Importance

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Abstract

A reversible, double deadbolt latch bolt assembly for securing and locking a door is provided according to the invention. It comprises a lock body to which is slidably mounted a live bolt for movement between an extended position and a retracted position, the live bolt being operated by an actuator, such as a handle cam rotated by means of a door knob or lever-operated spindle. Also slidably mounted to the lock body are at least two cam-operated deadbolts on opposite sides of the live bolt for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position. These cams may optionally be linked to each other within the lock body, so that operation of one of the cams by, e.g., a key cylinder or thumb turn causes simultaneous operation of the other cam. Because of the symmetrical design and structure of the latch bolt assembly of the present invention, it enables a door into which it is inserted to be installed for both left-hand and right-hand hinged applications by mere flipping of the door by the installer without the need to remove the latch bolt assembly in order to further remove and invert the live bolt contained therein, as is customary within the industry. Alternatively, a bi-directional actuator for the live bolt can be used in conjunction with a single deadbolt, such combination still permitting the door to be flipped to accommodate both left-hand and right-hand hinged applications of a door during installation.

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First Claim