Patent Publication Number: US-11639618-B2

Title: Reversible latchbolt

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 119 
     The present Application for a Patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/624,242 entitled “REVERSIBLE LATCHBOLT” filed on Jan. 31, 2018 and assigned to the assignees hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to mortise locks, and more particularly to latch assemblies for use in reversible locks. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A mortise lock is designed to fit into a mortised recess formed in the edge of a door. The mortise lock generally includes a housing, or case, which encloses the lock components. One component of a mortise lock is a latch bolt that is movable in the case between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended positon a beveled bolt head projects outside of the case and beyond the edge of the door and into an opening in the door frame to latch the door in a closed position. In the retracted position the beveled bolt head is retracted into the case to permit opening of the door. The latch bolt is moved between the extended and retracted positon by operation of a latch operator, such as a door knob or lever handle. 
     Mortise locks are typically configured so that the latch operators, mounted on the inside and outside surfaces of the door, can operate independently. The outside latch operator can either be rotated to retract the latch bolt, or locked against rotation to prevent retraction of the latch bolt. Typically, the inside latch operator can always be rotated to retract the latch bolt. The locking of the outside latch operator is usually controlled by a manual actuator, such as, for example, a push button or a pivoted toggle, which may be exposed at the edge of the mortise lock near the latch. The manual actuator has an associated link within the mortise lock case which, in a first position of the manual actuator, prevents rotation of the outside latch operator and in a second position permits rotation of the outside latch operator. The inside latch operator is usually unaffected by the manipulation of the manual actuator and remains rotatable at all times. 
     Adjustments must be made to the mortise lock depending on whether the lock is mounted in a left-hand or right-hand door. The mortise lock is rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis depending on whether the lock is mounted in a left-hand or right-hand door. The latch bolt must also be rotated 180 degrees about a horizontal axis so that the beveled face of the bolt head faces the door-closing direction. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, a latch bolt comprises a bolt head that is removably mounted on a latch tail through the use of a bolt head adjustment mechanism. The bolt head adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more locking members (e.g., within the bolt head, the latch tail, and/or independent from the other components of the latch bolt) that allow the bolt head to be removed, rotated, and reassembled while the latch bolt is located within the case of the mortise lock, as will described in further detail herein. It should be further understood that the anti-friction latch of the present invention is configured to pivot within the flanges of the bolt head in a way that maintains contact between the anti-friction lock and the strike plate as opposed to allowing the anti-friction lock to recede within the flanges of the bolt head such that the flanges contact the strike plate, as will be described in further detail herein. 
     In some embodiments, a latch bolt comprises a latch tail supporting a bolt head for reciprocating motion between an extended positon and a retracted position. The bolt head is secured to the latch tail in a first orientation using one or more removable locking members (e.g., a clip and/or locking spring, a pin, a screw, or the like) that are operatively coupled to the latch tail within a locking aperture of the bolt head. When the one or more locking members are released the bolt head may be removed, rotated and reinserted onto the latch tail, and the one or more locking members are reengaged in order to operatively couple the bolt head to the latch. A tail plate is mounted to the latch tail to prevent rotation of the latch tail in order to maintain the alignment of the latch tail with the one or more locking members. 
     In alternate embodiments, the bolt head is secured to the latch tail in a first relative angular orientation of the latch tail to the bolt head and the bolt head is released from the latch tail in a second relative angular orientation of the latch tail to the bolt head. A tail plate is mounted for reciprocating motion relative to the latch tail where movement of the latch tail relative to the tail plate rotates the latch tail between the first relative angular orientation and the second relative angular orientation, as will be described in further detail herein. 
