Patent Publication Number: US-2020299995-A1

Title: Use of sound dampening material for noise reduction

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to hardware for a door, latch assemblies, exit device assemblies, and jalousies, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to reducing noise produced during operation of door hardware, latch assemblies, exit device assemblies, and jalousies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Acoustic noise is becoming a growing concern in many different environments. In some settings, wall and/or door hardware may be a significant factor contributing to undesirable environmental noise. When a person enters or exits a room through a door, for example, door hardware may make loud, distracting, or otherwise undesirable noise. While many manufacturers have made efforts to reduce the noise generated by their hardware devices, certain devices nonetheless produce excess noise. Reducing the noise produced by hardware devices therefore remains an area of interest. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, hardware for a door may include at least one component formed from a material configured to dampen sound produced in use of the hardware. The material may include at least one polymeric layer arranged between multiple metallic layers. 
     In some embodiments, the hardware may be a latch assembly and the material may include sound dampening steel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hardware may include a second component, one of the at least one component and the second component may be a stationary component and the other of the at least one component and the second component may be movable relative to the stationary component, the material may be configured to dampen sound produced in response to interaction between the stationary component and the component movable relative to the stationary component in use of the hardware, and the material may include sound dampening steel. 
     In some embodiments, the stationary component may be a retainer or retaining plate. The component movable relative to the stationary component may be a latchbolt that is movable relative to the retainer or retaining plate between a retracted position, in which a portion of the latchbolt is spaced from the retainer or retaining plate, and an extended position, in which the portion of the latchbolt contacts the retainer or retaining plate. The retainer or retaining plate may be formed from the material. 
     In some embodiments, the hardware may be a cylindrical latch assembly. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hardware may include one of the following: a mortise latch assembly, a tubular latch assembly, an interconnected latch assembly, a rim latch assembly, or a cabinet latch assembly. Further, in some embodiments still, the hardware may include a third component formed from the material. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an exit device assembly for a door may include at least one component formed from a material configured to dampen sound produced in use of the exit device assembly. The material may include at least one polymeric layer arranged between multiple metallic layers. 
     In some embodiments, the material may include sound dampening steel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the exit device assembly may include a second component, one of the at least one component and the second component may be a stationary component and the other of the at least one component and the second component may be movable relative to the stationary component, the material may be configured to dampen sound produced in response to interaction between the stationary component and the component movable relative to the stationary component in use of the exit device assembly, and the material may include sound dampening steel. 
     In some embodiments, the stationary component may be included in or coupled to a bracket. The component movable relative to the stationary component may be a latchbolt that is movable relative to the bracket between a retracted position, in which the latchbolt has a first orientation relative to the bracket, and an extended position, in which the latchbolt has a second orientation relative to the bracket different from the first orientation. The bracket may be formed from the material. The exit device assembly may include a third component formed from the material. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a jalousie may include at least one component formed from a material configured to dampen sound produced in use of the jalousie. The material may include at least one polymeric layer arranged between multiple metallic layers. 
     In some embodiments, the material may include sound dampening steel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the jalousie may include a stationary component separate from the at least one component, the at least one component may include a plurality of components that are movable relative to the stationary component and formed from the material, the material may be configured to dampen sound produced in response to interaction between the stationary component and the plurality of components in use of the jalousie, and the material may include sound dampening steel. The plurality of components may include slats or blades that are pivotally coupled to the stationary component, and the slats or blades may be formed from the material. 
     These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The invention described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one latch assembly configured for installation in a door; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of  FIG. 1  taken about line  2 - 2  with a latchbolt of the latch assembly in an extended position; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly similar to  FIG. 2  with the latchbolt in a retracted position and certain features depicted in phantom; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another latch assembly configured for installation in a door; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly of  FIG. 4  taken about line  5 - 5  with a latchbolt of the latch assembly in an extended position; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the latch assembly similar to  FIG. 5  with the latchbolt in a retracted position and certain features depicted in phantom; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exit device assembly configured for installation in a door; 
         FIG. 8  is an auxiliary view of the exit device assembly of  FIG. 7  with an auxiliary bolt of the exit device assembly in an extended position; 
         FIG. 9  is an auxiliary view of the exit device assembly similar to  FIG. 8  with the auxiliary bolt in a retracted position and certain features depicted in phantom; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a jalousie with slats or blades thereof in one position relative to a frame of the jalousie; and 
         FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the jalousie of  FIG. 10  with the slats or blades in another position relative to the frame. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted as limiting to only one such element, unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element, unless specifically stated to the contrary. 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features. 
