Patent ID: 6546765
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
A latch with a safety lock feature, comprising:a handle with a grip portion and a shank portion, the shank portion having a bore formed axially therethrough, with at least one side aperture extending through the shank portion into communication with the bore; an interposing object sized to be placed in the side aperture; a lock plug positioned in the bore of the handle, the lock plug having a head portion and a shaft portion, the shaft having a recessed portion and an unrecessed portion, the lock plug being rotatable to move the lock plug between a locked position, wherein the unrecessed portion is in alignment with the side aperture to cause the interposing object to protrude from the side aperture, and an unlocked position, wherein the unrecessed portion is in alignment with the side aperture permitting the interposing object to retract into the side aperture; a biasing means which biases the lock plug to its locked position; an escutcheon with an aperture for receiving the shank portion of the handle, the aperture having a pocket for the interposing means, wherein when the handle is in a closed position and the lock plug is in the locked position, the unrecessed portion of the shaft is aligned with the side aperture which is in alignment with the pocket, thereby preventing turning of the handle, and when the lock plug is in the unlocked position, the recessed portion of the shaft is aligned with the side aperture and the interposing object can retract from the pocket, thereby permitting the handle to be turned and opened.