     The latch tail, the bolt head (including the anti-friction latch), the tail plate, and other components may be releasably mounted in one of two positions by a retaining member. In some embodiments, a method of reversing a bolt head is provided in which the retaining member is removed from the case, the one or more locking members are disengaged, the bolt head is removed from the case, rotated (e.g., from a left hand orientation to a right hand orientation, or the reverse), and reassembled into the case, the clocking members are reengaged, and the retaining member is assembled to the opposite wall of the case to retain the bolt head. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a latch bolt. The latch bolt comprising a latch tail, a bolt head operatively coupled to the latch tail, a tail plate operatively coupled to the latch tail, and a bolt head adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the latch tail. The bolt head and the latch tail allow for reciprocating motion between an extended positon and a retracted position. The bolt head adjustment mechanism allows for reversible assembly of the bolt head to the latch tail without removal of the latch bolt from a case in which the latch bolt is located. 
     In further accord with embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head adjustment mechanism comprises one or more locking members operatively coupled to the bolt head or the latch tail. 
     In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head comprises a locking aperture and a latch tail aperture. The one or more locking members comprise a bolt head locking member, and a stub locking member operatively coupled to the latch tail. The latch tail is located within the latch tail aperture of the bolt head. The bolt head locking member is located within the locking aperture and is operatively coupled to the stub locking member of the latch tail. The bolt head locking member is removably operatively coupled to the bolt head. 
     In still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head locking member comprises a clip and a locking spring. The clip is located within the locking aperture and is operatively coupled to the stub locking member of the latch tail, and the locking spring is operatively coupled to the clip to secure the clip in the locking aperture of the bolt head. 
     In yet other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head locking member comprises a locking pin, and the locking pin is located within the locking aperture and is operatively coupled to the stub locking member of the latch tail. 
     In further accord with embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head locking member is releasably operatively coupled to the latch tail, and the bolt head locking member is retained within the case when the latch bolt is installed within the case. 
     In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the tail plate prevents rotational movement of the latch tail with respect to the tail plate regardless when the bolt head is operatively coupled to or removed from the latch tail. 
     In still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head comprises a latch tail aperture. The one or more locking members comprise a bolt head locking member operatively coupled within the latch tail aperture, and a stud locking member operatively coupled to the latch tail. The bolt head is operatively coupled to the latch tail in a first relative angular orientation of the latch tail to the bolt head, and the bolt head being released from the latch tail in a second relative angular orientation of the latch tail to the bolt head. The tail plate is mounted for reciprocating motion relative to the latch tail where movement of the latch tail relative to the tail plate rotates the latch tail between the first relative angular orientation and the second relative angular orientation. 
     In yet other embodiments of the present disclosure, the reciprocating motion of the latch tail relative to the tail plate moves a first camming surface on the latch tail into a second camming surface in the tail plate, and the reciprocating motion of the latch tail relative to the tail plate moves a third camming surface on the latch tail into a fourth camming surface in the tail plate. 
     In further accord with embodiments of the present disclosure, the latch tail comprises a first locking member and the bolt head comprises a second locking member, the first locking member engaging the second locking member when the latch tail is in the first relative angular orientation and the first locking member being released from the second locking member when the latch tail is in the second relative angular orientation. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, the latch bolt is mounted in the case in one of two positions by a retaining member on opposing sides of the case. 
     In still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head comprises a first flange, a second flange, an angular surface operatively coupling the first flange to the second flange and forming a slot there between, and an anti-friction latch comprising a sliding face and a strike engaging face. The anti-friction latch is located within the slot between the first flange and the second flange. The strike engaging face is configured to engage a strike plate or door frame as the bolt head is retracted and prevent the first flange and the second flange from contacting the strike plate or the door frame until a door is closed. The sliding face is configured to contact the angular surface as the bolt head is retracted and the strike engaging face is engaging the strike plate or the door frame. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a mortise lock. The mortise lock comprises a case, a retaining member, and a latch bolt. The latch bolt comprises a latch tail, a bolt head operatively coupled to the latch tail, a tail plate operatively coupled to the latch tail, and a bolt head adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to the latch tail. The latch bolt is operatively coupled at least partially within the case by the retaining member in one of two positions on opposing sides of the case. The bolt head and the latch tail allow for reciprocating motion between an extended positon and a retracted position. The bolt head adjustment mechanism allows for reversible assembly of the bolt head to the latch tail without removal of the latch bolt from the case. 
