Abstract:
Latching and lock mechanisms for doors are developed that are particularly designed to improve assembly of the door latching and lock mechanisms along with a door and include methods of and features for connecting inside and outside escutcheon plates together and to a lock body by way of a quick-connect connection and release mechanism. Also, features and methods permit better alignment and assembly of lock bodies, and escutcheon plates to one another and to a door.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/661,184, filed Jun. 18, 2012, and entitled “DOOR LATCHING AND LOCK ASSEMBLY WITH CAM CONNECTORS ACCESSIBLE FROM A DOOR SIDE EDGE”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/701,108, filed Sep. 14, 2012, and entitled, “DOOR LATCHING AND LOCK ASSEMBLY WITH QUICK-CONNECT DEVICES AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING DOOR HANDLES, ESCUTCHEON PLATES AND LOCK BODIES UTILIZING QUICK CONNECT DEVICES, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to latching and lock mechanisms for doors, and in particular to an assembly for door latching and lock mechanisms and a manner of connecting inside and outside escutcheon plates together and to a lock-body by way of a quick-connect connection and release mechanism. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Mechanisms for latching and locking closed doors have been developed for the purposes of providing the latching and locking functionality together or independently, and emphasis has been made on providing easier installation and hiding the connectors that are utilized. In particular, a typical assembly and installation includes mounting an outside door escutcheon plate and an inside escutcheon plate together to one another by way of a lock body that is positioned within a recess or void of a door thickness as such recess is accessible from a door side edge. 
         [0004]    Typical installation assemblies require the use of a screw or similar connector that passes through one of the escutcheon plates, through or near the locking body to position it in place and then into a threaded bore or similar element of the other escutcheon plate. Or, the screw can pass through both escutcheon plates and be connected with a nut. In either case, at least one connector end is preferably hidden in some way, such as by providing a covering element that is fixed in place over the connector end to hide it. Also, such installation techniques generally are cumbersome in that the outside and inside escutcheon plates must be held in place along with the lock body, while at the same time a connector is threaded through multiple bores or openings all held in alignment. Then, multiple turns of the screw, for example, must be conducted to finally secure the assembly together, which operation must be conducted for each of plural such connectors. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present invention is directed to techniques and components to modify a connection of a lock body and escutcheon plates to one another and with a door. In particular, the present invention is directed to manners of improving the ease in connections and assemblies of components. 
         [0006]    In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a latching and locking mechanism for installation within a door recess comprising an outside escutcheon plate combined with an outside door handle that is rotationally connectable with the outside escutcheon plate and including a handle shaft, an inside escutcheon plate combined with an inside door handle that is rotationally connectable with the inside escutcheon plate and including a handle shaft, a lock body including a live bolt that is operationally connectable with the handle shafts of the outside and inside handles so that rotation of either of the outside and inside handles can cause linear movement of the live bolt, and a quick-connect system provided operatively between the outside escutcheon plate and the inside escutcheon plate for connecting and urging the outside and inside escutcheon plates toward one another, wherein such a quick-connect fastener comprises the ability to connect the outside and inside escutcheon plates by way of a manipulation of an activation component of a fastener. In certain embodiments, the activation component of the fastener is a rotational component for rotational manipulation so that with up to or less than a full 360 degree rotation of the activation component, the outside and inside escutcheon plates can be secured together and biased toward one another. In one embodiment, the rotational component comprises a partial turn fastener that extends between the outside and inside escutcheon plates and through the lock body. In another embodiment, at least one of the outside escutcheon plate and the inside escutcheon plate includes a pin element that extends toward the other of the outside and inside escutcheon plates when assembled with the lock body and the lock body comprises a cam element, as the rotational component, that interacts with the pin and can be accessed from an open side edge of the lock body for movement of the cam element, and wherein movement of the cam element causes movement of the pin toward the other escutcheon plate for connecting the pin and the escutcheon plate from which it extends to the lock body. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a latching and locking mechanism for installation within a door recess comprising an outside escutcheon plate combined with an outside door handle that is rotationally connectable with the outside escutcheon plate and including a handle shaft; an inside escutcheon plate combined with an inside door handle that is rotationally connectable with the inside escutcheon plate and including a handle shaft; and a lock body including a live bolt that is operationally connectable with the handle shafts of the outside and inside handles so that rotation of either of the outside and inside handles can cause linear movement of the live bolt, and a mortise plate assembled with the lock body, the mortise plate including an opening through which the live bolt can pass during its linear movement by rotation of either handle, wherein the mortise plate further includes a quick attachment element that includes a first portion for engagement with an inside surface of a door edge during installation and a second portion for engagement with an outside surface of the same door edge during installation for capturing the door edge and securing the mortise plate and thus the lock box in position to a door. 
