US3704036A

US3704036A - Thumb lever actuated latch operating device

Info

Publication number: US3704036A
Application number: US140341A
Authority: US
Inventors: John R Gerlach
Original assignee: Newfrey LLC
Current assignee: Newfrey LLC
Priority date: 1971-05-05
Filing date: 1971-05-05
Publication date: 1972-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 1989-11-28
Also published as: CA962717A; AU5295273A; JPS51129400A; JPS5544835B2; JPS5123240B1; AU3920072A; AU451615B2

Abstract

A preferably self-lubricating plastic slide frame is secured on the main frame part straddling the pivotal thumb lever inner end and includes a vertical guide track slidably mounting an actuating yoke downwardly engaged over the thumb lever inner end and upwardly abutting and overlying, pivotal actuating lever. The slide frame also includes a vertical guide track slidably mounting a stepped bar-like slide which downwardly abuts the actuating lever and is upwardly stepped engaged with a crank arm of a rotatable spindle assembly, one of the steps of the slide projecting rearwardly through the slot of a cover for additional guiding thereof. An inverted L-shaped leaf spring is engaged with a side of the slide frame and an underside of the actuating lever normally urging the actuating lever pivotally downwardly for ''''at rest'''' positioning of the actuating lever, actuating yoke and thumb lever. The spindle assembly includes a hollow cylindrical spindle retainer having alternate sockets therein positioning a half-round spindle in resiliently retained, but removable, alternate positions for properly engaging a latch from either latch side.

Description

O Umted States Patent 1 1 3,704,036 Gerlach [451 Nov. 28, 1972 [54] THUNIB LEVER ACTUATED LATCH [5 7] ABSTRACT OPERATING DEVICE A preferably self-lubricating plastic slide frame is [72] Inventor: John R. Gerlach, Monterey Park, secured on the main frame part straddling the pivotal Calif. thumb lever inner end and includes a vertical guide track slidably mountin an actuating yoke downwardly [73] Asslgnee' Emhan Corporatlon Bloomfield engaged over the thunfb lever inner end and upwardly Conn abutting and overlying, pivotal actuating lever. The [22] Filed: May 5, 1971 slide frame also includes a vertical guide track slidably mounting a stepped bar-like slide which downwardly [211 App! 140341 abuts the'actuating lever and is upwardly stepped engaged with a crank arm of a rotatable spindle as- 52 us. 01. ..292/167, 70/462, 292/169.2l, Sembly, one of the steps of the Slide projecting rear- 292 3 8 wardly through the slot of a cover for additional guid- 51 Int. Cl ..E05c l/16 ing thereof- An inverted bshaped leaf spring is [58] Field of Search ..292/l65, 166, 167, 169.21, e s with a Side of the Slide frame and an underside 292/16923 19 223 D[G 3 70 14 DIG 0f the actuating lever normally urging the actuating O3 462 lever pivotally downwardly for at rest positioning of the actuating lever, actuating yoke and thumb lever. [56] References Cited The spindle assembly includes a hollow cylindrical spindle retainer having alternate sockets therein posi- UNITED STATES PATENTS tioning a half-round spindle in resiliently retained, but 1 431 263 10/1922 Shannon 70/146 removable, alternate positions for properly engaging a 1,944,470 1/1934 Schlage ..70/l46 latch fmm ether latch 2,724,606 11/1955 Wartian ..292/ 165 22 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures Primary ExaminerAlbert G. Craig, Jr. Attorney-Mahoney, Hornbaker & Schick PATENTEDmvzs 912 FIG. I.

SHEET 1 []F 3 FIG. 3.

INVENTOR. JOHN R GERLACH BYMA HONE Y, HORNBAKER AND SCH/CK ATTORNEYS PATENTEDRBYZB m2 3. 704,036

SHEET 2 [IF 3 FIG. 4.

FIG. 5.

IN VENTOR. JOHN R. GERLAcH MAHONE Y, HORNBAKER AND SCH/CK ATTORNEYS PATENTED W28 3.704.036

SHEET 3 BF 3 INVENTOR. JOHN R. GERL ACH BYMA HONEY, HORNBA KER AND SCH/CK ATTORNEYS THUMB LEVER ACTUATED LATCH OPERATING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a latch operating device preferably of the thumb lever actuated type which may include improved motion transfer means for insuring proper and positive transfer of thumb lever pivotal motion into spindle rotational motion for operating a latch with minimum wear so as to function operationally over a long and serviceable life. For example, the'latch operating device of the present invention may include a novel slide frame mounted on the main frame and including one or more guide tracks formed thereon for guiding portions of the latch operating device components through proper relative motions thereof during operation of the latch. Furthermore, the latch operating device may include improved forms of various other of the individual components positioning and relating the same for improved overall operation thereof. Still further and applicable to thumb lever actuated and many other forms of latch operating devices, an improved spindle assembly'may be included which uniquely permits removal and repositioning of a typical half-round spindle so as to adapt the latch operating device for selective positioning at either side of a conventional latch, while still being capable of properly operating the same.