     In further accord with embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head adjustment mechanism of the latch bolt comprises one or more locking members operatively coupled to the bolt head or the latch tail. 
     In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head comprises a locking aperture and a latch tail aperture. The one or more locking members comprise a bolt head locking member, and a stub locking member operatively coupled to the latch tail. The latch tail is located within the latch tail aperture of the bolt head. The bolt head locking member is located within the locking aperture and is operatively coupled to the stub locking member of the latch tail. The bolt head locking member is removably operatively coupled to the bolt head. 
     In yet other embodiments of the present disclosure, the bolt head locking member comprises a clip and a locking spring. The clip is located within the locking aperture and is operatively coupled to the stub locking member of the latch tail, and the locking spring is operatively coupled to the clip to secure the clip in the locking aperture of the bolt head. Alternatively, the bolt head locking member comprises a locking pin. The locking pin is located within the locking aperture and is operatively coupled to the stub locking member of the latch tail. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a method of reversing a bolt head on a latch bolt within a case of a mortise lock. The method comprises removing a retaining member from the case, retracting the bolt head into the case, disengaging one or more locking members operatively coupling the bolt head to a latch tail, removing the bolt head from the case, rotating the bolt head, reinserting the bolt head into the case, engaging the one or more locking members to operatively coupled the latch tail to the bolt head, and reassembling the retaining member to the case. 
     In further accord with embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises retracting the bolt head into the case comprises retracting to an assembly position located past a retracted position during operation when the retaining member is operatively coupled to the case, and wherein reinserting the bolt head into the case comprising reinserting to the assembly position. 
     In other embodiments of the present disclosure, disengaging the one or more locking members operatively coupling the bolt head to the latch tail comprises releasing a bolt head locking member from engagement with a stub locking member of the latch tail. The bold head locking member is retained within the case after removal of the bolt head, and engaging the one or more locking members to operatively couple the latch tail to the bolt head comprises re-engaging the bolt head locking member to the stub locking member. 
     In still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further comprises holding a tail plate operatively coupled to the latch tail stationary, and releasing the bolt head after retracting to rotate the latch tail relative to the bolt head through a first angular rotation to release the bolt head from the latch tail. Rotating the bolt head comprises reorienting the bolt head relative to the latch tail from a first orientation to a second orientation. Reinserting the bolt head into the case comprises depressing and releasing the bolt head to rotate the latch tail relative to the bolt head through a second angular rotation to secure the bolt head to the latch tail. 
     To the accomplishment the foregoing and the related ends, the one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative features of the one or more embodiments. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such embodiments and their equivalents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mortise lock assembly according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the mortise lock assembly of  FIG.  1    with the case cover removed according to embodiments the present invention. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective exploded view of the reversible latch bolt according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of the of the anti-friction latch bolt in the extended position according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the anti-friction latch bolt in a partially retracted position according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of the anti-friction latch bolt in a retracted position according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a top view of the latch bolt mounted in the case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a top view of the latch bolt according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a section top view of the latch bolt in a first position mounted in a case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a section top view of the latch bolt in a second position mounted in a case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a section top view of the latch bolt in the second position according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 C  is a side view of the latch bolt according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective partially cut-away view of the latch bolt mounted in the case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective partially cut-away view of the latch bolt mounted in the case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  12 A- 12 E  show the engagement of the camming surfaces in the latch bolt according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  13 - 17    show the engagement of the camming surfaces in the latch bolt according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  18    shows a top view of the latch bolt mounted in a door before engagement of a strike box mounted in a door frame according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  19    shows the top view of the latch bolt mounted in a door during engagement of a strike box mounted in a door frame according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  20    shows the top view of the latch bolt mounted in a door during engagement of a strike box mounted in a door frame according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  