         [0008]    In yet other aspects, the present invention is directed to methods of connecting a latching and locking mechanism to a door opening utilizing quick connect features of the lock box, escutcheon plates, and/or the mortise plate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a latching and locking mechanism of the present invention including outside and inside escutcheon plates, handles, a lock box, and a mortise plate; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the latching and locking mechanism of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the latching and locking mechanism of  FIGS. 1 and 2  without the handles; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the latching and locking mechanism of  FIG. 3  as viewed from the opposite side of the mechanism from that illustrated in  FIG. 3 , showing a rotational cam as a quick connect feature; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the latching and locking mechanism of  FIG. 3 , but with the rotational cam shown in cross-section; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is perspective view of a rotational cam element in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the lock body and escutcheon plates of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the lock body and escutcheon plates of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the lock body and escutcheon plates of  FIG. 1  that is similar to  FIG. 8  and also schematically showing an installation to a door; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of another latching and lock mechanism of the present invention including outside and inside escutcheon plates, handles, a lock box, and a mortise plate, and further with a partial turn fastener system for connecting the escutcheon plates and lock box; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of the position of an alignment and quick connect aspect of a mortise plate to a door edge; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is side view of a partial turn fastener in accordance with the present invention shown for connecting inside and outside escutcheon plates with one another but not in an installed position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is side view of the a partial turn fastener as positioned in  FIG. 12  showing radial tangs aligned with the slot of a slotted receiver; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is similar to  FIG. 12 , but with the fastener in an installed position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is similar to  FIG. 13 , but with the fastener in an installed position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a partial turn fastener in accordance with the present invention prior to engagement with a receiver; 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  a perspective view of a partial turn fastener in accordance with the present invention after engagement with a receiver; 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is another perspective view of a partial turn fastener in accordance with the present invention showing an alignment aspect; 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the partial turn fastener of  FIG. 18  partially in cross-section; 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the partial turn fastener of  FIG. 18  with the tang aligned with a slot of a receiver; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 20  with the tang engaged with a receiver. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    With reference to the attached figures, and initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a door latching and lock assembly  10 , in accordance with the present invention, is described as follows as comprising a lock body  12  that is operatively connected between an outside escutcheon plate  14  and an inside escutcheon plate  16 . 
         [0031]    The outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  provide the decorative plates that surround an outside door handle  18  and an inside door handle  20  and also provide part of the structural connection between the handles  18  and  20  to the lock body assembly  12 . Preferably, the outside and insider handles  18  and  20  are operatively connected together so as to turn together and to control the movement of a live bolt  22  for latching and unlatching a door to a strike plate (not shown). The live bolt  22  is operative movably supported within the lock body assembly so as to move linearly in response to rotary movement of the outside and inside handles  18  and  20  as connected to move together. 
         [0032]    A dead bolt  24  is also preferably operatively provided for linear movement to and from the lock body  12 . As illustrated, the dead bolt  24  can be controlled by a key cylinder  26  on one side of the latching and lock assembly  10 , such as supported by the outside escutcheon plate  14 , and a thumb knob  28  on the other side of the latching and lock assembly  10 , such as supported by the inside escutcheon plate  16 . Of course other arrangements are contemplated as are well known for controlling the dead bolt  24 , wherein rotary motion is preferably converted to linear movement of the dead bolt  24  so as to be extendable from or retractable within the lock body  12 . 
         [0033]    A door edge or mortise plate  29  is shown in  FIG. 1  that is preferably also provided as part of the door latching and lock assembly  10 , which plate closes off the door recess into which the lock body is installed. The edge plate  29  includes openings to permit the live bolt  22  and the dead bolt  24  to pass and to permit the edge plate to be secured to the door edge, such as by screws by way of openings  27 . For installation the lock body  12  is secured to the mortise plate  29  by conventional screws by way of openings  25 , as shown. The lock body  12  and mortise plate  29  assembly is positioned within a side access opening or recess of a typical door. Screws as are conventionally known are used to connect the lock body and mortise plate assembly to the door by way of the openings  27  of the mortise plate  29 . Also, openings  31  are provided that are aligned for purposes of accessing the connection of the outside escutcheon plate  14  and the inside escutcheon plate  16  to the lock body  12 , which connection is further described below. 
