slide plate 78 that faces the inner cover plate 58, and is also held in a position that is displaced towards inner cover plate 58. Accordingly, the button head 62 is held in a depressed position relative to the inner trim plate 42, as shown in Figures 13 and 16. As will be appreciated, the position of the button head 62 is indicative of whether the assembly 10 is in a passage mode or a privacy mode.

In this embodiment, the intermediate drive 56 includes an inner cylinder 102, an 30 outer cylinder 104, and a connecting bar 106 that extends into each of the cylinders 102, 104. One end of the inner cylinder 102 is captured between the inner trim plate 42 and the inner cover plate 58. In this embodiment, the opposing end of the inner cylinder 102 protrudes inwardly through an aperture 59 in the inner cover plate 58. The inner trim ο (Ν 't—> Ο ο οο (Ν σ^ Η σ^ ο ο (Ν 10 15 19- plate 42 has a boss 43 that protrudes into the inner cylinder 102. Rotation of the inner cylinder 102 is constrained by the boss 43 on the inner trim plate 42 and the aperture 59 formed in the inner cover plate 58.

In a similar manner, one end of the outer cylinder 104 is captured between the outer trim plate 40 and the outer cover plate 60. In this embodiment, the opposing end of the outer cylinder 104 protrudes inwardly through an aperture 61 in the outer cover plate 60. The outer trim plate 40 has a boss 41 that protrudes into the outer cylinder 104. Rotation of the outer cylinder 104 is constrained by the boss 41 on the outer trim plate 40 and the aperture 61 formed in the outer cover plate 40.

Each cylinder 102, 104 is hollow, and the apertures (of the cylinders 102, 104) are shaped such that the connecting bar 106 rotationally engages with each cylinder 102, 104. In this way, the cylinders 102, 104 and connecting bar 106 are configured to rotate in unison. The connecting bar 106, and the cylinders 102, 104 form a key-and-keyway coupling.

The inner cylinder 102 projects through an elongate hole 108 in the inner slide plate 78. As shown most clearly in Figure 4, the inner cylinder 102 includes a radially 20 spaced arm 110 that locates in a slot 112 formed in the inner slide plate 78. The slot 112 intersects the elongate hole 108. By this arrangement, rotation of the inner cylinder 102 causes translation of the inner slide plate 78.

Similarly, the outer cylinder 104 projects through an elongate hole 114 in the outer 25 slide plate 68. As shown most clearly in Figure 5, the outer cylinder 102 includes a radially spaced arm 116 that locates in a slot 118 formed in the outer slide plate 68. The slot 118 intersects the elongate hole 114. By this arrangement, rotation of the outer cylinder 104 causes translation of the outer slide plate 68. 30 The connecting rod 106 has a head portion 120, and a shaft portion. As shown in

Figure 11, the head portion 120 is formed on the end of the connecting bar 106 that is disposed in the hollow portion of the outer cylinder 104. The head portion 120 is sufficiently broad that it is unable to pass through the aperture formed in the end of the Ό Ο (Ν -I—> ο Ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο Ό ο (Ν 20 outer cylinder 104. In addition, the intermediate drive includes a compression spring 122 that extends between the outer trim plate 40 and the head portion 120. The compression spring 122 biases the connecting bar 106 away from the outer trim plate 40. In this embodiment, both the head portion 120 and the compression spring 122 are captured 5 within the outer cylinder 104. Accordingly, the outer cylinder 104 and connecting bar 106 form part of the outer sub-assembly of the assembly 10.

