Paddle locks with handle disconnect features

Abstract

A door lock has a flush-mountable body. A forwardly facing recess is defined by the body. A paddle-type handle is pivotally carried by the body and is movable between a nested position within the body recess and an operating position. A bolt is carried on the back of the body and is movable between latching and unlatching positions. A key-controlled disconnect linkage is provided for selectively connecting and disconnecting the handle and the bolt. The disconnect linkage includes a disconnect member which is moved by a key-operated locking member between connecting and disconnecting positions located, respectively, in and out of the path of travel of a handle operating arm. When the disconnect linkage drivingly connects the handle and the bolt, movement of the handle from its nested position to an operating position will cause corresponding unlatching movement of the bolt. When the disconnect linkage disconnects the handle from the bolt, movement of the handle is inoperative to cause unlatching movement of the bolt. A feature of the disconnect linkage is that it provides the lock with a 'slam' capability, meaning that the bolt can be slammed into latching engagement with a suitable configured strike regardless of whether the disconnect linkage is drivingly connecting or disconnecting the handle and the bolt. Three exemplary lock embodiments are described.