Patent Publication Number: US-2022235576-A1

Title: Status-indicating cylindrical lock assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/342,424 filed on May 27, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to status indicators for cylindrical locksets, and more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to status indicators for classroom-type cylindrical locksets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In certain settings, it may be desirable that a locking assembly provide a visual indication of the status of the assembly in order to enable a user to quickly determine whether the door is locked or unlocked. While mortise locksets include various features which facilitate the use of status indicators, the unique construction of cylindrical locksets has presented obstacles to providing a status indicator for such locksets. For example, certain mortise locksets allow for a direct connection between the deadbolt turn piece and the status indicator. In contrast, the mechanisms which provide the locking functionality in cylindrical locksets are often isolated from the visible portions of the assembly by a variety of elements, such as spring cages, mounting plates, and roses or escutcheons. These elements obstruct the path between the location at which the status of the locking assembly can be sensed and the location at which the status indicator would be mounted. 
     The above-noted difficulties are often compounded when it is desired to provide the status-indicator on the secured or inner side of the door. In many cylindrical locksets, the element which prevents the outside handle from operating the lockset is located near the unsecured or outer side of the door. This may result in an increased number of elements which obstruct the path between the location where the status of the lockset can be sensed and the location where the status is intended to be displayed, thereby further hindering the transmission of the lock status from the sensing location to the display location. 
     For these reasons among others, while certain conventional mortise locksets include visual status indicators, many current cylindrical locksets do not. Instead, certain current cylindrical lock assemblies include an arrow and the word “lock” (e.g., on the inner lock cylinder, inner lock handle, and/or inner lock rose) to indicate which way the key must be rotated to lock the lockset. In order to determine the status of the lockset, the user must approach the door, insert the key, and attempt to rotate the key in the locking direction. This is not only inconvenient, but can also put the user in danger, for example in an emergency situation where an armed intruder may be just outside the door. 
     Additionally, while certain current cylindrical locksets may include status indicators, many of these locksets are not able to be installed in a standard cylindrical door preparation. Instead, these locksets require additional preparation of the door, such as removing door material to form additional space. This process is not only time-consuming, but may be infeasible for certain types of doors, such as metal doors. Accordingly, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one form, a cylindrical lockset includes a chassis including a pair of hubs, a pair of drive tubes, a retractor, and a lock control assembly. The lock control assembly has a locked state and an unlocked state. The lock control assembly also has a plurality of movable elements, each having a locking position and an unlocking position. One of the hubs includes a guide channel, and a slider is movably seated in the guide channel. One of the movable elements is associated with the slider, and is configured to move the slider between a lock-indicating position and an unlock-indicating position. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a cylindrical lock assembly including a status-indicating assembly according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an exemplary cylindrical lockset. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a chassis of the exemplary cylindrical lockset. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the chassis illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    are partial cross-sectional illustrations of the chassis portion illustrated in  FIG. 4  in a locked state and an unlocked state, respectively. 
         FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    illustrate a chassis subassembly according to one embodiment in a non-actuated state. 
         FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b    illustrate the chassis subassembly illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    in an actuated state. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of a chassis subassembly according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the subassembly illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b    illustrate the chassis subassembly of  FIG. 8  in a non-actuated state. 
         FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    illustrate the chassis subassembly of  FIG. 8  in an actuated state. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial cutaway illustration of a chassis subassembly according to another embodiment in a non-actuated state. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial cutaway illustration of the chassis subassembly of  FIG. 12  in an actuated state. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded assembly view of a chassis including the subassembly illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  are partial cross-sectional illustrations of the chassis illustrated in  FIG. 14  in an unlocked state and a locked state, respectively. 
         FIG. 17  is a plan view of a portion of a lockset including the chassis illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded assembly view of an indicator plate according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     As used herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “transverse” are used to denote motion or spacing along three mutually perpendicular axes. In the coordinate system illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the X-axis defines the longitudinal directions, the Y-axis defines the lateral directions, and the Z-axis defines the transverse directions. Additionally, the X-axis may be considered to define two sets of longitudinal directions having different frames of reference. In a first frame of reference, “longitudinally inward” is the direction toward the center of the lockset  101 , and “longitudinally outward” is the direction away from the center of the lockset  101 . In a second frame of reference, “proximal” is the direction extending from the inner assembly  130  toward the outer assembly  110  (i.e., to the left in  FIG. 1 ), and “distal” is the opposite direction (i.e., to the right in  FIG. 1 ). These terms are used for ease of convenience and description, and are without regard to the orientation of the system with respect to the environment. For example, descriptions that reference a longitudinal direction may be equally applicable to a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, or an off-axis orientation with respect to the environment. 
     Additionally, motion or spacing along one direction need not preclude motion or spacing along another of the directions. For example, elements which are described as being “laterally offset” from one another may also be offset in the longitudinal and/or transverse directions, or may be aligned in the longitudinal and/or transverse directions. The terms are therefore not to be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter described herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , an exemplary status-indicating locking assembly  100  includes a cylindrical lockset  101  and a status-indicating assembly  300  according to one embodiment. The cylindrical lockset  101  includes an outer assembly  110 , a center assembly  120  including a chassis  200 , and an inner assembly  130 . The locking assembly  100  may be installed on a door  90 , for example to control access to a room or other space. 
     The door  90  includes an unsecured or outer side  92 , a secured or inner side  93 , an edge  94 , and a standard cylindrical door preparation  95 . The standard cylindrical door preparation  95  includes a cross-bore  96 , a pair fastener bores  97 , and an edge bore  98 . The cross-bore  96  and fastener bores  97  extend longitudinally between the outer and inner sides  92 ,  93  of the door  90 . The cross-bore  96  has a standard diameter (typically two and one-eighth inches), and the fastener bores  97  are positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the cross-bore  96 . The edge bore  98  extends laterally from the edge  94  of the door  90  to the cross-bore  96 . 