In this particular embodiment, the shaft portion of the connecting rod 106 has a rectangular cross section, in a plane that is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the 10 connecting rod 106. The connecting rod 106 has a tip end portion 121 that is formed at the opposing end of the shaft portion to the head portion 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip end portion 121 narrows in the width direction of the shaft portion. The tip end portion 121 is shown most clearly in Figure 5. Within the outer sub-assembly, the tip end portion 121 provides a "free end" of the connecting rod 106. 15

In some alternative embodiments, the tip end of the connecting rod may have an alternative shape. For example, the tip end may have a flat, or substantially flat, leading edge. Alternatively or additionally, the tip end may have chamfered or curved corners between the leading edge and the narrow side edges of the connecting rod. 20

The end face of the inner cylinder 102 in which the aperture is formed is concave. During installation of the assembly 10 on the door D, the outer sub-assembly is first mounted on the door D, with the connecting bar 106 projecting through a hole formed through the door. The inner sub-assembly is then mounted on the door D, during which 25 at least the tip end portion 121 of the connecting rod 106 is to be passed through the aperture, and into the inner cylinder 102. The concave end face of the inner cylinder 102 and the tapered shape of the tip end portion 121 both facilitate movement of the free end of the connecting rod 106 towards the aperture, and then into the inner cylinder 102. 30 The inner and outer cylinders 102, 104 and the connecting rod 106 have lengths that facilitate the assembly 10 being mounted on a range of different door thicknesses. To this end, the compression spring 122, together with the lengths of the inner and outer cylinders 102, 104 facilitate the intermediate drive being self-adjusting to accommodate a ο (Ν +-» Ο ο 00 (Ν

σ^ σ^ o kO o (N 10 -21 - door thickness that is within the pre-determined range, and less than the maximum door thickness.

Figures 7 to 11 show the components of the assembly 10 with the outer slide plate 68 in the free position, and the inner slide plate 78 in the first position. Hence, the assembly 10 is in the passage mode, because either inner or outer actuators 12, 14 are rotatable to withdraw the tongue 18 of the latch 16. As is evident from Figures 7, 9 and 11, the catch 89 engaged with the shoulder 90 of the inner slide plate 78 to retain the inner slide plate 78 in its first position. In this configuration, the pivot bar 87 adopts a position that has the button head 62 proud of the inner trim plate 42. Thus, from this configuration of the assembly 10, a user can depress the button head 62 to release the assembly 10 from passage mode so as to change the state towards the privacy mode.

As shown most clearly in Figure 10, when the outer slide plate 68 is in the free 15 position, there is a clearance between the upper end of the outer slide plate 68 (which is proximate the first outer hub 64) and the first outer hub 64. Accordingly, if the assembly 10 is in the passage mode, and the outer actuator 14 is rotated to withdraw the tongue 18 and simultaneously the button head 62 is depressed to release the inner slide plate 78 from engagement with the catch 89, the outer slide plate 68 will be moved from its free 20 position towards its blocking position (by virtue of movement of the inner slide plate 78 from its first position towards its second position, and the connection between the two slide plates 68, 78 through the intermediate drive 56). In this configuration, the projecting tab 70 (which is to engage the keyway 72 in the privacy mode, as determined by the selected handing of the assembly 10) may not be aligned with the keyway 72. Should this 25 occur, rotation of either the actuator 12, 14 that corresponds with extension of the tongue 18 from the side edge E of door D may cause the outer slide plate 68 to move towards the free position. However, due to the clearance, the outer slide plate 68 will not reach its free position, and also the inner slide plate 78 will not reach its first position. Once the tab 70 and keyway 72 become aligned, the outer slide plate 68 will be able to move into the 30 blocking position with the tab 70 engaged in the keyway 72.

Figures 12 to 16 show the components of the assembly 10 with the outer slide plate 68 in the blocking position, with the tab 70 engaged within the keyway 72. Further, ο (Ν Ο ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο ο (Ν 10 15 -22- the inner slide plate 78 is its second position. Hence, the assembly 10 is in the privacy mode, because the outer actuator 14 cannot be rotated to withdraw the tongue 18 of the latch 16. However, the inner actuator 12 is rotatable to withdraw the tongue 18, and also to drive the assembly 10 out of the privacy mode and into the passage mode. Alternatively, the first (outer) lock cylinder 24 can be rotated in a direction corresponding with the bolt 34 being withdrawn to its retracted position, which will also drive the assembly 10 out of the privacy mode and into the passage mode. It will be appreciated that the bolt 34 can be in either its extended or retracted position for this rotation to have the effect of driving the assembly 10 out of the privacy mode and into the passage mode.