Particularly in latch operating devices of the thumb lever actuated type, a relatively complex motion transportation and conversion is required in order to properly operate the latch, the end required result. The thumb lever is normally vertically pivotally mounted projecting outwardly from one side of a door within which the latch to be operated is mounted and the vertical reciprocal movement of this thumb lever at the door outer side must be transported interiorly of the door and ultimately into spindle rotative motion which produces the horizontally reciprocal motion of the internal latch. Such relatively complex motion transference and conversion must be relatively smooth with a minimum of effort so that a minimum of force applied at the exterior thumb lever will transfer positive motion to the latch for operating the same. At the same time, the overall latch operating device must be long wearing for proper operation thereof over a service life of many years, and must not be excessively complicated in order to be capable of original economic manufacture and assembly.

In addition to the foregoing basic requirements and desirable features of latch operating device and latch constructions, many typical installations require the latch operating device to be mounted at only a single side of the particular latch. In other words, the latch operating device is mounted at and operable from the desired side of the door determined by the particular door installation and must transfer the latch operating motion from this door side transversely into interior of the door where such motion is converted into the typical latch which is horizontally longitudinally reciprocal extending and retracting a bolt longitudinally from an edge of the door. In order to preserve maximum simplicity of latch construction with positive operation thereof and, equally important, versatility thereof for use with a wide variety of latch operating devices, including thumb lever actuated and many other forms of ical half-round spindle.

With a relatively wide selection of various forms of latches all similarly operable by use of such a halfround spindle, it is possible to adapt various forms of latch operating devices with various varying forms of latches, or a relatively standarized form of latch may be used with a wide variety of latch operating devices, all such latches being compatible for operation with the same half-round spindle and all such latch operating devices, regardless of the form of actuation thereof, having a standardized type of half-round spindle. Although the standarization described is highly desirable from 'the standpoint of reducing the required number of latch models and the required number of latch operating device models so as to reduce costs, both in original manufacture and assembly, such standarization does present a major problem where the overall construction is that of single door side installation.

One major requirement of the use of half-round spindles for latch actuation and operation is the fact that with given standard forms of latches, the half-round spindle must always be positioned in a particular relative manner. This is true despite the fact that in one single door side installation the spindle may extend from one door side and in another installation may extend from the opposite side. This means that in shifting any given latch operating device and latch installation from one door side to the opposite, the half-round spindle must be repositioned.

The most obvious solution to this problem is that most commonly heretofore used, the provision of dual models of latch operating devices of each particular type, a left-hand installed model and a right-hand installed model. This solution, however, goes exactly contrary to the goals sought to be accomplished, adding to the complications of manufacturing and, therefore, adding to the latch operating device costs for the provision thereof. Thus, there has been a long-felt want and need for a simple and efficient construction of mounting for the half-round spindles in the various forms of latch operating devices which will permit ready removal thereof and repositioning so that a single latch operating device may be used in the single door side installations regardless of the door side required, eliminating the need for two models as has heretofore been required.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION motion applied exteriorly of a door side into horizontally reciprocal motion of a typical latch interiorly of the door for extending and retracting a latch bolt from a door edge. Despite the fact that such motion conversion and transportation is relatively complex, the same is accomplished by the latch operating device of the a positive manner.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a latch operating device of the foregoing general character and-particularly of the thumb lever actuated form which includes a novel arrangement of elements producing clearly advantageous results. According to certain of the principles of the present invention, the thumb lever actuated latch operating device includes a unique slide frame therein having one or more guide tracks mounting certain of the movable elements within the door for efficient and pretermined motion during the thumb lever actuated functioning thereof. The result is one of absolute guided element movement in an improved manner assuring such positive operation for the overall intended use.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a latch operating device particularly of the thumb lever actuated form which includes a multiplicity of specifically formed and located unique elements serving specific functions in the motion transfer train for maximum smoothness and efficiency of positive operation. With the latch operating device including the previously described slide frame and the slide frame having spaced, vertically extending guide tracks formed thereon, a novel actuating block may be slidably mounted in one of the slide frame guide tracks for transferring motion between the pivotal thumb lever and a pivotal actuating lever, and a novel spring may be mounted between the slide frame and the actuating lever for imparting proper return motion to all of the thumb lever, actuating block and actuating lever. Also, a novel slide may be mounted engaged in the other slide frame guide track imparting proper motion between the actuating lever and a crank arm operably connected to the rotatable spindle, all arranged in a unique manner assuring proper motion transfer through the latch operating device between the thumb lever and the latch engaged spindle thereof.