     When the lockset  101  is installed on the door  90 , the outer assembly  110  is mounted on the door outer side  92 , the center assembly  120  is seated in the cross-bore  96 , and the inner assembly  130  is mounted on the door inner side  93 . As described in further detail below, the status-indicating assembly  300  may enable the status-indicating locking assembly  100  to be installed on the door  90  without requiring modification of the door  90 . In other words, the status-indicating locking assembly  100  may be installed on the door  90  without requiring additional cutouts to be added to the standard cylindrical door preparation  95 . As such, the door  90  may be a commercially available door, and the cross-bore  96  and edge bore  98  may be of standard dimensions. 
     The outer assembly  110  includes an outer actuator or handle  112 , an outer lock cylinder  114  positioned in the handle  112 , an outer rose  116 , an outer handle spindle  117  extending through the rose  116 , and an outer spring cage  118  positioned in the rose  116 . When assembled, the spindle  117  is rotatably mounted on the spring cage  118 , the handle  112  is mounted on the spindle  117 , and the rose  116  abuts the door  90  to prevent tampering with the internal components of the lockset  101 . The lock cylinder  114  includes an outer tailpiece  115 , and is configured to selectively permit rotation of the tailpiece  115 , for example upon insertion of a proper key. The spring cage  118  includes a biasing element which urges the spindle  117  to a home position, thereby biasing the handle  112  to a corresponding home position. While other forms are contemplated, in the illustrated embodiment, the lever of the outer handle  112  is substantially horizontal when the handle  112  is in the home position. 
     The center assembly  120  extends through the cross-bore  96 , and connects the outer assembly  110  to the inner assembly  130 . The center assembly  120  includes a latchbolt assembly  121  including a latchbolt  122  and a housing  124 , a mounting plate  128 , and a chassis  200  which selectively couples the outer handle  112  to the latchbolt  122 . During installation, the latchbolt assembly  121  is inserted into the edge bore  98 , and the chassis  200  is inserted into the cross-bore  96  from the door outer side  92  and engages the latchbolt assembly  121 , and the mounting plate  128  is attached to the chassis  200  from the door inner side  93 . 
     The inner assembly  130  is substantially similar to the outer assembly  110 , and includes an inner actuator or handle  132 , an inner lock cylinder  134  including an inner tailpiece  135 , an inner rose  136 , and an inner spring cage  138 , each of which is substantially similar to the respective elements described above with respect to the outer assembly  110 . As will be described in further detail below, while the outer handle  112  is selectively operable to retract the latchbolt  122 , the inner handle  132  may be continuously operable to retract the latchbolt  122 . 
     While the illustrated status-indicating locking assembly  100  includes exemplary features as described above, it is also contemplated that additional or alternative features may be included. For example, while the illustrated handles  112 ,  132  are of the lever type, it is also contemplated that one or more of the handles  112 ,  132  may include a different type of actuator, such as a knob. Additionally, while the exemplary lock cylinders  114 ,  134  are of the key-in-lever variety, it is also contemplated that that one or more of the cylinders  114 ,  134  may be of another format, such as small format interchangeable core (SFIC). 
     In certain forms, the cylinders  114 ,  134  may each be operable by an identical set of key cuts. In other forms, the outer cylinder  114  may be operable by a first set of key cuts, and the inner cylinder  134  may be operable by a second set of key cuts, which may include the first set of key cuts. Furthermore, while the illustrated outer and inner assemblies  110 ,  130  are substantially similar, it is also contemplated that one may include features or elements which are not present in the other. For example, in certain forms, the inner assembly  130  may not necessarily include the inner lock cylinder  134 , and may instead include another form of lock actuating device, such as a push button. 
     The chassis  200  includes an outer chassis assembly  210 , a retractor assembly  220 , and an inner chassis assembly  230 . The chassis  200  is configured to selectively couple the outer handle  112  to the latchbolt  122 , and may further be configured to continuously couple the inner handle  132  to the latchbolt  122 . As described in further detail below, the outer chassis assembly  210  includes a first drive tube in the form of an outer key cam shell  242 , and the inner chassis assembly  230  includes a second drive tube in the form of an inner spindle  234 . The retractor assembly  220  is positioned between the drive tubes  234 ,  242 , and is configured to move transversely in response to each of rotation of the inner spindle  234  and rotation of the outer key cam shell  242 . 
     The outer chassis assembly  210  includes an adjustment plate  211 , an outer hub  212 , an outer spindle  214 , and an outer key cam  240 . The outer spindle  214  is seated in the hub  212 , and is operably coupled with the outer assembly  110  such that rotation of the outer handle  112  causes the spindle  214  to rotate. The outer key cam  240  includes the first drive tube or outer key cam shell  242 , which includes a pair of arms  243  operable to actuate the retractor assembly  220 . The outer key cam  240  also includes a locking lug  246  operable to selectively couple the outer key cam shell  242  with the outer spindle  214 . 
     The retractor assembly  220  includes a retractor  222 , and may further include biasing members or springs  224  which are retained in the retractor  222  by a clip  226 . The retractor  222  includes a first pair of cam surfaces  223  on a proximal side of the retractor  222  and a second pair of cam surfaces  223  on a distal side of the retractor  222 . The proximal cam surfaces  223  are engageable by the arms  243  of the outer drive tube  244 , such that rotation of outer drive tube  244  causes lateral motion of the retractor  222 . The distal cam surfaces  223  are engageable by the arms  235  of the inner drive tube  234 , such that rotation of the inner drive tube  234  causes lateral motion of the retractor  222 . The retractor assembly  220  is operably coupled to the latchbolt assembly  121  such that lateral motion of the retractor  222  causes the latchbolt  122  to extend or retract. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the outer key cam  240  includes the outer key cam shell  242 , an outer key cam plug  244  rotatably mounted in the shell  242 , an outer key cam stem  245  slidably mounted in the plug  244 , and the locking lug  246 , which is mounted on the stem  245 . The plug  244  is engaged with the outer tailpiece  115  such that rotation of the outer tailpiece  115  rotates the plug  244 . The plug  244  includes a helical channel  248 , and the stem  245  includes a pin  249  which extends into the helical channel  248 . When the plug  244  is rotated, the edges of the helical channel  248  engage the pin  249  and longitudinally urges the stem  245  in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the plug  244  is rotated. As such, rotation of the plug  248  causes longitudinal movement of the locking lug  246 . 