Figure 16 shows a portion of the assembly 10 in vertical cross section, with the assembly 10 in the privacy mode. The tip of the catch 89 bears against the inner side of the inner slide plate 78, and this causes pivot bar 87 to be pivoted, with the catch 89 displaced towards the inner cover plate 58. Consequently, the button head 62 is held inward of inner trim plate 42.

Figures 17 to 19 show the components of the assembly 10 in a configuration in which the inner actuator 12 is rotated to approximately the maximum in a direction that, for the illustrated handing of the inner sub-assembly, would cause the latch mechanism to 20 retract the tongue 18. Accordingly, the lobe 82 that is in contact with the contact surface 84 has caused inner slide plate 78 to move to its first position, and the catch 89 is engaged with the shoulder 90. As is evident from Figure 17, this rotation of the inner actuator 12 has caused the outer slide plate 68 to move to its free position. 25 Figures 20 to 22 show the components of the assembly 10 in a configuration in which the keyed barrel 26 of the first (outer) lock cylinder 24 is rotated to approximately the maximum in a direction that, for the illustrated handing of the outer sub-assembly, would cause the deadbolt mechanism to retract the bolt 34 to the retracted position. The second outer hub 66 has rotated with barrel 26. Accordingly, the arm 88 of the second 30 outer hub 66 is in contact with the pin 85, and the rotation has caused outer slide plate 68 to move to its free position. As is evident from Figure 20, this rotation of the second outer hub 66 has also caused the inner slide plate 78 to move to its first position, and the catch 89 is engaged with the shoulder 90. ο (Ν +-> Ο ο οο (Ν σ^ Η σ^ Η Ο Η Η Ο (Ν 10 15 -23-

As previously described, the assembly 10 can accommodate either left- or right-handed handing so as to suit a desired application. Each of the inner and outer trim plates 42, 40 has the letters "L" and "R" embossed on its internal surface. In this particular embodiment, each of the inner and outer actuators 12, 14 is lever, or "blade". During installation, the handing of the assembly is to be set so that a user presses down on the respective actuator 12, 14 to cause the latch mechanism to retract the tongue 18.

Each of the inner and outer trim plates 42, 40 includes an "L"-shaped lever handing stopping block 124 that is secured to the respective trim plate 42, 40 by a screw 126. For the inner sub-assembly of the assembly 10, the stopping block 124 provides a limit stop for the inner actuator 12 to prevent over-rotation of the inner actuator 12 in the direction that would correspond with the tongue 18 being moved towards its extended position. To this end, the lobe 82 of the inner hub 76 that is remote from the inner slide plate 78 abuts the stopping block 124 of the inner sub-assembly to prevent this overrotation.

Similarly, for the outer sub-assembly of the assembly 10, the stopping block 124 provides a limit stop for the outer actuator 12 to prevent over-rotation of the outer actuator 20 14 in the direction that would correspond with the tongue 18 being moved towards its extended position. To this end, the tab 70 of the first outer hub 64 that is remote from the outer slide plate 68 abuts the stopping block 124 of the outer sub-assembly to prevent this over-rotation. 25 Each of the inner and outer actuators 12, 14 has a neutral position that is taken when the tongue 18 of the latch 16 is in its extended position. Figures 1 and 2 show the inner and outer actuators 12, 14 in their neutral positions. It is from this neutral position that the inner and outer actuators 12, 14 rotate to drive the latching mechanism to retract the tongue 18. Each of inner and outer sub-assemblies includes an actuator return spring 30 128, 132 that is configured to bias the respective inner and outer actuators 12, 14 to their neutral positions. To this end, the inner hub 76 has a spring engaging lobe 130 that bears against actuator return spring 128. The biasing force of the actuator return spring 128 is arranged so as to urge the inner actuator 12 towards the neutral position by application of Ο (Ν -I—> ο Ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο Ό ο (Ν 10 15 24- force on the spring engaging lobe 130. Similarly, the first outer hub 64 has a spring engaging lobe 134 that bears against actuator return spring 132. The biasing force of the actuator return spring 132 is arranged so as to urge the inner actuator 12 towards the neutral position by application of force on the spring engaging lobe 134. T0 change the handing of either sub-assembly, the respective stopping block 124 is removed, the respective actuator 12, 14 is rotated to the opposite side (by 180® from the positions shown in, for example. Figures 9 or 10), the stopping block 124 is reversed, and the screw 126 reinstalled on the trim plate 42, 40. The 180® rotation to alter the handing of the respective actuator 12, 14 also rotates the respective inner hub 76 or first outer hub 64 in the rotational position for operation of the assembly 10.