         [0034]    In accordance with the present invention, the outside handle  18  is preferably axially fixed to the outside escutcheon plate  14  so as to be rotationally movable. Such a connection can be done by any conventional technique, such as by having a handle shaft as extending from and end of the handle  18  pass through an opening of the escutcheon plate  14  so that the escutcheon plate  14  is positioned between the end of the handle  18  and a snap ring (not shown) or other similar device that is fitted within a groove of the extended handle shaft so as to permit the handle  18  to rotate relative to the escutcheon plate  14 . Likewise, the key cylinder  26  of the illustrated embodiment can be similarly rotationally supported as fixed with the outside escutcheon plate  14 . 
         [0035]    The inside handle  20  and thumb knob  28  are preferably similarly rotationally connected and axially fixed with the inside escutcheon plate  16 . As such, a door latching and lock assembly of the present invention generally comprises an assembly of the lock body  12  between an assembly of the outside escutcheon plate  14  with the outside handle  18 , and potentially also the key cylinder  26  or similar device, and an assembly of the inside escutcheon plate  16  with the inside handle  20 , and potentially also the thumb knob  28  or similar device. The dead bolt  24  and controls are optionally provided for door security as known, but if present are preferably supported by the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  as described above. 
         [0036]    According to a typical door assembly, the lock body  12  is provided within an opening or recess from the side edge of a door (not shown), while the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  are positioned on the outside and inside door surfaces, respectively. That way, the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  can be operatively connected to one another by way of the lock body  12  so that the lock body  12  can also be fixed in position within the recess of the door. 
         [0037]    Assembly of the outside and inside handles  18  and  20  for rotational movement together can be done in any well known manner, preferably comprising one of the handles  18  or  20  having a spindle  30  extending from it that is shaped, such as square in cross-section or other non-circular geometries in cross-section, so as to fit within a similarly shaped axial opening of the other extended shaft of the other handle  18  or  20 . The spindle  30  preferably also passes through an opening of a live bolt cam  32  that is rotationally supported within the lock body  12  so that rotation of the live bolt cam  32  by action of either handle  18  or  20  as they move together causes extension and retraction of the live bolt  22  from the lock body  12 . A similar arrangement can be used for the dead bolt  24  including a shaped deadbolt spindle  34  for controlling deadbolt cam  36  and thus movement of the dead bolt  24 . 
         [0038]    The lock body  12  provides an operative housing of at least the live bolt  22  and the live bolt cam  32  or other functional device for controlling extension and retraction of the live bolt  22  for latching and unlatching a door with respect to a strike plate of a door frame. In the illustrated embodiment the lock body  12  also provides the operative housing for the dead bolt  24  and its dead bolt cam  36 . 
         [0039]    In the illustrated embodiment as shown in  FIG. 3 , the lock body  12  comprises a pair of spaced plates  38  and  40  that are connected together spaced preferably parallel to one another by spacer connections  42 . Within the space between plates  38  and  40 , the live bolt cam  32 , the live bolt  22 , the dead bolt cam  36  and the dead bolt  24  are each operatively movably mounted for movements as described above. The connections and operational movements of such devices are well known. 
         [0040]    In order to provide an operative connection of the lock body  12  with the outside escutcheon plate  14  and the inside escutcheon plate  16 , the plates  38  and  40  are illustrated with extension elements  44  so as to provide a pair of spaced elements  44  extending substantially parallel to one another from each longitudinal end of the lock body  12 . In that position, the elements  44  would extend in the vertical direction of a door when assembled within a door recess. Each extension element  44  preferably includes an opening  46  to facilitate mounting with the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16 , as described below. The extension elements  44  can be separately provided, as illustrated, and fixed to the plates  38  and  40  by any conventional manner, such as by mechanical connectors, spot welds, or any other welding or bonding technique. Alternatively, the extension elements  44  can be integrally made with the plates  38  and  40  and can be provided preferably to extend longitudinally so as to provide spaced opening  46  that can be used as follows for providing connection points with the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16 . 