     The plug  244 , stem  245 , lug  246 , and pin  249  define a portion of a lock control assembly  202 . As described in further detail below, the lock control assembly  202  has a locking state in which the outer handle  112  is not operable to retract the latchbolt  122 , and an unlocking state in which the outer handle  112  is operable to retract the latchbolt  122 . Additionally, each element of the lock control assembly  202  has a locking position when the lock control assembly  202  is in the locking state, and has an unlocking position when the lock control assembly  202  is in the unlocking state. 
     In the illustrated form, the locking lug  246  extends into a recess  213  in the outer hub  212  through an opening  247  in the shell  242  and an opening  215  in the outer spindle  214 . Each of the recess  213 , shell opening  247 , and spindle opening  215  includes a locking section (designated with the suffix “L”) and an unlocking section (designated with the suffix “U”). For example, the recess  213  includes a locking section  213 L in the form of an axial channel which extends in the longitudinal direction, and an unlocking section  213 U defined in part by a sector of a circle which extends along a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction. 
     The shell opening  247  includes a longitudinal unlocking section  247 U and a locking section  247 L which extends about a portion of the circumference of the shell  242 . In the illustrated form, the spindle opening  215  is substantially similar to the shell opening  247 , and includes a longitudinal unlocking section  215 U and a locking section  215 L which extends about a portion of the circumference of the spindle  214 . As described in further detail below, it is also contemplated that the locking section  215 L of the spindle opening  215  may instead be a longitudinal extension of the longitudinal unlocking section  215 U. 
       FIG. 5 a    illustrates the outer chassis subassembly  210  with the lock control assembly  202  in an unlocking state and the lug  246  in a corresponding unlocking position. In this state, the lug  246  extends into the unlocking section  213 U of the recess  213  through the unlocking sections  215 U,  247 U of the spindle opening  215  and the shell opening  247 . With the lug  246  received in the longitudinal unlocking sections  215 U,  247 U, the spindle  214  and the shell  242  are rotationally coupled to one another. Additionally, with the lug  246  received in the transverse unlocking section  213 U of the recess  213 , the spindle  214  and outer key cam shell  242  are free to rotate with respect to the hub  212 . As such, the outer handle  112  is operable to rotate the first drive tube  242  to retract the latchbolt  122 . 
       FIG. 5 b    illustrates the outer chassis subassembly  210  with the lock control assembly  202  in a locking state and the lug  246  in a corresponding locking position. In this state, the lug  246  extends into the locking section  213 L of the recess  213  through the locking sections  215 L,  247 L of the spindle opening  215  and the shell opening  247 . With the lug  246  received in the longitudinal locking section  213 L of the hub recess  213 , the lug  246  is rotationally coupled to the hub  212 . Additionally, with the lug  246  extending through the transverse locking sections  215 L,  247 L of the spindle opening  215  and the shell opening  247 , the spindle  214  and the shell  242  are rotationally decoupled. Accordingly, rotation of the outer handle  212  will rotate the spindle  214 , but such rotation will not be transmitted to the first drive tube  242 . The outer handle  112  is therefore free to rotate without retracting the latchbolt  122 . 
     In the illustrated form, the locking section  215 L of the spindle opening  215  allows the outer handle  112  to freewheel when the lock control assembly  202  is in the locking state. As noted above, it is also contemplated that the locking section  215 L of the spindle opening  215  may be provided as a longitudinal extension of the longitudinal unlocking section  215 U. In such forms, the locking lug  246  extends into the longitudinal locking section  213 L of the recess  213  through the longitudinal locking section  215 L of the spindle opening  215  when in the locking position, thereby rotationally coupling the hub  212  and the spindle  214 . As such, the outer handle  112  is unable to rotate when the lock control assembly  202  is in the locking state. 
     The inner chassis assembly  230  includes an inner hub  232 , a second drive tube or inner spindle  234  rotatably mounted in the hub  232 , a drive bar  236 , a sleeve  238 , and an inner key cam  250 . Like the first drive tube or outer key cam plug  242 , the second drive tube or inner spindle  234  includes arms  235  which, when the spindle  234  is rotated, engage one of the cam surfaces  223  to move the retractor  222  and retract the latchbolt  122 . The inner spindle  234  is rotationally coupled to the inner handle  132 , such that the inner handle  132  is operable to retract the latchbolt  122 . 
     The inner key cam  250  operably connects the inner tailpiece  135  to the drive bar  236 , and includes an inner key cam shell  252 , an inner key cam stem  254  that is rotatable with respect to the shell  252  and rotationally coupled with the drive bar  236 , and a post  256  extending from the stem  254  into a transverse channel  258  formed in the shell  252 . Rotation of the tailpiece  135  through a predetermined angle causes rotation of the inner key cam stem  254 , which in turn rotates the drive bar  236 . The outer key cam stem  245  is slidingly and rotationally coupled to the drive bar  236 , such that the stem  245  is free to travel axially along the drive bar  236  as the stem  245  moves between the locked and unlocked positions. 
     The drive bar  236 , the outer key cam stem  245 , the locking lug  246 , and the inner key cam stem  254  are operably coupled with one another in the lock control assembly  202 . When the lock control assembly  202  is in the locking state, each element thereof is in a corresponding locking position. Conversely, when the lock control assembly  202  is in the unlocking state, each element thereof is in a corresponding unlocking position. In other words, when the locking lug  246  is in the locking position or the unlocking position, each element of the lock control assembly  202  is in the corresponding locking or unlocking position, and the lock control assembly  202  is in the corresponding locking or unlocking state. Thus, each of the lock cylinders  114 ,  134  is independently operable to set the lock control assembly  202  to the locking or unlocking state. 