     It should be appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to, but not limited to, structures, devices, units, and/or assemblies included in, or otherwise embodied as, hardware for a door. As will be apparent from the discussion that follows, the door hardware may include latch assemblies, mortise latch assemblies, exit device assemblies, and jalousies. Of course, it should be appreciated that the door hardware may include other suitable devices. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a latch assembly  100  is illustratively embodied as, or otherwise includes, a cylindrical-format latch assembly  102 . As described in greater detail below, the cylindrical latch assembly  102  includes at least one component  106  that is formed from a material  206  (see  FIG. 2 ) configured to dampen sound produced in use of the latch assembly  102 . Consequently, compared to latch assemblies with components having constructions different from the at least one component  106 , the illustrative latch assembly  102  may produce less noise than those latch assemblies. The material  206  includes at least one polymeric layer  208  arranged between metallic layers  210 ,  212 , as further discussed below. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the cylindrical latch assembly  102  has a lock cylinder  104  which may be operatively coupled to a door handle, and which may include a key lock. As would be understood by persons skilled in the art, the latch assembly  102  is sized for receipt in a cavity formed in a door (not shown). When the latch assembly  102  is received in the cavity, the latch assembly  102  may be mounted to the door using a retainer  106  thereof. Specifically, the retainer  106  may be mounted to an end of the door with fasteners or couplers (not shown), each of which may be received by one of apertures  108 ,  110  formed in the retainer  106 . Upon being mounted in the door, a latch unit  112  of the latch assembly  102  is configured to interface with a strike plate provided on a door frame or another suitable structure. 
     The illustrative latch unit  112  includes a latchbolt or dead latchbolt  114  and a plunger or dead latch plunger  116 . Each of the latchbolt  114  and the plunger  116  are at least partially received in a housing  118  of the lock cylinder  104 , and each of the latchbolt  114  and the plunger  116  extends through the retainer  106  to interface with the strike plate or other suitable structure. It should be appreciated that when the latch unit  112  (i.e., the latchbolt  114  and/or the plunger  116 ) is received by an aperture defined in the strike plate such that the latch unit  112  contacts the strike plate, the latch assembly  102  prevents, or otherwise substantially resists, the door from being opened. It should also be appreciated that when the latch unit  112  does not contact the strike plate (e.g., when the latchbolt  114  and/or the plunger  116  are not received by the aperture defined in the strike plate), the latch assembly  102  permits opening of the door. In some embodiments, the latch unit  112  may be extended away from the retainer  106  and toward the strike plate to prevent the door from being opened by movement of the door handle, by movement of a key in the lock cylinder  104  and/or the key lock, or by an electronic signal which causes extension of the latch unit  112 . In such embodiments, the latch unit  112  may be retracted toward the retainer  106  and away from the strike plate to permit opening of the door by movement of the door handle, by movement of a key in the lock cylinder  104  and/or the key lock, or by an electronic signal which causes retraction of the latch unit  112 . 
     As would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the illustrative cylindrical latch assembly  102  is configured for use in a variety of environments where noise reduction may be desirable. Examples of those environments include, but are not limited to, theaters, auditoriums, schools, libraries, dormitories, office buildings, cafeterias, commercial and/or residential spaces, and healthcare settings. Noise reduction may be of particular concern in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities, for example, where a loud environment may affect patient sleep and recovery times, lead to lower medical facility reimbursements, and contribute to loss of focus and errors of medical staff. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the plunger  116  is illustratively biased by a spring  218  toward an extended position  220 , in which a portion  216  thereof contacts, abuts, and/or directly interfaces with the retainer  106 . Similarly, the latchbolt  114  is illustratively biased by a spring  219  toward an extended position  222  in which a portion  214  thereof contacts, abuts, and/or directly interfaces with the retainer  106 . When the plunger  116  is in the extended position  220 , an end portion  226  thereof is spaced from the retainer  106  such that the plunger  116  extends beyond the plate  106  along a longitudinal axis LA. When the latchbolt  114  is in the extended position  222 , an end portion  224  thereof is spaced from the retainer  106  such that the latchbolt  114  extends beyond the plate  106  along the axis LA. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , movement of the plunger  116  along the longitudinal axis LA toward the retainer  106  (i.e., to the right) overcomes the bias of the spring  218  such that the plunger  116  is in a retracted position  330 . In the retracted position  330 , the portion  216  is spaced from the retainer  106  and the end portion  226  is substantially aligned with the retainer  106  along the axis LA. Movement of the latchbolt  114  along the axis LA toward the retainer  106  (i.e., to the right) overcomes the bias of the spring  219  such that the latchbolt  114  is in a retracted position  332 . In the retracted position  332 , the portion  214  is spaced from the retainer  106  and the end portion  224  is substantially aligned with the retainer  106  along the axis LA. Of course, it should be appreciated that the plunger  116  and the latchbolt  114  may move between the respective extended positions  220 ,  222  and retracted positions  330 ,  332  in response to movement of the door handle, movement of a key in the lock cylinder  104  and/or the key lock, or receipt of an electronic signal by a controller (not shown) of the cylindrical latch assembly  102 . 