         [0041]    One end of the latch and lock assembly  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Extending from the outside escutcheon plate  14 , an outside cam pin  48  extends so as to extend toward the inside escutcheon plate  16  as assembled. Likewise, an inside cam pin  50  preferably extends from the inside escutcheon plate  16  toward the outside escutcheon plate  14 , preferably directly in line with the pin  48 . Pins  48  and  50  preferably include a head portion  52  and  54 , respectively, each having a reduced diameter portion and a larger diameter head portion, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0042]    Supported between each pair of the extension elements  44 , a rotational cam connector  56  is preferably provided for connecting the outside escutcheon plate  14  and the inside escutcheon plate  16 . The cam connectors  56  are shown in one embodiment as being operatively supported within the space between the extension elements  44  as being partially within the openings  46 . Preferably, the openings  46  are rectangular so that an outside circumferential surface of each cam connector  56  can ride along opposed edges of an opening  46  as the cam connector is rotational within the space between a pair of extension elements  44 . That way, each cam connector  56  is rotationally captured between a pair of space elements  44  at the point of connection with pins  48  and  50  of the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16 , respectively. Other arrangements are contemplated for rotationally supporting the cam connectors  56 , such as including the provision of supporting pins, axles, bearing surfaces and the like. 
         [0043]    Each cam connector  56  of the illustrated embodiment, comprises a pair of diametrically opposed openings  58  that are sized to permit entry of the head portions of pins  48  and  50  into an interior hollow region  50 . Also, extending from each opening  58 , a smaller width slot  60  is provided that is sized smaller than the size of the head portions of the pins  48  and  50 , but at least as wide as the size of the reduced diameter portions of the pins  48  and  50 . Interior cam surfaces  62  are provided leading from the inside of each opening  59  and extending along the sides of the slots  60  that are progressively thicker as defined by the space between interior and exterior surfaces of the cam connector  56 , wherein the interior surfaces comprise the cam surfaces  62 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , in particular, one cam connector can be provided so as to connect both the outside pin  48  and the inside pin  50  together. The heads of each pin  48  and  50  can be positioned within the openings  58  of a cam connector  56 . In this position, the head portions of each pin  48  and  50  would be positioned within the interior region  59  of the cam connector  56 . Then, rotation of the cam connector  56 , as facilitated by its rotational support within the space between extension elements  44 , causes the cam surfaces  62  to ride along an inside surface  64  of the head portion of each pin  48  and  50 . The effect of rotation and the interaction of the cam surfaces with the inside surfaces  64  causes the pins  48  and  50 , and thus the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  to be urged toward one another. The greater the degree of rotation, the greater the amount of pull or movement of the escutcheon plates  14  and  16  toward one another. 
         [0045]    To facilitate rotational movement of each cam connector  56 , a driver interface  66  is preferably provided. For example and as shown, the cam connector  56  can include a surface with a Phillips head screw slot pattern that is concentrically provided so that the cam connector  56  can be rotationally driven. Thus, as shown, with the lock body positioned within a door recess and subsequently with pins  48  and  50  of the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  aligned and having their head portions inserted within the opening  58  of a cam connector, rotation of each cam connector  56  will independently pull the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  together. By this action and with door portions positioned between the outside escutcheon plate  14  and a lock body plate  38  and between the inside escutcheon plate  16  and a lock body plate  40 , the latch and lock assembly  10  can be fixed in position to a door with a typical door recess. 
         [0046]    Rotation of each cam connector  56  is preferably independently controllable. An advantage of as latch and lock assembly  10  of the present invention is that access to the cam connectors  56  can be had from a door edge recess without having to provide access points for connectors through the inside and outside door surfaces as well as through the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16 . That way, there are no connectors to be seen once the latch and lock assembly is connected to a door or to be covered up after installation. Moreover, by just alignment of the pins  48  and  50  to one another and with respect to corresponding bore holes through a door, the entire latch and lock assembly  10  is aligned properly for connection with the door, as such connection is effected by rotation of the cam connectors  56 . Frictional forces between the external surfaces of the cam connectors  56  with the edges of the openings  46  of extension elements  44  are preferably sufficient so as to prevent rotation of the cam connectors without an applied force such as by a Phillips head screwdriver. Latch and lock assemblies of the present invention allow for quicker and easier installation. By positioning the lock body  12  within a door recess, an installer need only position both the outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  with their respective pins  48  and  50  through corresponding door bores or holes and into the cam connector  56 . Then, preferably one at a time, the installer rotates each cam connector from the door edge until each creates a tight installation. The outside and inside escutcheon plates  14  and  16  are aligned to one another and with respect to the lock body  12 . And, no screw heads or connector parts are apparent on either decorative face of the escutcheon plates  14  and  16  and no covering elements or technique needs to be installed or conducted. From the standpoint of the door construction, there are less bores or holes that need to be provided to accommodate the latching and locking assembly  10 . 