It is still an additional object of this invention to provide a latch operating device, whether of the thumb lever actuated form or otherwise, which effectively solves the previously discussed problems of versatility of single side mounting of the latch operating devices and permits convenient mounting of such latch operating devices at either side of a spindle engaged latch merely through the simple removal and repositioning of the half-round spindle. According to certain of the principles of the present invention, a novel form of half-round spindle retainer is provided having alternate socket means formed thereon with the half-round spindle being arranged for end engagement with either of the spindle retainer socket means and being precisely positioned in exactly opposite cross-sectional configuration exposures by the alternate socket means. Thus, through the simple removal and repositioning procedure, the half-round spindle may be quickly selectively positioned for proper engagement with the particular latch being operated despite the particular side location of the latch operating device incorporating the novel arrangement.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a latch operating device including all of the above advantageous features and improvements, each constructed with maximum simplicity and for the most economical manufacture, while still providing for maximum simplicity in assembly thereof. Each novel element thereof is formed to perform a specific advantageous function, as well as being formed so that it is virtually impossible to accomplish an improper assembly thereof despite the full capability of permitting well ordered and common manufacturing and assembly procedures. Still at the same time, each of the latch operating device elements is designed for provision thereof at minimum material and labor cost so as to create a novel latch operating device which may be supplied to the consumer at a lesser cost than latch operating device of comparable quality.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawing which are for the purpose of illustration only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a thumb lever actuated latch operating device assembled with a typicallatch and a typical knob actuated latch operating device, all mounted in operable position in a door shown in fragmentary, horizontal sectional view, the latch operating devices and the latch being shown in the at rest position with the latch bolt extended;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 2-2 in FIG. 1 with the thumb lever actuated latch operating device of FIG. 1 still in the at rest position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but with the thumb lever actuated latch operating device in a latch operating position moved from the at rest position of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 4-4 in FIG. 2 and, similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the thumb lever actuated latch operating device in the at rest position;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the thumb lever actuated latch operating device in the latch operating position;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but with the rear cover of the latch operating device removed exposing the elements thereof to view, the latch operating device still being in the at rest position;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but with the thumb lever actuated latch operating device in the latch operating position;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the thumb lever actuated latch operating device of FIGS. 1 through 7 removed from the latch, knob actuated latch operating device and door assembly; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, horizontal sectional view of the half-round spindle and spindle retainer assembly of the thumb lever actuated latch operating device looking in the direction of the arrows 99 in FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the thumb lever actuated latch operating device of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, generally indicated at 10, in functional assembly with a typical latch, generally indicated at 12, and a, at least for the main part, typical knob actuated latch operating device, generally indicated at 14, all mounted with a door, generally indicated at 16. As shown particularly in FIG. 1, the thumb lever actuated latch operating device is mounted projecting from and exposed at one side 18 of the door 16, the knob actuated operating device 14 is mounted projecting from and exposed at an opposite side 20 of the door and the latch 12 is mounted within the door operably engaged by both of the latch operating devices and exposed at an edge 22 of the door. Except as hereinafter specifically pointed out, all of the

latch operating devices

10 and 14 and the latch 12 may be formed of usual materials and manufactured by usual manufacturing procedures.

More particularly to the embodiment of thumb lever actuated latch operating device 10 incorporating the principles of the present invention, a main frame 24 is formed partially by a rosette 26 outwardly overlying the door side 18 and covering a door latch through opening 28. As shown particularly in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the main frame rosette 26 has a thumb lever opening 30 therethrough opening into the door opening 28 receiving an inner end 32 of a thumb lever 34 therethrough projecting into the door opening 28 with a thumb portion 36 projecting outwardly of the main frame rosette. At an inner surface 38 of the main frame rosette 26, the thumb lever 34 is provided with particularly formed, opposite side slots 40 receiving spaced portions of a bifurcated thumb lever retainer 42 vertically slidably therein, the retainer being secured to the main frame rosette 26 and vertically pivotally mounting the thumb lever 34 captive with the main frame rosette.