     A number of features of the illustrative cylindrical latch assembly  102  are depicted in phantom in  FIG. 3 . It should be appreciated that the position(s) of certain features of the latch assembly  102  when the latchbolt  114  and the plunger  116  are in the respective extended positions  222 ,  220  may be different from the position(s) of those features when the latchbolt  114  and the plunger  116  are in the respective retracted positions  332 ,  330 . Accordingly, for the sake of simplicity and ease of illustration, depiction of the features of the latch assembly  102  in phantom is intended to convey that the features may have position(s) different from the position(s) shown. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the retainer  106  includes the material  206 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and indicated above. Because the plate  106  is not entirely formed from metal (the material  206  includes the polymeric layer  208  as indicated above), the construction of the plate  106  facilitates noise reduction during operation of the cylindrical latch assembly  102 , at least compared to other configurations that employ entirely metallic components throughout. More specifically, when the partially polymeric, stationary plate  106  interacts with the plunger  116  and/or the latchbolt  114 , which are each movable relative to the plate  106  during operation of the latch assembly  102  as discussed above, the construction of the plate  106  is configured to dampen sound produced in response to interaction between the plate  106  and the plunger  116  and/or the latchbolt  114 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the material  206  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, sound dampening steel. The illustrative polymeric layer  208  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a viscoelastic polymeric layer. The illustrative metallic layers  210 ,  212  may each be embodied as, or otherwise include, a cold-rolled steel layer. In one example, the material  206  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, Quiet Steel® material manufactured by Material Sciences Corporation. Of course, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the material  206  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, another suitable sound dampening material that includes one or more polymeric layers arranged between multiple metallic layers. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the metallic layers  210 ,  212  may be formed from another suitable metallic material, and the polymeric layer  208  may be formed from another suitable polymeric material. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the plunger  116  and the latchbolt  114  may be formed from the material  206 . In such embodiments, the retainer  106 , the plunger  116 , and the latchbolt  114  may have substantially the same construction. In other embodiments, the retainer  106  may have an entirely metallic construction, and one or more of the plunger  116  and the latchbolt  114  may be formed from the material  206 . In other embodiments still, one or more of the springs  218 ,  219  may be formed from the material  206 . In such embodiments, the springs  218 ,  219  and the retainer  106  may have substantially the same construction. 
     It should be appreciated that the illustrative cylindrical latch assembly  102  may include components in addition to those described above. For example, the latch assembly  102  may include one or more plates, bars, linkages, rods, brackets, pins, balls, biasers, spacers, bearings, rings, shafts, gears, tabs, stops, receivers, pivots, clips, studs, races, hubs, retractors, actuators, guides, collars, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of those additional components may be formed from the material  206  to dampen sound produced in response to movement (e.g., rattling) of those components in place, or in response to interaction with other components (e.g., as components move relative to one another). 
     Furthermore, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the latch assembly  102  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, another suitable latch assembly. In one example, the latch assembly  102  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a tubular latch assembly. In another example, the latch assembly  102  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, an interconnected latch assembly. In yet another example, the latch assembly  102  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a rim latch assembly. In yet another example still, the latch assembly  102  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a cabinet latch assembly. 
     As should be apparent from the above description, the construction of one or more components of the illustrative cylindrical latch assembly  102  (i.e., from the material  206 ) facilitates, enables, or is otherwise associated with, noise reduction without the incorporation of entirely plastic components to dampen sound. That is, the latch assembly  102  does not include or require relatively soft (e.g., entirely plastic) components to be located along one or more paths of motion to effect noise reduction. Instead, one or more components of the latch assembly  102 , which may be formed entirely from metal by stamping techniques in conventional configurations, are constructed from the material  206  to reduce noise as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a latch assembly  400  is illustratively embodied as, or otherwise includes, a mortise latch assembly  402 . As described in greater detail below, the mortise latch assembly  402  includes at least one component  404  that is formed from a material  504  (see  FIG. 5 ) configured to dampen sound produced in use of the latch assembly  402 . Consequently, compared to lock assemblies with components having constructions different from the at least one component  404 , the illustrative latch assembly  402  may produce less noise than those lock assemblies. The material  504  includes at least one polymeric layer  506  arranged between metallic layers  508 ,  510 , as further discussed below. 
     As would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the illustrative mortise latch assembly  402  is configured for use in a variety of environments where noise reduction may be desirable. Examples of those environments include, but are not limited to, theaters, auditoriums, schools, libraries, dormitories, office buildings, cafeterias, commercial and/or residential spaces, and healthcare settings. 
     As would be understood by persons skilled in the art, a case  410  of the illustrative mortise latch assembly  402  is sized for receipt in a cavity formed in a door (not shown). When the latch assembly  402  is received in the cavity, the latch assembly  402  may be mounted to the door using an armor plate  404  thereof. Specifically, the armor plate  404  may be mounted to an end of the door with fasteners or couplers (not shown), each of which may be received by one of apertures  406 ,  408  formed in the armor plate  404 . Upon being mounted in the door, a latch unit  420  of the latch assembly  402  is configured to interact with a feature provided on a door frame, such as a strike plate or other suitable structure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in the illustrative embodiment, the mortise latch assembly  402  includes the latch unit  420 , a hub  530  rotatably mounted in the case  410 , a catch  540  slidably mounted in the case  410  and engageable with the hub  530 , and a drive assembly  550  movable in the case  410  and operably coupled with the catch  540 . As described in greater detail below, the drive assembly  550  is configured to drive movement of the catch  540  to cause the catch  540  to engage with, or disengage from, the hub  530 , thereby driving extension or retraction of the latch unit  420 . Of course, it should be appreciated that extension of the latch unit  420  such that the latch unit  420  contacts the strike plate or other suitable feature prevents, or otherwise substantially resists, the door from being opened, whereas retraction of the latch unit  420  such that the latch unit  420  does not contact the strike plate or other suitable feature permits opening of the door. In any case, certain features of the mortise latch assembly  402  may, for example, be of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,382 to Hull, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     The illustrative latch unit  420  includes a latch bolt  522 , a drive bar  524 , a retractor  526 , and a bracket  528 . The latchbolt  522  is coupled to the drive bar  524  and the retractor  526  is coupled to the drive bar  524  via the bracket  528 . The retractor  526  contacts, and is configured to rotate in response to rotation of, the hub  530 . During operation of the latch unit  420 , rotation of the hub  530  causes rotation of the retractor  526  and engagement between the retractor  526  and the bracket  528  drives lateral or translational movement of the drive bar  524 . Movement of the drive bar  524  drives movement of the latchbolt  522  between an extended or latched position  532  and a retracted or unlatched position  632  (see  FIG. 6 ). As would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, movement of the latchbolt  522  to the extended position  532  prevents opening of the door, whereas movement of the latchbolt  522  to the retracted position  632  permits opening of the door. 