         [0047]    As alternatives, it is contemplated that the pins  48  and  50  need not be aligned to one another. In this case, multiple cam connectors  56  could be supported at each or one end of the lock body  12 . Also, each cam connector could then include but a single opening  58  and slot  60  that are arranged to interact with but one pin. Rotational access could be provided by simply longitudinally spacing the cam connectors  56  along the lock body  12  as viewed from one side that is accessible as positioned with a door recess. 
         [0048]    The pins  48  and  50 , themselves, could take on alternative configurations. Different shapes in cross-section or in length are contemplated. Also, the pins  48  and/or  50  could be spring loaded in a manner to be axially extended or retracted depending on the effect desired and as operational with the cam connectors  56 . Likewise, the interacting surfaces of the cam connectors and pins  48  and/or  50  can be modified to change the desired manner of such interaction. The slopes of the cam surfaces  62 , for example, do not need to be similarly progressive to one another or such can be modified to provide an even pull or uneven pull over any degree of rotation of the cam connectors  56 . 
         [0049]    An alternative quick-type connection between outside and inside escutcheon plates  114  and  116  is illustrated within  FIG. 10 . In this embodiment, the common features of this embodiment as compared to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9  are noted with similar numerals but with a 100 digit added. Reference is made to the description above with respect to an outside escutcheon plate  114 , an inside escutcheon plate  116 , and a lock body  112 . 
         [0050]    In the illustrated embodiment as shown in  FIG. 10 , the lock body  112  comprises a pair of spaced plates  138  and  140  that are connected together spaced preferably parallel to one another by spacer connections  142 . Within the space between plates  138  and  140 , the live bolt cam  132 , the live bolt  122 , the dead bolt cam  136  and the dead bolt  124  are each operatively movably mounted for movements as described above. The connections and operational movements of such devices are well known. 
         [0051]    However, in this embodiment of the present invention, an advantageous feature is included within the construction of the lock body  112 , as such lock body  112  is connected with a mortise plate  129 , such as by conventional screws  170  as shown in  FIG. 10 , so as to create a lock body and mortise plate assembly that can be installed as a unit into a door side edge recess or side slot, as such door side recesses are well known. The mortise plate  129 , in accordance with a preferred aspect, comprises a hook element  172  that can be formed out of the mortise plate  129 , for example, or made separately and attached by any conventional manner. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the hook element  172  is illustrated as formed or shaped from the material of the mortise plate  129 . A purpose of the hook element  172  is to replace one of a pair of screws as are conventionally utilized, such as illustrated by the single screw connection  174  at a top portion of a door edge  175 . Specifically, the hook element  172  can be positioned over and behind a lower door portion edge  176 , as such edge  176  can be provided as part of a lower door portion  177 . In another modification, the edge  176  can be provided as an edge of the lower door portion  177  as such may be recessed for receiving a portion of the mortise plate  129  of the lock body  112  and mortise plate  129  assembly. Then, at the top portion  175  of a door edge, a conventional mechanical connector, such as a metal screw  174  can secure the top portion of the mortise plate  129  to the top door portion  175 . The advantage of this construction is the reduction of the number of screws to be installed during a lockset installation process and the easier manipulation of the components during such installation process. With the hook element  172  in place behind the lower door portion  177 , the single connector  174  can effectively secure the entire lock body  112  and mortise plate  129  in operative position. An opposite installation technique is likewise contemplated with the hook element  172  at the top of the mortise plate  129  with a fastener  174  used at the bottom. An advantage, however, of a bottom hook technique is that gravity will work to set the hook element  172  in place for alignment of a fastener  174  at the top. 
         [0053]    Alternatively to the formed hook element  172 , or any rigid version thereof whether integral with the mortise plate  129  or not, it is contemplated to utilize a flexing or articulated hook element instead. For example, a spring clip made of metal or plastic could be connected with the mortise plate  129  to extend similarly as that shown with hook element  172  that could flex or deflect in order to be positionable behind either of the door portions  175  or  177 . Other type fasteners are also contemplated with respect to the screw  174 , such as including expandable pins or “drive pins” as are conventionally known, whereby the insertion of a pin element within an insert provided through holes of the mortise plate  129  and a door portion  175  or  177  causes expansion of the insert behind the connected parts. 