A preferably unitary slide frame 44 preferably formed of one of the well-known class of self-lubricating plastics is secured to the inner surface 38 of the main frame rosette 26 received over rearwardly projecting

studs

46 and 48 of the main frame rosette. Furthermore, the slide frame 44 downwardly overlies and straddles the thumb lever inner end 32 and is formed with a vertically extending and rearwardly opening actuating block or yoke guide track 50 bisected by and partially also straddling the thumb lever inner end. Still further, the slide frame 44 is formed with a vertically extending and rearwardly opening slide bar guide track 52 spaced to the right of the actuating yoke guide track 50 as viewed in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

A generally inverted U-shaped actuating block or yoke 54 is vertically slidably engaged in the actuating yoke guide track 50 of the slide frame 54 downwardly engaged over the thumb lever inner end 32 and an actuating lever 56 is vertically pivotally mounted on the rosette stud 46 with an intermediate actuating lever portion 58 overlying a generally upwardly facing arcuate surface of an actuating yoke rearward extension 60. At the rosette stud 46, a somewhat inverted L-shaped flat or leaf-type spring 62 is abuttingly engaged with a side surface 64 of the slide frame 44 and an under surface 66 of the actuating lever 56 upwardly over the rosette stud 46 as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. Thus, the spring 62 normally resiliently urges the actuating lever 56 vertically pivotally downwardly against the arcuate surface rearward extension 60 of the actuating yoke 54 to, in turn, urge the actuating yoke slidably downwardly and the thumb lever inner end 32 pivotally downwardly.

A free end 68 of the actuating lever 56 is upwardly slidably engaged with a lower step 70 of a vertically and rearwardly stepped slide bar 72 vertically slidably engaged in the slide bar guide track 52 of the slide frame 44. An intermediate step 74 of the slide bar 72 upwardly slidably engages a crank arm 76 secured to a hollow cylindrical spindle retainer 78 rotatably mounted on the rosette rearward or inner surface 38, the spindle retainer opening rearwardly or inwardly transversely of the door 16 as will be hereinafter described more in detail. A rear cover 80 is mounted on the previously mentioned rosette stud 48 and an additional rosette stud 82 rearwardly covering the slide frame 44, actuating yoke 54, actuating lever 56, slide bar 72 and crank arm 76 with the spindle retainer 78 opening rearwardly therethrough and the slide bar lower step 70 projecting rearwardly into a rear cover guide slot 84 for addional guiding of the slide bar 72.

Particularly according to certain of the principles of the present invention, the spindle retainer 78 is internally divided by a center diametrical partition 86 into opposite, rearwardly opening, semi-circular,

spindle sockets

88 and 90, the socket 88 being arbitrarily designated a first spindle socket and the socket 90 a second spindle socket, but either being constructed for receiving an outer end of a half-round spindle 92 therein extending co-axially of the spindle retainer and transversely of the door 16. The half-round spindle 92 is preferably uniform thickness throughout so as to have uniform semi-circular inner and outer surfaces outwardly conforming to the internal wall surface of the spindle retainer 78 between the limits of the

spindle sockets

88 and 90 as determined by the partition 86. Axially curled spring ends 94 and 96 are positioned in the

spindle sockets

88 and 90, respectively, each curled spring end preferably being formed by a common flattype spring extending between and into each of the spindle sockets.

The outer end of the half-round spindle 92 may, therefore, be axially slidably engaged in either of the

spindle sockets

88 or 90 removably resiliently retained in such socket by the appropriate curled

spring end

94 or 96 and the half-round spindle may include an engagement slot 98 receiving a portion of the particular spring end therein for more securely retaining the halfround spindle in the particular spindle socket. With the particular construction of the latch 12 illustrated, the half-round spindle 92 is required to face opening away from the major portions of the latch and away from the door edge 22 when the thumb lever actuated latch operating device 10 is mounted at the door one side 18 so that the half-round spindle is shown herein received and removably engaged in the first spindle socket 88 of the spindle retainer 78, that is, in full lines, but if it were desired to mount the thumb lever actuated latch operating device at the opposite side 20 of the door 16 with the same construction of latch 12, the half-round spindle may be removed and equally securely removably engaged in the second socket 90 in the position shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9.