     When the lock control assembly  202  is in the unlocking state, the locking lug  246  is in the unlocking position, and the outer handle  112  is operably coupled to the retractor assembly  220 . In this state, rotation of the outer handle  112  rotates the first or outer drive tube  244 . As the drive tube  244  rotates, one of the arms  243  engages one of the cam surfaces  223 , causing lateral motion of the retractor  222  and retraction of the latchbolt  122 . Thus, when the lock control assembly  202  is in the unlocking state, the lockset  101  is in an unlocked state, and the outer handle  112  is operable to retract the latchbolt  122 . 
     When the lock control assembly  202  is in the locking state, the locking lug  246  is in the locking position, and the outer handle  112  is not operably coupled to the retractor assembly  220 . In this state, the outer handle  112  is not operably connected to the outer drive tube  244 , and is thus unable to retract the latchbolt  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner handle  132  remains operably coupled to the retractor assembly  220  in both the unlocked and locked states of the locking assembly  100 . That is to say, the inner handle  132  is operable to retract the latchbolt  122  regardless of the state of the lock control assembly  202 . As such, a user inside the room can open the door  90  for emergency egress, even when the locking assembly  100  is locked. 
     As previously noted, various features of cylindrical locksets such as the illustrated lockset  101  present obstacles which have hindered the creation of a viable status indicator for such assemblies. For example, it is desirable that the chassis  200  be mountable in a standard cross-bore  96  without requiring additional drilling or other modification of the door  90 . Additionally, the spring cages  118 ,  138  may abut the door  90 , effectively sealing the cross-bore  96  from the visible portions of the locking assembly  100 . In other words, the spring cages  118 ,  138  obstruct the path between the location where the status of the lockset  101  can be sensed and the roses  116 ,  136 , where the lock status is typically displayed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the status-indicating assembly  300  includes a sensor  310 , a transmission  320  coupled to the sensor  310 , and an indicator  330  coupled to the transmission  320 . As described in further detail below, during operation of the status-indicating assembly  300 , the sensor  310  senses the status of the lockset  101 , the transmission  320  communicates the status to the indicator  330 , and the indicator  330  displays an indicium relating to the status of the lockset  101 . 
     The sensor  310  is associated with a movable element  302  of the cylindrical lockset  101 , and is configured to sense the status of the lockset  101  based upon the position of the movable element  302 . By way of non-limiting example, the movable element  302  may be an element of the lock control assembly  202 , such as the locking lug  246 . As described in further detail below, the sensor  310  includes a slider which is selectively actuated by the movable element  302 . The movable element  302  has an actuating position in which it actuates the slider of the sensor  310 , thereby setting the sensor  310  to an actuated sensor state. The movable element  302  also has a deactuating position in which it does not actuate the slider of the sensor  310 , thereby setting the sensor  310  to a non-actuated or non-actuated sensor state. As described in further detail below, the movable element  302  has one of the actuating position and the deactuating position when the lock control assembly  202  is in the locking state, and has the other of the actuating position and the deactuating position when the lock control assembly  202  is in the unlocking state. 
     The transmission  320  is configured to transmit the status of the lockset  101  from the sensor  310  to the indicator  330 . The transmission  320  may be directly associated with the sensor  310  and/or the indicator  330 , or may be connected to one or more of the sensor  310  and the indicator  330  through one or more intermediate elements. The transmission  320  may further be configured to control the indicator  330  such that the indicator  330  displays the indicium corresponding to the state of the sensor  310 . 
     The indicator  330  is mounted on the cylindrical lockset  101  such that at least a portion of the indicator  330  is visible from at least one side of the door  90 . In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator  330  is mounted on the door inner side  93 , such that the indicator  330  is visible from inside the room when the door  90  is closed. It is also contemplated that the indicator  330  may be mounted on the door outer side  92 , such that the indicator  330  is visible from outside the room when the door  90  is closed. For example, when the locking assembly  100  is installed primarily for security purposes, the indicator  330  may be mounted on the door inner side  93 . When the locking assembly  100  is installed primarily for privacy purposes (such as in a restroom or changing room), the indicator  330  may be mounted on the door outer side  92  to indicate whether the room is occupied or vacant. 
     Furthermore, while the illustrated indicator  330  is visible through an opening in the inner rose  136 , it is also contemplated that the indicator  330  may be mounted on the inner rose  136 . In further embodiments, the indicator  330  may be positioned elsewhere, such as on or in the outer rose  116  or one of the handles  112 ,  132 . Additionally, while the exemplary form of status-indicating assembly  300  includes a single indicator  330 , it is also contemplated that a plurality of indicators  330  may be employed, and that two of the indicators may be visible from the same or opposite sides of the door  90 . 
     The exemplary indicator  330  has an actuated indicator state and a non-actuated indicator state. The indicator  330  is connected to the sensor  310  through the transmission  320  such that the actuated/non-actuated state of the indicator  330  corresponds to the actuated/non-actuated state of the sensor  310 . The indicator  330  is configured to display an actuated indicium when in the actuated indicator state and to display a non-actuated indicium when in the non-actuated indicator state. For example, when the actuating position of the movable element  302  corresponds to the locking state of the lock control assembly  202 , the actuated indicium may be a locked indicium and the non-actuated indicium may be an unlocked indicium. Conversely, when the actuating position of the movable element  302  corresponds to the unlocking state of the lock control assembly  202 , the actuated indicium may be an unlocked indicium and the non-actuated indicium may be a locked indicium. 