     It should be appreciated that the hub  530  is rotationally coupled with an actuator (not shown) such as a lever, knob, or handle, for example, which is configured to drive movement of the latchbolt  522  when the hub  530  is free to rotate. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hub  530  may be coupled with an exterior actuator (not shown) on an unsecured side of the door, and another hub (not shown) may be coupled with an interior actuator on a secured side of the door. Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the hub  530  may be configured to interact with both an exterior and an interior actuator. In any case, in the illustrative embodiment, the hub  530  includes a radial protrusion  534  that is configured to couple with the catch  540 . 
     The illustrative catch  540  includes a recess  542  that is configured to receive the radial protrusion  534 . In the illustrative embodiment, the catch  540  includes a slot  544  that is configured to receive a post  546  coupled to a backplate  548 . The post  546  is substantially confined to lateral movement within the slot  544  such that the catch  540  is substantially confined to lateral movement between a locked position and unlocked position. Of course, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the catch  540  may be substantially confined to movement in the lateral direction by other features. Moreover, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the catch  540  may be movable between the locked position and the unlocked position in another suitable manner. For example, the catch  540  may be linearly movable between the locked position and the unlocked position in a longitudinal direction or in a direction angled with respect to the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. Additionally, in some embodiments, the catch  540  may be configured to rotate during lateral movement between the locked position and the unlocked position. 
     During operation of the illustrative catch  540  in the unlocked position, the protrusion  534  is positioned outside of the recess  542  and the catch  540  is disengaged from the hub  530  such that the hub  530  is free to rotate. Consequently, the hub  530  may be driven for rotation by an actuator coupled thereto to cause movement of the latchbolt  522  to the retracted position  632 . During operation of the catch  540  in the locked position, the protrusion  534  is received in the recess  542  such that the catch  540  is coupled or engaged with the hub  530 . Engagement between the catch  540  and the hub  530  substantially prevents rotation of the hub  530  and substantially prevents retraction of the latchbolt  522  to the retracted position  632 . 
     The illustrative drive assembly  550  includes a motor  552 , a controller  554 , a link  556 , and a worm drive mechanism  558 . The controller  554  is configured to control operation of the motor  552 . The link  556  is mounted for sliding movement in the case  410  and contacts the catch  540 . The worm drive mechanism  558  operably couples the link  556  with the motor  552  such that operation of the motor  552  drives movement of the link  556 . As further described below, the worm drive mechanism  558  is configured to convert rotary motion of the motor  552  into longitudinal movement of the link  556  to drive movement of the catch  540  between the locked position and the unlocked position. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the link  556  is slidable along a longitudinal axis LA′ defined by each of one or more slots  560 . Each slot  560  is sized to receive a post  562  to substantially confine the post  562  to movement within the slot  560  along the axis LA′, and each post  562  is affixed to the backplate  548 . Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, other features, devices, and/or systems may employed to constrain movement of the link  556  along the axis LA′. Additionally, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, movement of the link  556  be may constrained along paths angled to the axis LA′. 
     The link  556  illustratively interfaces with the catch  540  via a guide or interface  564 . In the illustrative embodiment, the guide  564  includes, or is otherwise embodied as, an angled slot  566  defined in the catch  540  and a pin  568  formed integrally with, or coupled to, the link  556 . The slot  566  is sized to receive the pin  568  to guide movement of the link  556  relative to the catch  540 . In use, the interface  564  enables, permits, or otherwise facilitates, movement of the link  556  (i.e., in a substantially longitudinal direction) to drive movement of the catch  540  (i.e., in a substantially lateral direction). Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the guide  564  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, another suitable interface. Moreover, in some embodiments, no guide may be employed between the link  556  and the catch  540 . In such embodiments, the link  556  may be affixed to, or pivotal relative to, the catch  540 . 
     The illustrative worm drive mechanism  558  includes a shaft  578  having a worm, a shaft receiver  580 , a helical spring  582 , and a collared stud  584 . The shaft  578  defines a central axis CA of the drive mechanism  558 . The shaft receiver  580  and the spring  582  are configured to receive the shaft  578  and the spring  582  is configured to receive the shaft receiver  580  and the collared stud  584  such that the components  580 ,  582 ,  584  are coaxially arranged along the axis CA. The shaft  578  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, an output shaft of the motor  552 , at least in some embodiments. Of course, in other embodiments, the shaft  578  may be coupled to an output shaft of the motor  552 . The shaft receiver  580  is arranged between at least a portion of the shaft  578  and the spring  582  along the central axis CA, and the spring  582  is arranged between at least a portion of the shaft receiver  580  and the collared stud  584  along the axis CA. The collared stud  584  includes a circumferential channel that is sized to receive a flange or wall of the link  556  to operatively couple the stud  584  to the link  556 , and the spring  582  is operatively coupled to the link  556  through the stud  584 . 