In addition, to ensure that the rotation of the barrel 26 of the first lock cylinder 24 to withdraw the bolt 34 of the deadbolt 32 will cause the assembly 10 to move from the privacy mode to the passage mode, the pin 85 is removed and reinstalled in the previously empty pin hole 86.

In this particular embodiment, the snibbing mechanism 50 can accommodate a misalignment of the inner sub-assembly relative to the outer sub-assembly, in the vertical 20 and/or horizontal direction, whilst still being operable to transfer movement of the inner and outer slide plates 68, 78 through the intermediate drive 56. Figure 23 shows a vertical cross section of the assembly 10, in which the outer sub-assembly is positioned higher than the inner sub-assembly. The cross-sectional geometric proportions of the connecting bar 106, including the head portion 120, are less than those of the aperture 25 and the internal cavity of the outer cylinder 104. Accordingly, a degree of misalignment can be accommodated without the connecting bar 106 being deflected.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and 30 “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. ο (Ν -I—> ο Ο 00 (Ν σ^ σ^ ο Η Η Ο (Ν 10 15 20 -25-

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

The invention has been described by way of non-limiting example only and many modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS

1. A sub-assembly of a lock/latch assembly, the sub-assembly being configured to be mounted to the face of a door, the assembly comprising: a manually operable actuator; a hollow member that is in communication with the actuator, the hollow member having a radially spaced arm such that movement of the actuator causes a rotation of the hollow member by action on the radially spaced arm; and a connecting rod having first end that includes a head portion, and a shaft portion that projects rearwardly with respect to the sub-assembly to a second end, such that, when the sub-assembly is mounted to the door, the shaft portion extends into or through the door for rotational engagement with another component of the lock/latch assembly, a housing of the sub-assembly; and a compression spring that is disposed in the hollow member and applies a bias that has the effect of urging the connecting rod away from the housing towards an extended position, wherein the head portion is disposed within the hollow member, wherein the hollow member has an aperture through which the shaft portion extends, wherein the aperture and the shaft portion have complementary engaging shapes such that the connecting rod rotates with the hollow member, and wherein the connecting rod is displacable from the extended position against the bias to reduce the separation of the second end from the housing.
2. A sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the compression spring extends between the housing and the head portion of the connecting rod, and wherein the connecting rod is displacable relative to the hollow member.
3. A sub-assembly according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes a cover plate with an aperture within which the hollow member is disposed.
4. A sub-assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuator is a rotatable actuator that is any one of a group of rotatable actuators that include knobs, levers, turn snibs, and lock cylinders, and whereby rotation of the rotatable actuator causes a rotation of the hollow member.
5. A lock/latch assembly that is to be installed on a door, the assembly comprising: a first sub-assembly configured to be mounted to a first face of the door, the first sub-assembly being in accordance with the sub-assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4; a second sub-assembly configured to be mounted to a second face of the door; and at least one of a latch and a deadbolt, wherein, when the lock/latch assembly is installed on a door, the connecting rod of the first sub-assembly extends through the door and is in rotational engagement with a hollow member of the second sub-assembly, such that the hollow members of the first and second sub-assemblies rotate in unison.