     One or more of the indicia may include, for example, a color, an icon, a word, or another form of indicium which a user can readily interpret to determine the status of the locking assembly  100 . The indicator  330  may further be configured to display one or more of the indicia such that the indicium is visible from at least a predetermined distance and throughout a predetermined viewing angle. For example, the indicator  330  may display the indicia such that the displayed indicium is visible from a distance of at least 20 feet across a 180° viewing angle. 
     In certain embodiments, the status-indicating assembly  300  may be a mechanical status-indicating assembly including a mechanical sensor  310 , transmission  320 , and indicator  330 . For example, the indicator  330  may be provided in the form of an indicator plate which is movably mounted behind a window through which the displayed indicium is visible. In such forms, the transmission  320  may be provided as a mechanical linkage connecting the slider of the sensor  310  to the movable indicator plate  330 . An example of such an embodiment is described below with reference to  FIGS. 14-18 . 
     In other embodiments, the status-indicating assembly  300  may include one or more electronic elements. For example, the sensor  310  may further include a switch or electronic sensing device which is actuated by the movement of the slider, and the transmission  320  may include one or more wires connected with the switch or electronic sensing device. In such forms, the indicator  330  may include a primarily electronic display, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electronic paper display (EPD), or an incandescent, fluorescent, or electroluminescent display. The indicator  330  may further include a controller or electrical circuit configured to control operation of the indicator  330  based upon information received from the transmission  320 . 
     By way of illustration, an electronic component of the indicator  330  may include an LED or another light-producing element configured to display the indicia in response to commands from a controller. One of the indicia may include the on state of the LED, and the other of the indicia may include the off state of the LED. For example, the LED may periodically blink or flash when the locking assembly  100  is in the locked state, and remain off when the locking assembly  100  is in the unlocked state. The indicator  330  may further include a transparent or translucent window, which may have a lock icon stenciled or molded into it. In such a case, the lock icon may be visible when the LED is in the on state, and less visible or not visible when the LED is in the off state. The window may protrude from the element on which it is mounted in order to increase the angle across which the displayed indicium can be viewed. 
     In certain forms, the LED or other light producing element may be directly visible. For example, the LED may be mounted in an opening formed in one of the roses  116 ,  136 . In other forms, the LED may be mounted on an internal component of the locking assembly  100 , and a light pipe may be utilized to transmit the light from the LED to a visible location. For example, the LED may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), and a fiber-optic cable may transmit the light to a visible location on one of the roses  116 ,  136 . The light pipe may include a dome-shaped end protruding from the rose  116 ,  136 , in order to increase the angle across which the indicium can be viewed. 
     While the above-described forms of the status-indicating assembly  300  entirely or primarily utilize a single operating principle, in certain forms, the elements of the status-indicating assembly  300  may utilize varied operating principles. That is to say, additional embodiments may combine a sensor  310 , transmission  320 , and indicator  330  from the mechanical and electronic embodiments described above. For example, an electronic form of the sensor  310  may be coupled to electrical wires included in the transmission  320 . The transmission  320  may further include an electrical circuit connected to a motor operable to move a mechanical form of the indicator  330  between the actuated and non-actuated positions. 
     Furthermore, the status-indicating assembly  300  may be a passive status-indicating assembly operable to display the appropriate indicium without being acted upon by a user. In such forms, the user can readily determine the status of the lockset  101  merely by looking at the indicator  330  without having to approach the door  90 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , illustrated therein is a chassis subassembly  400  according to one embodiment. The subassembly  400  includes a hub  410 , a spindle  420  rotatably mounted in the hub  410 , a movable element  430  movably mounted in the spindle  420 , and a sensor  440  associated with the movable element  430 . As described in further detail below, the subassembly  400  may be implemented as a subassembly of a chassis such as the above-described chassis  200 . For example, the illustrated subassembly  400  corresponds to the outer chassis assembly  210 , and the hub  410 , spindle  420 , movable element  430 , and sensor assembly  440  correspond to the hub  212 , spindle  214 , locking lug  246 , and sensor  310  respectively. 
     The hub  410  includes an angular recess  412 , a longitudinal channel  414 , and an arcuate guide channel  416 . The angular recess  412  intersects the longitudinal channel  414  at an intersection  413 , and the longitudinal channel  414  intersects the arcuate guide channel  416  at an intersection  415 . The longitudinal channel  414  extends in the longitudinal direction, and each of the angular recess  412  and the arcuate guide channel  416  extends along a plane which is transverse to the longitudinal direction. 
     The movable element  430  is movably seated in the spindle  420 , and includes an arm  432  which extends radially outward through an opening in the spindle  420  and into the hub  410 . The arm  432  may include one or more chamfers  434  facing the sensor  440 . The movable element  430  has a deactuating first position ( FIG. 6 ) and an actuating second position ( FIG. 7 ). The movable element  430  may be provided as a portion of the above-described lock control assembly  202 , such that the first position corresponds to a first state of the lock control assembly  202  and the second position corresponds to a second state of the lock control assembly  202 . In the illustrated form, the movable element  430  corresponds to the locking lug  246 , the deactuating position corresponds to the unlocking position, and the actuating position corresponds to the locking position. In other forms, the movable element  430  may correspond to another element of the lock control assembly  202 , the deactuating position may correspond to a locking position, and the actuating position may correspond to an unlocking position. 
     In the illustrated form, the sensor assembly  440  includes a single slider  442  movably seated in the guide channel  416 . The slider  442  has an arcuate geometry corresponding to that of the arcuate guide channel  416 , and is free to travel along the path defined by the guide channel  416 . The longitudinally inward side of the slider  442  includes at least one ramp  443  facing the movable element  430 , and the longitudinally outward side of the slider  442  may include one or more attachment points  444 . As described in further detail below, the attachment points  444  may be used to couple the slider  442  to a transmission, such as the transmission  320  of the status-indicating assembly  300 . 