     In use, due to engagement and/or interaction between the shaft  578  and the shaft receiver  580  (e.g., through threaded portions of each component  578 ,  580 ), rotation of the shaft  578  drives movement of the shaft receiver  580  along the axis CA. Movement of the shaft receiver  580  may be constrained by one or more features that prevent, or otherwise resist, rotation of the shaft receiver  580  about the axis CA. Movement of the shaft receiver  580  is illustratively transmitted through the spring  582  and the collared stud  584  to the link  556  such that the motor  552  drives movement of the link  556 , the catch  540 , the hub  530 , and the latch unit  420  during operation of the mortise latch assembly  402 . 
     In the illustrative extended position  532  of the latchbolt  522  shown in  FIG. 5 , the latchbolt  522  extends beyond the armor plate  404  such that an end portion  523  of the latchbolt  522  is located outside of the armor plate  404  and a portion  525  of the latchbolt  522  contacts, abuts, and/or directly interfaces with the plate  404 . The location of the latchbolt  522  relative to the plate  404  in the extended position  532  permits, enables, or otherwise facilitates engagement and/or interaction between the latchbolt  522  and the strike plate or other suitable structure to prevent, or substantially resist, opening of the door. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in the illustrative retracted position  632  of the latchbolt  522 , the latchbolt  522  is retracted toward the armor plate  404  such that the end portion  523  is not located outside of the plate  404  and the portion  525  does not contact, abut, and/or directly interface with the plate  404 . Rather, the end portion  523  is located substantially linearly in-line with the armor plate  404  along a vertical axis VA and the portion  525  is spaced from the plate  404  in the retracted position  632 . The location of the latchbolt  522  relative to the plate  404  in the retracted position  632  prevents, or substantially resists, engagement and/or interaction between the latchbolt  522  and the strike plate or other suitable structure to permit opening of the door. 
     A number of features of the illustrative mortise latch assembly  402  are depicted in phantom in  FIG. 6 . It should be appreciated that the position(s) of certain features of the latch assembly  402  when the latchbolt  522  is in the extended position  532  may be different from the position(s) of those features when the latchbolt  522  is in the retracted position  632 . Accordingly, for the sake of simplicity and ease of illustration, depiction of the features of the latch assembly  402  in phantom is intended to convey that the features may have position(s) different from the position(s) shown. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the armor plate  404  includes the material  504 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  and indicated above. Because the plate  404  is not entirely formed from metal (the material  504  includes the polymeric layer  506  as indicated above), the construction of the plate  404  facilitates noise reduction during operation of the mortise latch assembly  402 , at least compared to other configurations that employ entirely metallic components throughout. More specifically, when the partially polymeric, stationary plate  404  interacts with the latchbolt  522 , which is movable relative to the plate  404  during operation of the latch assembly  402  as discussed above, the construction of the plate  404  is configured to dampen sound produced in response to interaction between the plate  404  and the latchbolt  522 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the material  504  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, sound dampening steel. The illustrative polymeric layer  506  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a viscoelastic polymeric layer. The illustrative metallic layers  508 ,  510  may each be embodied as, or otherwise include, a cold-rolled steel layer. In one example, the material  504  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, Quiet Steel® material manufactured by Material Sciences Corporation. Of course, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the material  504  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, another suitable sound dampening material that includes one or more polymeric layers arranged between multiple metallic layers. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the metallic layers  508 ,  510  may be formed from another suitable metallic material, and the polymeric layer  506  may be formed from another suitable polymeric material. 
     In some embodiments, one or more components of the latch unit  420 , the hub  530 , the catch  540 , and/or the drive assembly  550  may be formed from the material  504 . In such embodiments, the armor plate  404  and the one or more components of the latch unit  420 , the hub  530 , the catch  540 , and/or the drive assembly  550  may have substantially the same construction. In other embodiments, the armor plate  404  may have an entirely metallic construction, and the latchbolt  522  may be formed from the material  504 . In other embodiments still, each of the armor plate  404  and the latchbolt  522  may be formed from the material  504 . 
     It should be appreciated that the illustrative mortise latch assembly  402  may include components in addition to those described above. For example, the latch assembly  402  may include one or more plates, bars, linkages, rods, brackets, pins, balls, biasers, spacers, bearings, rings, shafts, gears, tabs, stops, receivers, pivots, clips, studs, races, hubs, retractors, actuators, guides, collars, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of those additional components may be formed from the material  504  to dampen sound produced in response to movement (e.g., rattling) of those components in place, or in response to interaction with other components (e.g., as components move relative to one another). 
     Furthermore, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the latch assembly  402  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, another suitable latch assembly. In one example, the latch assembly  402  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a tubular latch assembly. In another example, the latch assembly  402  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, an interconnected latch assembly. In yet another example, the latch assembly  402  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a rim latch assembly. In yet another example still, the latch assembly  402  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a cabinet latch assembly. 