To complete the assembly of the thumb lever actuated latch operating device 10, latch 12 and knob actuated latch operating device 14 with the door 16, the half-round spindle 92 projects transversely of the door 16 and the door latch through opening 28 into engagement through the latch while preferably telescoping an end of a half-round spindle 100 of the knob actuated latch operating device 14 mounted at the door opposite side 20. The knob actuated latch operating device 14 may be of usual construction rotating the half-round spindle 100 by hand rotation-of knob 102, but it is preferred that the knob actuated latch operating device will have the same half-round spindle and spindle retainer (not shown) arrangement so that the halfround spindle 100 may be similarly reversed where desired. In any event, the half-round spindle 100 of the knob actuated latch operating device 14 is operably engaged with the latch 12 so that partial rotation of either of the half-round spindle 92 of the thumb leveractuated latch operating device or the half-round spindle 100 of the knob actuated latch operating device 14 will operate the latch to withdraw a latch bolt 104 to a position shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 in conventional In operation of the thumb lever actuated latch opening device 10 including the principles of the present invention, the various elements thereof are normally positioned at rest in the various positions shown in full lines in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6. In such at rest" positions, the spring 62 resiliently retains the actuating lever 56 pivotally downwardly angled to also retain the actuating yoke 54 and the inner end 32 of the thumb lever 34 downwardly, the thumb lever thumb portion 36 being upwardly or nearly horizontal. At the same time, in view of the downward positioning of the actuating lever free end 68, the slide bar is downwardly positioned and the crank arm 76 is rotated maximum downwardly with the half-round spindle 92 facing uniformly longitudinally toward the door edge 22, these latter elements being retained in their positions by the usual resilient urging of the latch 12 caused by full extension of the latch bolt 104 as shown.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, downward pivotal urging of the thumb lever thumb portion 36 pivots the thumb lever inner end 32 upwardly moving the actuatof the latch 12 in extending the latch bolt 104. Also, partial rotation of the knob 102 of the knob actuated latch operating device 14 will similarly actuate the latch 12 and withdraw the latch bolt 104.

According to the principles of the present invention, therefore, a preferably thumb lever actuated latch operating device is herein provided wherein a series of unique operating elements are combined in assembly which transfer motion in a simple and efficient manner between vertical pivotal movement of the thumb lever into partial rotative movement of a spindlein order to properly actuate a usual door latch. The efficiency of the motion transfer train created by the various elements is particularly augmented by smooth motion of various elements which are guided in proper relationship by the unique slide frame 44, the slide frame positively guiding the unique actuating yoke 54 transferring motion from the thumb lever 34 and the actuating lever 56, and also positively guiding the unique stepped slide bar 72 transferring the pivotal motion of the actuating lever 56 into the partial rotative movement of the crank arm 76 and ultimately to the half-round spindle 92. Still further in addition to the smooth guiding attributes of the slide frame 44, the unique relationship thereof with the various moving elements permits a relatively simplified construction, despite the relatively complicated motion conversion, while maintaining the overall assembly of a convenient form adaptable to efficient manufacturing and production assembly procedures.

Still in addition to the foregoing features of the present invention, and whether or not the particular latch operating device is thumb lever actuated, knob actuated or otherwise, a novel mounting for the halfround spindle, in this case the half-round spindle 92 is provided permitting the alternate mounting of the latch operating device associated therewith at either side of a particular door as particularly related to the exposed door edge thereof,-again in this case, the door 16 and the door edge 22. In view of the fact that with a given latch construction such as the latch 12, the half-round spindle 92 must always be positioned in the same relative position to the door edge 22 and latch 12, prior ing yoke 54 slidably upwardly and the actuating lever 1 56 pivotally upwardly against the resilient pressure of the spring 62. The upward pivoting of the actuating lever 56 pivots the actuating lever free end 68 upwardly slidably moving the slide bar 72 upwardly and upwardly rotating the crank arm 76 to partially rotate the spindle retainer 78 and the half-round spindle 92 which actuates the latch 12. In the particular embodiment shown, the partial rotation of the half-round spindle 92 causes the upper edge thereof to actuate the latch 12 longitudinally withdrawing the latch bolt to the broken line position shown in FIG. 1 and disengaging the latch bolt from a door frame strike plate (not shown), if engaged therewith, to permit opening of the door 16.

Release of the thumb lever 34 permits a return of all of the elements of the thumb lever actuated latch operating device 10 back to the at rest" positions as urged by the spring 62 of the thumb lever actuated latch operating device and the internal resilient forces constructions required two different latch operating device models, but with the novel assembly of the spindle retainer 78 and the half-round spindle 92 included herein, it is merely necessary to remove the spindle from secure resilient retention for repositioning in an oppositely facing position. In this manner, the novel cooperative relationship between the spindle retainer 78 and the half-round spindle 92 provides a latch operating device which may be converted to either door side mounting in a matter of seconds and eliminates the necessity of alternate models for accomplishing such alternate conversion.

Iclaim:

1. In a thumb lever actuated latch operating device and the like of the type having a main frame with a thumb lever vertically pivotal thereon extending through said main frame between forward and rearward sides thereof, an actuating lever generally endwise pivotal on said main frame rearward side overlying a rearward end of said thumb lever at an actuating lever intermediate portion with an actuating lever free end projecting from said intermediate portion, a vertically movable slide having a lower portion downwardly engaging said actuating lever free end, an upper portion of said slide upwardly engaging a crank arm of a latch operating spindle rotatably mounted on said main frame, downward movement of said thumb lever at said main frame forward side moving said thumb lever rearward end upwardly to move said actuating lever, slide and crank arm upwardly rotating said spindle and operating a latch operably connected thereto; the improvements comprising: a slide frame mounted on said main frame having a vertically extending acuating block guide track therein and a vertically extending slide guide track therein; an actuating block vertically slidably guided in said actuating block guide track of said slide frame between said thumb lever rearward end and said acuating lever intermediate portion; and said slide being vertically slidably guided in said slide guide track of said slide frame.

2. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which said slide frame is formed unitary of self-lubricating plastic forming said acuating block and slide guide tracks of self-lubricating plastic.

3. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating block is a yoke having an inverted generally U-shaped opening therethrough and is positioned downwardly over said thumb lever rearward end and upwardly abutting said actuating lever intermediate portion.

4. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which said slide is bar-like and is formed stepped on one generally vertical face thereof; and in which said actuating lever free end is engaged with a portion of said slide stepped face and said crank arm is engaged with a portion of said slide stepped face.

5. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which a rearward cover is mounted on said main frame rearward side extending rearwardly of said slide; and in which said slide includes a rearwardly projecting portion vertically slidably engaged and guided in a cover slot.

6. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which flat spring means is engaged between said actuating lever and said slide frame normally resiliently urging said actuating lever intermediate portion and free end pivotally downwardly.

7. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which an inverted L-shaped spring is engaged between said actuating lever and said slide frame normally urging said actuating lever intermediate portion and free end pivotally downwardly, said spring flexing from a lesser to a more full inverted L-shaped during upward pivoting of said thumb lever rearward end.

8. A thumb lever actuating latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which said slide frame is formed unitary of self-lubricating plastic forming said actuating block and slide guide tracks of self-lubricating plastic; and in which said actuating block is a yoke having an inverted generally U-shaped opening therethrough downwardly encompassing said thumb lever rearward end and upwardly abutting said acuating lever intermediate portion.

9. A thumb lever actuating latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which said actuating block is a yoke having an inverted generally U-shaped opening therethrough downwardly encompassing said thumb lever rearward end and upwardly abutting said actuating lever intermediate portion; and in which said slide is bar-like and is stepped on one vertical face thereof, said slide stepped vertical face downwardly abutting said actuating lever free end and upwardly abutting said spindle crank arm.

10. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which a cover is mounted on said main frame rearward side projecting rearwardly of said slide; and in which said slide is bar-like and includes steps on a rearward" vertical face thereof, certain of said slide steps downwardly engaging said actuating lever free end, certain of said slide steps upwardly engaging said spindle crank arm, at least one of said slide steps projecting rearwardly through a slot of said cover and being vertically guided therein during movement of said slide in said slide guide track of said slide frame.

11. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which a cover is mounted on said main frame rearward side projecting rearwardly of said slide; in which said slide is bar-like and includes steps on a rearward vertical face thereof, certain of said slide steps downwardly engaging said actuating lever free end, certain of said slide steps upwardly engaging said spindle crank arm, at least one of said slide steps projecting rearwardly through a slot of said cover and being vertically guided therein during movement of said slide in said slide guide track of said slide frame; and in which said actuating block is a yoke downwardly encompassing said thumb lever rearward end and having a rearwardly projecting tab thereon, said actuating block tab downwardly abutting said thumb lever rearward end and upwardly abutting said actuating lever intermediate portion, said actuating block tab extending rearwardly into a slot of said cover and being guided therein during vertical movement thereof.

12. In a thumb lever actuated latch operating device and the like of the type having a main frame with a thumb lever vertically pivotal thereon extending through said main frame between forward and rearward sides thereof, an actuating lever generally endwise pivotal on said main frame rearward side overlying a rearward end of said thumb lever at an actuating lever intermediate portion with an actuating lever free end projecting from said intermediate portion, a vertically movable slide having a lower portion downwardly engaging said actuating lever free end, an upper portion of said slide upwardly engaging a crank arm of a latch operating spindle rotatably mounted on said main frame, downward movement of said thumb lever at said main frame forward side moving said thumb lever rearward end upwardly to move said actuating lever, slide and crank arm upwardly rotating said spindle and operating a latch operably connected thereto; the improvements comprising: a slide frame mounted on said main frame having a vertically extending slide guide track therein, said slide frame being formed of a selflubricating plastic; and said slide being vertically slidably guided in said slide guide track of said slide frame.

13. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 12 in which said slide frame straddles said thumb lever rearward end and has a vertically extending actuating block guide track therein adjacent said thumb lever rearward end; and in which an actuating block is vertically slidably guided in said actuating block guide track of said slide frame between said thumb lever rearward end and said actuating lever intermediate portion.

14. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 12 in which flat spring means is en gaged between said actuating lever and said slide frame normally urging said actuating lever intermediate portion pivotally downwardly, said downward pivotal movement of said actuating lever being transmitted downwardly to said thumb lever rearward end and urging said thumb lever rearward end downwardly.

15. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 12 in which said slide frame is positioned straddling said thumb lever rearward end and includes a vertically extending actuating block guide track adjacent said thumb lever rearward end; in which anactuating block is vertically slidably guided in said actuating block guide track of said slide frame between said thumb lever rearward end and said actuating lever intermediate portion, said actuating block downwardly engaging said thumb lever rearward end and upwardly engaging said actuating lever intermediate portion; and in which spring means is engaged between said actuating lever and said slide frame normally urging said actuating lever intermediate portion vertically downwardly, said spring means through said actuating lever also urging said actuating block and said thumb lever rearward end downwardly.

16. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 12 in which said latch operating spindle includes a half round spindle having a semi-circular outer surface over a portion thereof, said operable connection between said latch operating spindle and said latch operationally requiring said half-round spindle semi-circular outer surface in non-operating position to always face in only a particular one direction relative to said latch regardless of which of two latch sides said latch operating device is positioned, a rotatable spindle retainer having said crank arm mounted thereon partially rotatable by said crank arm upon upward movement of said crank arm, alternate socket means on said spindle retainer selectively removably receiving and rotatably retaining an end of said half round spindle, one of said socket means receiving said spindle with said spindle semi-circularouter surface facing in said particular one direction when said latch operating device is at one side of said latch and the other of said socket means receiving said half round spindle with said spindle semi-circular outer surface facing in said particular one direction when said latch operating device is at the other of said latch sides.

17. In a latch operating device of the type imparting motion from an operating mechanism into partial rotation of a transversely extending spindle operably engaged with a longitudinally reciprocal latch, said spindle being half-round and having a semi-circular outer surface over a portion thereof, the operable connection between said spindle and latch operationally requiring said spindle semi-circular outer surface in non-operating position to always face in only a particular one of generally longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly regardless of the transverse side of said said latch at which said operating mechanism is positioned; the improvements comprising: a rotatable spindle retainer operably connected to said operating mechanism partially rotatable by said operating mechanism about a transverse axis; and alternate socket means on said spindle retainer selectively removably receiving and rotatably retaining an end of said half-round spindle, one of said socket means receiving said spindle with said spindle semi-circular outer surface facing in said particular one longitudinal direction when said operating mechanism is at one transverse side of said latch and the other of said socket means receiving said spindle with said spindle semi-circular outer surface facing in said particular one longitudinal direction when said operating mechanism is at the other transverse side of said latch.

18. The latch operating device as defined in claim 17 in which resilient means is positioned between said spindle and said spindle retainer when said spindle is received in either of said alternate socket means, said resilient means exerting a resilient force between said spindle and said spindle retainer removably retaining said spindle in said alternate socket means.

19. A latch operating device as defined in claim 17 in which said spindle retainer is hollow cylindrical in configuration opening axially toward said latch and forming said alternate socket means internally thereof; and

in which said half-round spindle is end received in said spindle retainer in either of said alternate socket means.

20. A latch opening device as defined in claim 17 in which said spindle retainer is hollow cylindrical in configuration and opens axially toward said latch, said alternate socket means being formed internally of said spindle retainer; in which said half-round spindle includes both semi-circular outer and inner surfaces, said half-round spindle having an end received in said spindle retainer interior in either of said alternate socket means; and in which said alternate socket means of said spindle retainer each include resilient means exerting a resilient force against said half-round spindle end when received in said socket means resiliently retaining said half-round spindle end in said socket means.

21. A latch operating device as defined in claim 17 in which said spindle retainer is hollow cylindrical in configuration and opens axially toward said latch, said alternate socket means being formed internally of said spindle retainer; in which said half-round spindle includes both semi-circular outer and inner surfaces, said half-round spindle having an end received in said spindle retainer'interior in either of said alternate socket means, said half-round spindle end having a slot formed therethrough; and in which said alternate socket means of said spindle retainer each include resilient means engaged in said slot of said half-round spindle end exerting a resilient force against said half-round spindle end when received in said socket means resiliently retaining said half-round spindle end in said socket means.