     The sensor  440  has a non-actuated or first sensor state ( FIG. 6 ), in which the slider  442  is a non-actuated or first slider position. The sensor  440  also has an actuated or second sensor state ( FIG. 7 ), in which the slider  442  is in an actuated or second slider position. The slider  442  may be biased to the first slider position, for example by gravity, a biasing member, or a transmission. The sensor  440  is coupled to the indicator  330  via the transmission  320  such that the state of the indicator  330  corresponds to the state of the sensor  440 . More specifically, the indicator  330  has a non-actuated or first indicator state in response to the non-actuated or first sensor state, and has an actuated or second indicator state in response the actuated or second sensor state. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the subassembly  400  with the movable element  430  and slider  442  in the respective first positions. In this state, one of the ramps  443  is aligned with the axial channel  414  and positioned in the intersection  415 . When the lock control assembly  202  transitions states, the movable element  430  moves from the deactuating first position ( FIG. 6 b   ) to the actuating second position ( FIG. 7 b   ). As the movable element  430  moves to the actuating position, the arm  432  enters the intersection  415  and engages the slider  442 . More specifically, the chamfer  434  engages the ramp  443 , thereby urging the slider  442  to the actuating position. In other words, movement of the movable element  430  from the deactuating position to the actuating position causes a corresponding movement of the slider  442  from the non-actuated position to the actuated position. As such, the actuated/non-actuated state of the sensor  440  corresponds to the locked/unlocked state of the lock control assembly  202 . 
     The illustrated slider  442  is a unitary structure which includes two of the ramps  443  and two of the attachment points  444 . Additionally, the longitudinally outward side of the arm  432  of the movable element  430  includes two chamfers  434  corresponding to the two ramps  443 . As such, the subassembly  400  is non-handed, and can be installed in either of two orientations. For example, the subassembly  400  may be rotated 180° with respect to the orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 6 a  and 7 a    without affecting the operation of the subassembly  400 . 
     In the illustrated form, the subassembly  400  is provided at the outer chassis assembly  210 , the hub  410  corresponds to the outer hub  212 , the drive tube  420  corresponds to the outer spindle  214 , and the movable element  430  corresponds to the locking lug  246 . In this embodiment, when the lock control assembly  202  is in the unlocked state, the movable element  430  is in the deactuating position, and the sensor  440  is in the non-actuated state. When the lock control assembly  202  is moved to the locked state, the movable element  430  travels to the actuating position, thereby transitioning the sensor  440  to the actuated state. 
     In other embodiments, the subassembly  400  may be provided at the inner chassis assembly  230 , such that the hub  410  corresponds to the inner hub  232 , the drive tube  420  corresponds to the second drive tube or inner spindle  234 , and the movable element  430  corresponds to a plunger, such as the plunger  630  described below with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In such embodiments, when the lock control assembly  202  is in the locked state, the movable element  430  may be in the deactuating position, thereby setting the sensor  440  in the non-actuated state. When the lock control assembly  202  is moved to the unlocked state, the movable element  430  may travel to the actuating position, thereby transitioning the sensor  440  to the actuated state. 
       FIGS. 8-11  illustrate a chassis subassembly  500  according to another embodiment. The chassis subassembly  500  is substantially similar to the chassis subassembly  400  described above. Unless indicated otherwise, similar reference characters are used to denote similar elements and features. For example, the subassembly  500  includes a hub  510 , a drive tube  520 , a movable element  530 , and a sensor  540 . In the interest of conciseness, the following description focuses primarily on features of the subassembly  500  which are different from those described above with reference to the subassembly  400 . 
     The hub  510  includes an axial channel  514  extending in the longitudinal direction and a guide channel  516  extending along a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction (i.e., the Z-Y plane). The guide channel  516  includes at least one section  518  configured to receive at least a portion of the sensor  540 . More specifically, each of the sections  518  is sized and configured to receive a slider  542  of the sensor  540 , and extends along the transverse plane at an oblique angle with respect to the lateral (Y) and transverse (Z) directions. 
     Each of the sliders  542  is movably seated in a corresponding one of the sections  518  of the guide channel  516 . The guide channel  516  and sliders  542  may include features which discourage the sliders  542  from being inserted into the guide channel  516  in an improper orientation. For example, one side of the guide channel  516  may include a shoulder  517 , and the corresponding side of the slider  542  may include an undercut  547  structured to receive the shoulder  517 . Each of the sliders  542  includes an attachment point in the form of an opening  544  which extends through a boss  545 . As described in further detail below, the opening  544  is configured to receive a post to couple the slider  542  to the transmission  320 . A slider  542  which is attached to the transmission  320  may be referred to as an active slider, and a slider  542  which is not attached to the transmission  320  may be referred to as an inactive slider. In certain forms, only one of the sliders  542  may be active, and the other of the sliders  542  may be inactive or omitted. In other forms, both sliders  542  may be active. For example, one of the sliders may be connected to a mechanical transmission such as a linkage, and the other of the sliders may be associated with a switch. In such forms, the switch may be connected to an electronic transmission such as a wire. 
     The subassembly  500  may further include a retainer  550  ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). The retainer  550  is coupled to the hub  510  and retains the sliders  542  in the guide channel  516 . The retainer  550  may include walls  554  defining slots  555 . The bosses  545  may extend longitudinally into the slots  555  such that the slots  555  slidably receive the bosses  545 . 
       FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b    illustrate the subassembly  500  with the movable element  530  in the deactuating position and the sensor  540  in the non-actuated state. In this arrangement, at least the active slider  542  is in the non-actuated slider position, in which the slider  542  extends into the intersection  515  and the ramp  543  is aligned with the arm  532  of the movable element  530 . When the lock control assembly  202  transitions states, the movable element  530  travels from the deactuating position to the actuating position. 