     As should be apparent from the above description, the construction of one or more components of the illustrative mortise latch assembly  402  (i.e., from the material  504 ) facilitates, enables, or is otherwise associated with, noise reduction without the incorporation of entirely plastic components to dampen sound. That is, the latch assembly  402  does not include or require relatively soft (e.g., entirely plastic) components to be located along one or more paths of motion to effect noise reduction. Instead, one or more components of the latch assembly  402 , which may be formed entirely from metal by stamping techniques in conventional configurations, are constructed from the material  504  to reduce noise as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an illustrative exit device assembly  700  is configured for mounting to a door (not shown) to interact with a strike plate or other suitable structure mounted to, or otherwise provided by, a frame of the door. As described in greater detail below, the exit device assembly  700  includes at least one component  802  (see  FIG. 8 ) that is formed from a material  804  configured to dampen sound produced in use of the exit device assembly  700 . Consequently, compared to exit device assemblies with components having constructions different from the at least one component  802 , the illustrative exit device assembly  700  may produce less noise than those devices. The material  804  includes at least one polymeric layer  806  arranged between metallic layers  808 ,  810 , as further discussed below. 
     As would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the illustrative exit device assembly  700  is configured for use in a variety of environments where noise reduction may be desirable. Examples of those environments include, but are not limited to, theaters, auditoriums, schools, libraries, dormitories, office buildings, cafeterias, commercial and/or residential spaces, and healthcare settings. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the exit device assembly  700  includes a pushbar assembly  702  having a mounting assembly  710 , a drive assembly  720 , a latch control assembly  730 , and a latch mechanism  740 . The mounting assembly  710  is configured for mounting to the door. The drive assembly  720  includes a pushbar mechanism  722  that is configured to transition the drive assembly  720  between a de-actuated condition and an actuated condition to selectively actuate the latch control assembly  730 . The latch control assembly  730  is configured to control operation of the latch mechanism  740  such that selective actuation of the latch control assembly  730  drives movement of a latch or latchbolt  742  of the latch mechanism  740  between an extended position  842  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) and a retracted position  942  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). As would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, when the latch  742  is in the extended position  842 , the latch  742  is capable of contacting the strike plate or other suitable structure to prevent, or otherwise substantially resist, the door from being opened. When the latch  742  is in the retracted position  942 , the latch  742  is spaced from the strike plate or other suitable structure to permit opening of the door. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the latch mechanism  740  is housed by a header case  706 . Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the latch mechanism  740  may take another suitable form and/or be housed by another suitable structure. In some embodiments, the exit device assembly  700  may include a remote latching assembly having one or more remote latch mechanisms in addition to, or in lieu of, the illustrative mechanism  740 . Such remote latch mechanisms may be provided as one or more top latch mechanisms each configured to engage the top jamb of a door frame, and/or as one or more bottom latch mechanisms each configured to engage the floor, for example. The latch control assembly  740  may further include one or more connectors, such as rods or cables, for example, and the one or more connectors may operably couple components (e.g., the connector links  834 A,  834 B described below) with the one or more remote latch mechanisms. In such embodiments, movement of the components in a laterally-inward retracting direction (i.e., toward one another) may serve to actuate the remote latch mechanisms. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the illustrative latch control assembly  730  includes a longitudinally-sliding control link  832  and laterally-sliding connector links  834 A,  834 B. The connector links  834 A,  834 B are coupled to the control link  832  by respective pivot cranks  836 A,  836 B. In some embodiments, the latch control assembly  730  may include a fork link (not shown) or other suitable feature that is coupled between the control link  832  and the drive assembly  720 . In such embodiments, the fork link or other suitable feature may be connected to the drive assembly  720  such that actuation of the drive assembly  720  causes actuation of the latch control assembly  730 . 
     The illustrative latch mechanism  740  includes the latch  742  and a retractor  844 . The latch  742  is pivotally coupled to a header bracket  802  of the latch mechanism  740  by a pivot pin  848  to permit the latch  742  to pivot relative to the bracket  802  between the extended position  842  and the retracted position  942 . The retractor  844  is coupled between the control link  832  and the latch  742  and configured to drive movement of the latch  742  between the positions  842 ,  942  in response to selective actuation of the latch control assembly  730 . In some embodiments, the latch  742  may be biased toward the extended position  842  by a biasing element (not shown) such as a spring, for example. 
     In cooperation with one or more components, the control link  832 , the connector links  834 A,  834 B, and the pivot cranks  836 A,  836 B illustratively control operation of the latch control assembly  730  such that those components may be said to be control components of the latch control assembly  730 . Each of the control components is movable between one position (e.g., an extended position) and another position (e.g., a retracted position). Each control component is configured for movement (e.g., between the extended and retracted positions) in response to selective actuation of the drive assembly  720 . Of course, it should be appreciated that the direction(s) of extension and retraction for one of the control components may be different from another of the components. For example, in some embodiments, the control link  832  may move between various positions in the horizontal or longitudinal direction, whereas the connector links  834 A,  834 B may move between various positions in the vertical or lateral direction. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the control components are operationally coupled with one another for joint movement between the various positions thereof. Consequently, movement of one control component is associated with corresponding movement of another control component, and an increase/decrease in the speed at which one of the components moves is associated with a corresponding increase/decrease in the movement speed of another of the components. Additionally, in the illustrative embodiment, the latch  742  and the retractor  844  are operationally coupled with one another for joint movement between the various positions thereof. In some embodiments, the latch  742  and the retractor  844  may be operationally coupled with the control components via a lost motion connection (not shown) that enables the latch  742  to move between the extended and retracted positions  842 ,  942  without corresponding movement of the components. 
