Convertible backset latch mechanism

Claim 1

In an adjustable backset latch mechanism having a stationary housing, a bolt movable to a closed position in the housing, a translatable bolt retractor connected to the bolt for moving the bolt to an open position and a transverse spindle insertable through the housing rotatable to translate the bolt retractor, the improvement comprising (a) a housing section having parallel spaced-apart plate walls and a retractor housed between the walls with such retractor having upper and lower forward lips and upper and lower rearward lips; (b) a swivel unit turnable by such spindle and mounted for sliding movement in the housing section between a forward position and a rearward position, such swivel unit in turn comprising (i) slide means for sliding engagement with a plate wall of the housing section; (ii) means for securing the slide means to the plate wall in a forward position and means for securing it in a rearward position; (iii) a swivel plate projection means normally positioned between the housing section plate walls such swivel plate means mounted on the swivel unit for engagement with the bolt retractor when the spindle is turned; and (c) distortable sprinq means urging the swivel unit to its normal-at rest position between the plate walls with such spring means capable of being distorted to move the swivel unit laterally toward a plate wall to permit translation of the swivel unit past upper and lower forward retractor lips whereby upon restoration of such spring means to normalcy the swivel unit is placed in a operable forward backset position.