     As the movable element  530  moves from the deactuating position toward the actuating position, the arm  532  travels along the axial channel  514  and enters the intersection  515 , and the chamfers  534  engage the ramps  543  and urge the sliders  542  to the actuated positions. When the movable element  530  reaches the actuating position, the sides  536  of the arm  532  engage the tips  546  of the sliders  542 , thereby retaining the sensor  540  in the actuated sensor state ( FIG. 11 ). 
     In the illustrated form, the sensor  540  includes two sliders  542 , each of which is movably seated in a corresponding one of the sections  518 . In certain forms, both of the sliders  542  may be biased toward the non-actuated position, for example by springs. In other forms, only the active slider  542  may be biased toward the non-actuated position. In further embodiments, the inactive slider may be omitted. Furthermore, while the subassembly  500  is illustrated as an inner subassembly provided at the inner chassis assembly  230 , it is also contemplated that the subassembly  500  may be an outer subassembly provided at the outer chassis assembly  210 . In such forms, the hub  510  may include a recess corresponding to the outer hub unlocking section  213 U, and the movable element  530  may correspond to the locking lug  246 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate a chassis subassembly  600  according to another embodiment. 
     The subassembly  600  is substantially similar to the subassembly  500  described above. Unless indicated otherwise, similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. For example, the subassembly  600  includes a hub  610 , a spindle  620 , a movable element  630 , a sensor  640  associated with the movable element  630 , and a retainer  650  retaining the sensor  640  in a guide channel  616  of the hub  610 . In the interest of conciseness, the following description focuses primarily on features of the subassembly  600  which are different from those described above with reference to the subassembly  500 . 
     In the illustrated form, the longitudinal channel  614  extends longitudinally outward beyond the intersection  615  with the guide channel  616 , and is defined in part by the retainer  650 . Additionally, the deactuating and actuating positions of the movable element  630  are the opposite of those illustrated in the above-described subassembly  500 . More specifically, while the movable element  530  has a longitudinally inward deactuating position ( FIG. 10 ) and a longitudinally outward actuating position ( FIG. 11 ), the movable element  630  of the instant embodiment has a longitudinally outward deactuating position ( FIG. 12 ) and a longitudinally inward actuating position ( FIG. 13 ). Due to the reversal of these positions, the relative locations of the chamfers  634  and ramps  643  are also reversed such that the ramps  643  face the movable element  630  and the chamfers  634  faces the sensor  640 . More specifically, the chamfers  634  are formed on the longitudinally inward side of the movable element arm  632 , and the ramps  643  are formed on the longitudinally outward side of the sliders  642 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the subassembly  600  in a non-actuated state, in which the movable element  630  is in the deactuating position. As a result, the slider  642  is in the non-actuated position and the sensor  640  is in the non-actuated state. With the subassembly  600  in the non-actuated state, the movable element  630  is positioned in the longitudinal channel  614  on the longitudinally outward side of the intersection  615  with the guide channel  616 . More specifically, the movable element  630  is located in the portion of the longitudinal channel  614  that is defined in part by the retainer  650 . Additionally, the active slider  642  extends into the longitudinal channel  614  such that the ramp  643  is located in the intersection  615 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the subassembly  600  in an actuated state, in which the movable element  630  has been moved to the actuating position. As the movable element  630  moves longitudinally inward from the non-actuated position toward the actuated position, the arm  632  enters the intersection  615  and the chamfer  634  engages the ramp  643 , thereby urging the active slider  642  toward the actuated position. As a result, the sensor  640  has been transitioned from the non-activated sensor state to the activated sensor state. When the movable element  630  returns to the deactuating position, for example due to movement of a lock control assembly, the active slider  642  returns to the non-actuated position, thereby returning the subassembly  600  to the non-actuated state illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a chassis  700  according to another embodiment. The chassis  700  is substantially similar to the chassis  200  described above. Unless indicated otherwise, similar reference characters are used to denote similar elements and features. For example, the chassis  700  includes a lock control assembly  702 , an outer chassis assembly  710 , a retractor assembly  720 , and an inner chassis assembly  730 . In the interest of conciseness, the following description focuses primarily on features of the chassis  700  which are different from those described above with reference to the chassis  200 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the inner chassis assembly  730  includes the above-described subassembly  600 , such that the inner hub  732  corresponds to the hub  610 , and the inner drive tube  734  corresponds to the spindle  620 . Additionally, the lock control assembly  702  includes the movable element  630 , which is provided in the form of a longitudinally movable plunger  630 . The drive bar  736  extends through the plunger  630 , and a spring  766  biases the plunger  630  into contact with the locking lug  746 . As a result, the plunger  630  moves with the locking lug  746 , and the position of the plunger  630  corresponds to the state of the lock control assembly  702 . Furthermore, a single drive bar  736  performs the functions of the above-described drive bar  238  and outer key cam stem  245 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates the chassis  700  in an unlocked state in which the lock control assembly  702  is in the unlocking state, which includes the unlocking position of the locking lug  746 . In the unlocking position, the locking lug  746  is received in the unlocking section  713 U of the hub recess  713 . With the locking lug  746  in the unlocking position, the plunger  630  is set to the deactuating position. In the deactuating position, the plunger  630  is disengaged from the slider  642 , thereby setting the sensor  640  to the non-actuated state. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the chassis  700  in a locked state, in which the lock control assembly  702  is in the locking state, which includes the locking position of the locking lug  746 . In the locking position, the locking lug  746  is received in the locking section  713 L of the hub recess  713 . With the locking lug  746  in the locking position, the plunger  630  is set to the actuating position. In the actuating position, the plunger  630  is engaged with the slider  642 , thereby setting the sensor  640  in the actuated state. 
     As will be appreciated, movement of the lock control assembly  702  between the locking and unlocking states causes the plunger  630  to move between the actuating and deactuating positions under the opposing forces of the locking lug  746  and the spring  766 . As a result, the non-actuated state of the sensor  740  corresponds to the unlocking state of the lock control assembly  702 , and the actuated state of the sensor  740  corresponds to the locking state of the lock control assembly  702 . 