     In the illustrative extended position  842  of the latch  742  shown in  FIG. 8 , the latch  742  has an orientation  860  relative to the header bracket  802 . In the orientation  860 , an end portion  843  of the latch  742  is spaced from the pivot pin  848  by a distance D 1 . The orientation  860  of the latch  742  relative to the bracket  802  permits, enables, or otherwise facilitates engagement and/or interaction between the latch  742  and the strike plate or other suitable structure to prevent, or otherwise substantially resist, opening of the door. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , in the illustrative retracted position  942  of the latch  742 , the latch  742  has an orientation  960  relative to the header bracket  802  that is different from the orientation  860 . In the orientation  960 , the end portion  843  of the latch  742  is spaced from the pivot pin  848  by a distance D 2  that is less than the distance D 1 . The orientation  960  of the latch  742  relative to the bracket  802  prevents, or otherwise substantially resists, engagement and/or interaction between the latch  742  and the strike plate or other suitable structure to permit opening of the door. 
     A number of features of the illustrative exit device assembly  700  are depicted in phantom in  FIG. 9 . It should be appreciated that the position(s) of certain features of the exit device assembly  700  when the latch  742  is in the extended position  842  may be different from the position(s) of those features when the latch  742  is in the retracted position  942 . Accordingly, for the sake of simplicity and ease of illustration, depiction of the features of the exit device assembly  700  in phantom is intended to convey that the features may have position(s) different from the position(s) shown. 
     It should be appreciated that the latch  742  is configured for interaction with the bracket  802  during movement of the latch  742  between the extended and retracted positions  842 ,  942 . In the illustrative embodiment, the bracket  802  includes the material  804 , as shown in  FIG. 8  and indicated above. Because the bracket  802  is not entirely formed from metal (the material  804  includes the polymeric layer  806  as indicated above), the construction of the bracket  802  facilitates noise reduction during operation of the exit device assembly  700 , at least compared to other configurations that employ entirely metallic components throughout. More specifically, when the partially polymeric, stationary bracket  802  interacts with the latch  742 , which is movable relative to the bracket  802  during operation of the exit device assembly  700  as discussed above, the construction of the bracket  802  is configured to dampen sound produced in response to interaction between the bracket  802  and the latch  742 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the material  804  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, sound dampening steel. The illustrative polymeric layer  806  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a viscoelastic polymeric layer. The illustrative metallic layers  808 ,  810  may each be embodied as, or otherwise include, a cold-rolled steel layer. In one example, the material  804  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, Quiet Steel® material manufactured by Material Sciences Corporation. Of course, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the material  804  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, another suitable sound dampening material that includes one or more polymeric layers arranged between multiple metallic layers. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the metallic layers  808 ,  810  may be formed from another suitable metallic material, and the polymeric layer  806  may be formed from another suitable polymeric material. 
     In some embodiments, one or more components of the pushbar assembly  702 , the mounting assembly  710 , the drive assembly  720 , the latch control assembly  730 , and the latch mechanism  740  may be formed from the material  804 . In such embodiments, the bracket  802  and the one or more components of the pushbar assembly  702 , the mounting assembly  710 , the drive assembly  720 , the latch control assembly  730 , and the latch mechanism  740  may have substantially the same construction. In other embodiments, the bracket  802  may have an entirely metallic construction, and the latch  742  may be formed from the material  804 . In other embodiments still, each of the bracket  802  and the latch  742  may be formed from the material  804 . 
     It should be appreciated that the illustrative exit device assembly  700  may include components in addition to those described above. For example, the exit device assembly  700  may include one or more plates, bars, linkages, rods, brackets, pins, balls, biasers, spacers, bearings, rings, shafts, gears, tabs, stops, receivers, pivots, clips, studs, races, hubs, retractors, actuators, guides, collars, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of those additional components may be formed from the material  804  to dampen sound produced in response to movement (e.g., rattling) of those components in place, or in response to interaction with other components (e.g., as components move relative to one another). 
     As should be apparent from the above description, the construction of one or more components of the illustrative exit device assembly  700  (i.e., from the material  804 ) facilitates, enables, or is otherwise associated with, noise reduction without the incorporation of entirely plastic components to dampen sound. That is, the exit device assembly  700  does not include or require relatively soft (e.g., entirely plastic) components to be located along one or more paths of motion to effect noise reduction. Instead, one or more components of the exit device assembly  700 , which may be formed entirely from metal by stamping techniques in conventional configurations, are constructed from the material  804  to reduce noise as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an illustrative jalousie or jalousie window  1000  is configured for mounting in a support structure such as a wall or a door, for example. As would be apparent to those skilled in the art, in some embodiments, the jalousie  1000  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a louver or louver window. In any case, as described in greater detail below, the jalousie  1000  includes at least one component  1002  that is formed from a material  1004  configured to dampen sound produced in use of the jalousie  1000 . Consequently, compared to jalousies and/or louvers with components having constructions different from the at least one component  1002 , the illustrative jalousie  1000  may produce less noise than those devices. The material  1004  includes at least one polymeric layer  1006  arranged between metallic layers  1008 ,  1010 , as further discussed below. 