         [0054]    In order to provide an operative connection of the lock body  112  with the outside escutcheon plate  114  and the inside escutcheon plate  116 , the inside escutcheon plate  116  is illustrated with a pair of spaced apertures  180 , one preferably on either side of an aperture  181  through which the handle  120  passes, the spaced apertures facilitating the positioning of fasteners  182  through the apertures  180 . 
         [0055]    A preferred fastener  182  is a partial turn fastener, an example of which is illustrated in  FIGS. 12-17 . Suitable fasteners include commercially available quarter-turn fasteners, such as are available from Southco, Inc. of Concordville, Pa. In  FIGS. 12 and 14 , a partial-turn fastener  182  is illustrated including a spring loading for urging the outer escutcheon plate  114  and the inner escutcheon plate  116  toward one another, as such would be positioned relative to one another with a door portion between them, the door not shown in these figures. 
         [0056]    Each fastener  182  preferably engages with a cooperating receiver  184  that is provided on the internal side surface of the outer escutcheon plate  114 . More preferably, the fastener  182  and cooperating receiver  184  provide a quick-connect system so that upon only a partial rotation of the fastener  182 , the outside and inside escutcheon plates  114  and  116  are preferably urged and thus drawn toward one another and secured in position together. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that such a quick-connect fastener comprise the ability to be fully secured with a single manipulation of a component of the fastener  184  and, in the case of a rotational manipulation, with less than a full rotation of the component, meaning up to or less than a full 360 degrees of rotation. 
         [0057]    In accordance with the embodiment of fasteners  182  illustrated in  FIGS. 12-17 , each fastener  182  is shown as comprising an elongate spindle  186  that includes a spade tip  188  having tangs  190  that extend further than the diameter of the spindle  186 . As shown, the spade tip  188  is a generally linear extension providing a pair of tangs  190  and includes sloped surfaces leading from the tip proximally in order to facilitate easy insertion. 
         [0058]    Also according to the illustrated embodiment, each receiver  184  can be mounted to the outer escutcheon  114 , such as shown by boss elements  192  that can be integrally made with the outer escutcheon  114 . The receiver  184  shown is circular and provided with an aperture  194  for allowing passage of the spade tip  188  when oriented rotationally in one way and for blocking removal when oriented rotationally in other ways. Other shapes of the receiver  184  and the aperture  194  are contemplated and it is understood that the receiver can be made integrally with the inner or outer escutcheons  114  and  116  or can be connected to either one by other techniques including the use of mechanical connectors, and/or by bonding or welding techniques. Moreover, the aperture  194  can be made to pass through either escutcheon  114  or  116  without the need for a separately provided component. 
         [0059]    The aperture  194  of the receiver  184  is shown as comprising a cylindrical opening portion that is sized to allow passage of the spindle portion  186  as well as at least one, but preferably plural, and more preferably diametrically opposed, aperture portions  196  that are sized to allow passage of the spade tip  188  in at least one rotational position thereof. As can be seen by this arrangement, the spade tip  188  can be inserted through the aperture  194  in either of two aligned rotational positions of the tangs  190  with the aperture portions  196  then turned to blocking positions at all other rotational positions. It is contemplated that many other arrangements can be provided with at least one tang or extension and an aperture that allows passage in at least one rotational position and at least one blocking position based upon a partial rotation of the fastener spindle  186 , for example. It is noted that the tangs  190  of the illustrated spade tip  188  have flat surfaces  198  for engagement with an inside surface of the receiver, such as when the fastener is turned to a blocking position. As described in the following, the illustrated embodiment utilizes a spring bias to urge the outer and inner escutcheons  114  and  116  toward one another. It is contemplated that along with or without such spring bias, a bias can also be created by having either the surface  198  of any one of the tangs  190  or at least a portion of the inside surface of the receiver  184  sloped to create a cam action, for example, as the tip  118  is rotated. Such rotation can create a force urging or biasing the tip  188  and spindle  186  further through the aperture  194  of a receiver for pulling the outer and inner escutcheon plates  114  and  116  toward one another. 