22. A latch operating device as defined in claim 17 in which said spindle retainer is hollow cylindrical in configuration and opens axially toward said latch, said alternate socket means being formed internally of said spindle retainer; in which said half-round spindle includes both semi-circular outer and inner surfaces, said half-round spindle having an end received in said spindle retainer interior in either of said alternate socket means, said half-round spindle end having a slot formed

Claims

10. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 1 in which a cover is mounted on said main frame rearward side projecting rearwardly of said slide; and in which said slide is bar-like and includes steps on a rearward vertical face thereof, certain of said slide steps downwardly engaging said actuating lever free end, certain of said slide steps upwardly engaging said spindle crank arm, at least one of said slide steps projecting rearwardly through a slot of said cover and being vertically guided therein during movement of said slide in said slide guide track of said slide frame.

12. In a thumb lever actuated latch operating device and the like of the type having a main frame with a thumb lever vertically pivotal thereon extending through said main frame between forward and rearward sides thereof, an actuating lever generally endwise pivotal on said main frame rearward side overlying a rearward end of said thumb lever at an actuating lever intermediate portion with an actuating lever free end projecting from said intermediate portion, a vertically movable slide having a lower portion downwardly engaging said actuating lever free end, an upper portion of said slide upwardly engaging a crank arm of a latch operating spindle rotatably mounted on said main frame, downward movement of said thumb lever at said main frame forward side moving said thumb lever rearward end upwardly to move said actuating lever, slide and crank arm upwardly rotating said spindle and operating a latch operably connected thereto; the improvements comprising: a slide frame mounted on said main frame having a vertically extending slide guide track therein, said slide frame being formed of a self-lubricating plastic; and said slide being vertically slidably guided in said slide guide track of said slide frame.

14. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 12 in which flat spring means is engaged between said actuating lever and said slide frame normally urging said actuating lever intermediate portion pivotally downwardly, said downward pivotal movement of said actuating lever being transmitted downwardly to said thumb lever rearward end and urging said thumb lever rearward end downwardly.

15. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 12 in which said slide frame is positioned straddling said thumb lever rearward end and includes a verticAlly extending actuating block guide track adjacent said thumb lever rearward end; in which an actuating block is vertically slidably guided in said actuating block guide track of said slide frame between said thumb lever rearward end and said actuating lever intermediate portion, said actuating block downwardly engaging said thumb lever rearward end and upwardly engaging said actuating lever intermediate portion; and in which spring means is engaged between said actuating lever and said slide frame normally urging said actuating lever intermediate portion vertically downwardly, said spring means through said actuating lever also urging said actuating block and said thumb lever rearward end downwardly.

16. A thumb lever actuated latch operating device as defined in claim 12 in which said latch operating spindle includes a half round spindle having a semi-circular outer surface over a portion thereof, said operable connection between said latch operating spindle and said latch operationally requiring said half-round spindle semi-circular outer surface in non-operating position to always face in only a particular one direction relative to said latch regardless of which of two latch sides said latch operating device is positioned, a rotatable spindle retainer having said crank arm mounted thereon partially rotatable by said crank arm upon upward movement of said crank arm, alternate socket means on said spindle retainer selectively removably receiving and rotatably retaining an end of said half round spindle, one of said socket means receiving said spindle with said spindle semi-circular outer surface facing in said particular one direction when said latch operating device is at one side of said latch and the other of said socket means receiving said half round spindle with said spindle semi-circular outer surface facing in said particular one direction when said latch operating device is at the other of said latch sides.

19. A latch operating device as defined in claim 17 in which said spindle retainer is hollow cylindrical in configuration opening axially toward said latch and forming said alternate socket means internally thereof; and in which said half-round spindle is end received in said spindle retainer in eitHer of said alternate socket means.

21. A latch operating device as defined in claim 17 in which said spindle retainer is hollow cylindrical in configuration and opens axially toward said latch, said alternate socket means being formed internally of said spindle retainer; in which said half-round spindle includes both semi-circular outer and inner surfaces, said half-round spindle having an end received in said spindle retainer interior in either of said alternate socket means, said half-round spindle end having a slot formed therethrough; and in which said alternate socket means of said spindle retainer each include resilient means engaged in said slot of said half-round spindle end exerting a resilient force against said half-round spindle end when received in said socket means resiliently retaining said half-round spindle end in said socket means.

22. A latch operating device as defined in claim 17 in which said spindle retainer is hollow cylindrical in configuration and opens axially toward said latch, said alternate socket means being formed internally of said spindle retainer; in which said half-round spindle includes both semi-circular outer and inner surfaces, said half-round spindle having an end received in said spindle retainer interior in either of said alternate socket means, said half-round spindle end having a slot formed therethrough; and in which said alternate socket means of said spindle retainer each include axially curled leaf-type spring means portions engaged in said slot of said half-round spindle end exerting a resilient force against said half-round spindle end when received in said socket means resiliently retaining said half-round spindle end in said socket means.