     As would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the illustrative jalousie  1000  is configured for use in a variety of environments where noise reduction may be desirable. Examples of those environments include, but are not limited to, theaters, auditoriums, schools, libraries, dormitories, office buildings, cafeterias, commercial and/or residential spaces, and healthcare settings. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the jalousie  1000  includes a frame  1020  and slats or blades  1002 . The frame  1020  is configured for mounting in a support structure such that the frame  1020  is a stationary component. The slats  1002  are coupled to the frame  1020  and each movable relative thereto. More specifically, each of the slats  1002  is pivotally coupled to the frame  1020  for pivotal movement between a relatively closed position  1030  and a relatively open position  1130  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
     In some embodiments, the slats  1002  may be coupled to one another for common pivotal movement relative to the frame  1020 . That is, the slats  1002  may be coupled together such that the slats  1002  move between the relatively closed position  1030  and the relatively open position  1130  in unison. In such embodiments, the slats  1002  may be coupled together via one or more tracks, guides, or the like, for example. 
     In some embodiments, the jalousie  1000  may include one or more adjustment mechanisms (not shown) configured to adjust the position of the slats  1002  between the relatively closed position  1030  and the relatively open position  1130 . In such embodiments, each of the one or more adjustment mechanisms may be embodied as, or otherwise include, one or more cranks, pulleys, levers, linkages, transmissions, handles, guides, actuators, rods, brackets, pins, or the like. 
     In the illustrative relatively closed position  1030  of the jalousie  1000  shown in  FIG. 10 , the slats  1002  extend in a generally downward direction D 1 ′. In some embodiments, in the relatively closed position  1030 , the slats  1002  generally block, limit, or otherwise restrict the flow of air or light through the jalousie  1000  and between the slats  1002 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , in the illustrative relatively open position  1130  of the jalousie  1000 , the slats  1002  extend in a generally outward direction D 2 ′ from the frame  1020 . In some embodiments, in the relatively open position  1130 , the slats  1002  generally permit the flow of air or light through the jalousie  1000  and between the slats  1002 . That is, in the position  1130 , the slats  1002  generally permit the flow of air or light through the jalousie  1000  and between the slats  1002  to a greater degree than when the slats  1002  are in the position  1030 . 
     It should be appreciated that the slats  1002  are configured for interaction with the frame  1020  during movement of the slats  1002  between the positions  1030 ,  1130 . In the illustrative embodiment, each of the slats  1002  includes the material  1004 , as shown in  FIG. 10  and indicated above. Because the slats  1002  are not entirely formed from metal (the material  1004  includes the polymeric layer  1006  as indicated above), the construction of the slats  1002  facilitates noise reduction during operation of the jalousie  1000 , at least compared to other configurations that employ entirely metallic components throughout. More specifically, when the partially polymeric slats  1002  interact with the frame  1020 , the construction of the slats  1002  is configured to dampen sound produced in response to interaction between the slats  1002  and the frame  1020 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the material  1004  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, sound dampening steel. The illustrative polymeric layer  1006  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, a viscoelastic polymeric layer. The illustrative metallic layers  1008 ,  1010  may each be embodied as, or otherwise include, a cold-rolled steel layer. In one example, the material  1004  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, Quiet Steel® material manufactured by Material Sciences Corporation. Of course, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the material  1004  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, another suitable sound dampening material that includes one or more polymeric layers arranged between multiple metallic layers. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the metallic layers  1008 ,  1010  may be formed from another suitable metallic material, and the polymeric layer  1006  may be formed from another suitable polymeric material. 
     In some embodiments, one or more additional components of the jalousie  1000  may be formed from the material  1004 . For example, in one such embodiment, the frame  1020  may have substantially the same construction as the slats  1002  such that the components  1002 ,  1020  are each formed from the material  1004 . In other embodiments, the slats  1002  may each have an entirely metallic construction, and the frame  1020  may be formed from the material  1004 . 
     It should be appreciated that the illustrative jalousie  1000  may include components in addition to those described above. For example, the jalousie may include one or more plates, bars, linkages, rods, brackets, pins, balls, biasers, spacers, bearings, rings, shafts, gears, tabs, stops, receivers, pivots, clips, studs, races, hubs, retractors, actuators, guides, collars, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of those additional components may be formed from the material  1004  to dampen sound produced in response to movement (e.g., rattling) of those components in place, or in response to interaction with other components (e.g., as components move relative to one another). 
     As should be apparent from the above description, the construction of one or more components of the illustrative jalousie  1000  (i.e., from the material  1004 ) facilitates, enables, or is otherwise associated with, noise reduction without the incorporation of entirely plastic components to dampen sound. That is, the jalousie  1000  does not include or require relatively soft (e.g., entirely plastic) components to be located along one or more paths of motion to effect noise reduction. Instead, one or more components of the jalousie  1000 , which may be formed entirely from metal by stamping techniques in conventional configurations, are constructed from the material  1004  to reduce noise as described above 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.