         [0060]    According to the illustrated embodiment, the spindle  186  passes through an opening and into a sleeve  200  and leads to an enlarged head  202  at or closer to the end of the spindle  186  from the sleeve aperture. A compression spring  204  can then be provided to be operative between the inside end  206  of the sleeve  200  and an inside surface of the head  202 . The sleeve itself also preferably includes a flange  208  that is sized to engage an outside surface of the inner escutcheon  116  as shown and to fit within an aperture  180  of the inner escutcheon  116 . The sleeve  200  could otherwise be fixed, welded, bonded to or integrally made (for example by die casting) with either of the escutcheon plates  114  or  116 . The head portion  202  preferably also includes a shaped engagement pattern or similar that allows for rotation of the head  202 , the spindle  186 , and ultimately the shaped tip  188 . 
         [0061]    According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, rotation of each fastener  182  can be provided from the external side of the inner escutcheon plate  116  with each fastener positioned to extend through an aperture  180  but with the flange portion of the sleeve  200  of each fastener  182  larger than the aperture  180  so as to lie against the external surface of the inner escutcheon plate  116  around the aperture  180 . 
         [0062]    As thus assembled as described above and illustrated to the inner and outer escutcheon plates  114  and  116 , operation of each fastener is controlled by a partial rotation of each spindle  186 , such as by rotation of the head portion  202 . Operational steps once the outer and inner escutcheon plates are aligned with one another can include rotating the spindle to align the tangs  190  with the aperture portions  196  so that the tip  188  can pass through the aperture  194  of the receiver  184 . Then, the spindle can be axially moved against the bias of compression spring  204  by pushing the head  202  within the limit provided by the sleeve  200 . The tip  188  should at least move beyond the inside surface of the receiver adjacent to the aperture  196 . Partial rotation of the spindle  186  and thus the tip  188  will result in the tip  188  being moved to a blocking position once any portion of a tang  190  moves adjacent to a surface of the receiver adjacent to the opening  194 . In such blocking position, the compression spring creates a force tending to move the spindle  186  distally from the receiver  184 , which action creates an urging force of the outer and inner escutcheon plates toward one another. 
         [0063]    It is also understood that the fastener  182  and cooperating structures can be reversed with respect to the direction of insertion as to the outer and inner escutcheon plates  114  and  116 , respectively. For security purposes, it may be preferable that the fastener  182  be inserted from the inner side as illustrated so that access for manipulation thereof is available only from the inside of a door so equipped. 
         [0064]    A similar fastener  1182  as fastener  182  is illustrated in  FIGS. 18-21  including a modified receiver  1184 , in particular. Similar components with the previously described embodiments are labeled similarly as above. According to this embodiment, a receiver  1184  would be mountable to either an outer or inner escutcheon plate  114  or  116  as described above and includes an aperture  1194  with extended aperture portions  1196  that facilitate passage of a tip  188  and shaft  186  in the same manner as described above. However, the aperture  1194  is provided at the bottom of a bowl-shaped guide surface  1210 . The function of the guide surface  1210  is to align and position the tip  188  with respect to the aperture  1194  as the shaft  184  and tip  188  are moved toward the receiver  1184 , such as during an installation process as described above. Once an alignment of the tip  188  is done under the guidance of the guide surface  1210 , rotation of the shaft  186 , such as can be controlled at the head  202 , can position the tangs  190  of the tip  188  to pass through the aperture portions  1196 . After full insertion, also as above, a partial further turning can result in a connected fastener  1182  and receiver  1184 . The guide surface  1210  is preferably sloped or contoured, such as in the illustrated bowl shape, but need not be. Moreover, the guide surface needs to extend circumferentially about the aperture  1194 , although such a guide surface  1210  design provides alignment from all radial directions. Stepped surfaces or other incongruous surfaces for a guide surfaces or guide surface portions are also contemplated. 
         [0065]    Another added feature to the embodiment of  FIGS. 18-21  is a rotational detent  1212 , such as shown best in  FIG. 20 . The detent  1212  is shown as positioned at a quarter-turn rotational position with respect to the aperture portions  1196 . Thus, after insertion of the tip  188  through the aperture  1194  followed by a quarter-turn as the partial-turn, the tangs  190  can preferably be fit within portions of the detent  1212 . Under the influence of the spring  204 , the tip  188  is urged into engagement with the detent  1212  to maintain the fastener  1182  and receiver  1184  together axially and to resist movement rotationally. Any number of such detent positions can be created at any desired partial-turn rotational position(s). 