     In certain forms, the outer chassis assembly  710  may include the above-described subassembly  500 . For example, the outer hub  712  may be provided in the form of the hub  510 , the locking lug  746  may serve as the movable element  530 , and the sensor  540  may be mounted in the outer hub  510 / 712  and associated with the locking lug  530 / 746 . In such forms, the locking lug  746  unlocking position ( FIG. 15 ) may correspond to the movable element  540  deactuating position ( FIG. 10 ), and the locking lug  746  locking position ( FIG. 16 ) may correspond to the movable element  540  actuating position ( FIG. 11 ). As a result, the non-actuated state of the sensor  540  corresponds to the unlocking state of the lock control assembly  702 , and the actuated state of the sensor  540  corresponds to the locking state of the lock control assembly  702 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an escutcheon assembly  800  according to one embodiment. The escutcheon assembly  800  is mounted on the above-described chassis  700  and is engaged with the chassis subassembly  600 . The assembly  800  includes a mounting plate  820  mounted on the hub  610 , an escutcheon  830  coupled to the mounting plate  820 , a linkage  840  coupled to the sensor  640 , and an indicator plate  900  coupled to the linkage  840 . In certain forms, the assembly  800  may be provided as an outer assembly, such as the outer assembly  110  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . In other forms, the assembly  800  may be provided as an inner assembly, such as the inner assembly  130  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . Additionally, the sensor  640 , linkage  840 , and indicator plate  900  may be considered to form a status indicating assembly  850  corresponding to the status indicating assembly  300  described above. For example, the sensor  310  may be provided as the sensor  640 , the transmission  320  may be provided as the linkage  840 , and the indicator  330  may be provided as the indicator plate  900 . 
     The mounting plate  820  includes a post  822 , and the indicator plate  900  is pivotally mounted on the post  822 . The indicator plate is biased toward a non-actuated indicator plate position, and is pivotable to an actuated indicator plate position. The indicator plate  900  is connected to the active slider  642  of the sensor  640  via the linkage  840  such that the position of the indicator plate  900  corresponds to that of the active slider  642 . For example, while  FIG. 17  illustrates the slider  642  and the indicator plate  900  in the actuated position, movement of the slider  642  to the non-actuated slider position causes the linkage  840  to pivot the indicator plate  900  to the non-actuated indicator plate position. 
     The escutcheon  830  includes a primary window  832  and a secondary window  834 , and a portion of the indicator plate  900  is visible through each of the windows  832 ,  834 . As will be appreciated, the visible portion of the indicator plate  900  corresponds to the position of the indicator plate  900 . For example, a non-actuated plate portion  910  is visible with the indicator plate  900  in the non-actuated position, and an actuated plate portion  920  is visible with the indicator plate  900  in the actuated position. More specifically, each of the plate portions  910 ,  920  includes a primary indicating region  912 ,  922  which is selectively visible through the primary window  832 , and a secondary indicating region  914 ,  924  which is selectively visible through the secondary window  834 . Each of the primary indicating regions  912 ,  922  may further include a lip  913 ,  923  selectively visible through a side of the primary window  832 , and each of the secondary indicating regions  914 ,  924  may further include a lip  915 ,  925  selectively visible through a side of the secondary window  834 . As described in further detail below, the visible portion of the indicator plate  900  corresponds to the state of the lock control assembly  702 , thereby indicating to a user whether the lockset is locked or unlocked. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 18 , the indicator plate  900  includes the non-actuated plate portion  910  and the actuated plate portion  920 , and may further include a weight  908 . The plate portions  910 ,  920  may include indicia which indicate to a user the state of the lockset. For example, if the non-actuated position of the indicator plate  900  corresponds to a locking state, the non-actuated plate portion  910  may include indicia  917  relating to a locked condition and the actuated plate portion  920  may include indicia  927  relating to an unlocked condition. By way of non-limiting example, the indicia  917 ,  927  may include colors, symbols, graphics, letters, or a combination thereof. 
     In the illustrated form, the actuated plate portion  920  is a base plate, and the non-actuated plate portion  910  is a cover plate mounted on the actuated plate portion  920 . The base plate  920  may include a recess  928 , and the weight  908  may be positioned in the recess  928 . The plate portions  910 ,  920  may be coupled to one another to retain the weight  908  within the recess  928 . For example, the plates  910 ,  920  may be releasably coupled to one another by engagement of snap features  919 ,  929 . 
     The base plate or non-actuated plate portion  920  includes a boss  926 , an opening  927  formed through the boss  926 , and an attachment opening  902 . When the plates  910 ,  920  are coupled to one another, the boss  926  is received in an opening  916  formed in the cover plate or actuated plate portion  910 . The opening  927  is configured to receive the mounting plate post  822  to pivotally mount the indicator plate  900  to the mounting plate  820 , such that the indicator plate  900  is pivotable about a pivot axis  907  with respect to the mounting plate  820 . Additionally, the attachment opening  902  is configured to engage an end of the linkage  840  to couple the indicator plate  900  to the linkage  840 . 
     In the illustrated form, the escutcheon assembly  800  is associated with the subassembly  600  of the inner chassis assembly  730 , and therefore corresponds to the inner assembly  130  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As noted above, the locking and unlocking states of the lock control assembly  702  respectively correspond to the actuated and non-actuated states of the sensor  640 , and thus the actuated and non-actuated positions of the indicator plate  900 . In other words, when the lock control assembly  702  is in the locking state, the sensor  640  is in the actuated state, and the actuated plate portion  920  is visible through the windows  832 ,  834 . Conversely, when the lock control assembly  702  is in the unlocking state, the sensor  640  is in the non-actuated state, and the non-actuated plate portion  910  is visible through the windows  832 ,  834 . Thus, the non-actuated plate portion  910  may include indicia relating to the unlocked condition, and the actuated plate portion  920  may include indicia relating to the locked condition. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. 
     It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.