Patent ID: 7309087
Filing Date: 2007-12-18
Classification: E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A latch assembly kit comprising: a) a latching subassembly for mounting upon a movable closure element having first and second sides, the latching subassembly having i) a latched state wherein the latching subassembly releasably engages a strike element to maintain the movable closure element in a desired position relative to a support to which the movable closure element is attached, and ii) a release state; b) a first actuating assembly having a first configuration and normal and release states, the first actuating assembly mountable on the first side of the movable closure element and causing the latching subassembly to change from its latched state into its release state as an incident of the first actuating assembly changing from its normal state into its release state; and c) a second actuating assembly having a second configuration that is different than the first configuration and normal and release states, the second actuating assembly mountable to the first side of the movable closure element in place of the first actuating assembly and causing the latching subassembly to change from its latched state into its release state as an incident of the second actuating assembly changing from its normal state into its release state, wherein the first and second actuating assemblies can be selectively interchangeably mounted to the first side of the movable closure element to operate the latching subassembly, wherein with the first actuating assembly mounted to the first side of the movable closure element, a first part on the first actuating assembly that directly engages and interacts with the latching subassembly moves in a first manner as the first actuating assembly is changed from its normal state into its release state to thereby change the latching subassembly from its latched state into its release state, wherein with the second actuating assembly mounted to the first side of the movable closure element, a second part on the second actuating assembly moves in a second manner, that is different than the first manner, as the second actuating assembly is changed from its normal state into its release state to thereby change the latching subassembly from its latched state into its release state, wherein the kit further comprises a third actuating assembly mountable to the second side of the movable closure element with either of the first and second actuating assemblies mounted to the first side of the movable closure element and having normal and release states, the third actuating assembly causing the latching subassembly to change from its latched state into its release state as an incident of the third actuating assembly changing from its normal state into its release state, wherein with the second actuating assembly mounted to the first side of the movable closure element, a part on the second actuating assembly directly engages and interacts with a part of the third actuating assembly so as to thereby change the latching subassembly from its latched state into its release state as an incident of the second actuating assembly being changed from its normal state into its release state.