         [0066]    Yet another added feature of the embodiment of  FIGS. 18-21  is a ring element  1214  as can preferably also be provided at a location along the shaft  186  of the fastener  1182 . The purpose of the ring element  1214  is to facilitate location of the shaft  186  and shaft head  202  relative to the sleeve  200  and spring  204 , particularly during an installation process. Preferably, the ring element is located axially along the shaft  186  in order to position the head  202  at an accessible position such as at the open end of the sleeve  200 , at which position, the spring  204  may or may not be compressed to any degree. A preferred ring element  1214  comprises an o-ring of elastomeric material that can frictionally maintain an axial position to the shaft  186 , but yet that is moveable if desired. A fixed ring or partial ring element is also contemplated. A partial ring can be simply a boss, pin, nub, or the like extending radially from the shaft  186 . 
         [0067]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an outside handle  118  can be preferably axially fixed to the outside escutcheon plate  114  so as to be rotationally movable. Such a connection can be done by any conventional technique, such as by having a handle shaft  130  as extending from an end of the handle  118  pass through an opening of the escutcheon plate  114  so that the escutcheon plate  114  is positioned between the end of the handle  118  and a snap ring (not shown) or other similar device that is fitted within a groove of the extended handle shaft  130  so as to permit the handle  118  to rotate relative to the escutcheon plate  114 . 
         [0068]    Assembly of the outside and inside handles  118  and  120  for rotational movement together can be done in any well known manner, preferably comprising one of the handles  118  or  120  having a spindle  130  extending from it that is shaped, such as square in cross-section or other non-circular geometries in cross-section, so as to fit within a similarly shaped axial opening of the other extended shaft of the other handle  118  or  120 . Preferably, the spindle  130  is integrally constructed with a handle, such as the outer handle  118 . More preferably, the spindle  130  is of a cross-sectional shape of a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, hexagon, a cross-pattern, star pattern, oval shape or torx shape (a rounded type of star pattern common in automotive fasteners), or the like. The receiver opening of the other handle, such as the inner handle  120  would thus also have a similar geometry for receiving the shaped spindle  130 . The spindle  130  preferably also passes through an aperture  133  of similar geometric shape of a live bolt cam  132  that is rotationally supported within the lock body  112 . As such, rotation of the live bolt cam  132  can be done by action of either handle  118  or  120  as they move together for controllable causing extension and retraction of the live bolt  122  from the lock body  112 . 
         [0069]    As shown, outside handle  118  includes the spindle  130 , which passes through an opening defined preferably by a collar  131 , and the inside handle  120  provides the similarly shaped axial opening into which the spindle  130  can be inserted. The opening  181  of the inner escutcheon plate  116  preferably facilitates passage of a hub portion of the inside handle  120  as such receives an end of the spindle  130 . The collar  131  can be integrally made with the outer escutcheon plate  114  or separately provided and connected, such as by a threaded connection for example. By this construction, the handles  118  and  120  can be arranged on either side of the assembly so as to provide for right or left door opening as well as for preferred handle curvature orientation. 
         [0070]    As shown in the  FIG. 10  embodiment, an outside handle  118  is provided with a spindle  130  having a non-circular cross-section that can match with the shape of an aperture  133  of the live cam  132  and an axial partial passage of the inside handle  120 . As illustrated, a pentagonal cross section is provided to the spindle  130  and the aperture  133  of the live cam  132  and the opening of the passage of the inside handle are similarly pentagonal. It is preferred that the cross-sectional shape and aperture and passage shape be a non-conventional shape that can be chosen to be specific of a certain door or door product line so that a purchaser can know that certain handles are designed to mate with certain doors or a door with proper alignment and fitting. Such a premise allows for the provision and marketing of different doors or lines of doors with a certainty to a customer of proper fitting of selected door handles or replacement handles as may be provided and sold separately from a door. This allows customers looking to purchase doors and handles the ability to customize the handles with a selected door from any number of handles as may be available. It is also noted that the spindle  130 , and aperture  133  of the live cam  132  need not be identical in shape for a customer to fit a handle set with a door lock body, but they must be complimentary as to fit so that not only will the spindle  130  be able to pass through the aperture  133  of a lock body live bolt cam  132  but also that the spindle  130  will be effective to cause rotary motion of the live bolt cam  132  by way of a complimentary engagement between the spindle  130  and the aperture  133 . For example, certain triangle shapes or trapezoidal shapes could perform these functions. It is contemplated that other shapes for the spindle  130  and aperture  133  can be equally effective.