21    shows the latch bolt mounted in a door engaging a strike box mounted in a door frame according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of a mortise lock assembly according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  23    is a perspective exploded view of the reversible latch bolt according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective assembled view of the reversible latch bolt according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  25 A  is a perspective cut away view of the latch bolt in an extended position mounted in the case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  25 B  is a perspective cut away view of the latch bolt in an extended position mounted in the case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  26    is a top cut away view of the latch bolt mounted in the case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  27    is a top section view of the latch bolt with a flange removed mounted in the case according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  28    is a top cut away view of the latch bolt mounted in the case and in a retracted position according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  29    is a top section view of the latch bolt with a flange removed mounted in the case and in a retracted position according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective cut away view of the latch bolt in a retracted position mounted for tool insertion according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  31    is a perspective cut away view of the latch bolt in a retracted position mounted with the tool engaged according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  32    is an expanded view of a bolt head adjustment mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  33    is a perspective exploded view of the reversible latch bolt according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or extending “onto” another element, it can be directly on or extend directly onto the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled”, “operatively coupled”, or the like to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or operatively coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Moreover, it can be removable or integral with the other element and/or intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly coupled”, or “directly operatively coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” or “top” or “bottom” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element or component to another element or component as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures 
       FIGS.  1  through  33    illustrate various embodiments of the latch bolt for a lock, such as a mortise lock  1 .  FIGS.  1  through  21    illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention in accordance with a type of lock.  FIGS.  22  through  32    illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention in accordance with another lock type.  FIG.  33    illustrates one or more embodiments of the invention in accordance with another lock type. While the one or more embodiments of the invention are illustrated with respect to different types of locks, it should be understood that any of the embodiments and/or features thereof illustrated with respect to one lock may be utilized with any of the other embodiments and/or features thereof. 
     The one or more embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  1  through  21    will be discussed first. Referring to  FIG.  1   , a mortise lock  1  is shown comprising a case  2  and a reversible latch bolt  4 . The case  2  houses the lock components and is configured and dimensioned to be received in a mortise in a free, or unhinged, edge of a door. One of the side walls of the case  2  may comprise a removable cap  6  which is releasably coupled to the remainder of the case  2 , such as by fasteners  8 , and forms a closure for allowing access to the interior of the case  2 .  FIG.  2    shows the lock  1  with the cap  6  removed. The case  2  includes a side wall  10  opposite to the cap  6  and a top wall  12 , bottom wall  14 , front wall  16  and rear wall  18 . The front wall  16  has an opening for receiving a latch bolt  4 . The front wall  16  may also include openings for a deadbolt  31 , an auxiliary bolt  33  and a flush-mounted toggle  20 . A face plate  22  may be secured to the front wall  16  of case  2  and has openings which correspond to the openings in the front wall  16 . The latch bolt  4  is shown in an extended position projecting from the openings in the front wall  16  and face plate  22 . The face plate  22  and front wall  16  may include apertures  23  for receiving fasteners for securing the lock  1  in a door. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , in one embodiment the latch bolt  4  comprises a bolt head  30  that is removably mounted on a latch tail  60  through the use of a bolt head adjustment mechanism  1000 , as will be described herein in further detail. The bolt head  30  comprises a body  32  that at one end defines a latch tail receiving aperture (e.g., a bore  35 ) that releasably receives a first end of the latch tail  60 . A pair of flanges  36  project from the opposite end of the body  32  that include beveled faces  34 . Flanges  36  are separated by a slot  38 . The slot  38  may have an angled surface  39  between the flanges  36  and abut with a sliding face  49  (e.g., surface) of the anti-friction latch  40 , as will be described herein in further detail. The anti-friction latch  40  is disposed in the slot  38  for pivoting motion relative to the bolt head  30 . The anti-friction latch  40  has a face  48  that extends from between the flanges  36  and that strikes the door frame or strike plate to retract the latch bolt when the door is closed. Referring to  FIGS.  4  through  6  and  18  through  21    at least one lateral side of the anti-friction latch  40  has a groove  42  (e.g., extending at least partially into the anti-friction latch  40 ) for receiving a pin  44  that is fixed to and extends from one or more of the facing flanges  36 . A groove  42  may be provided on both sides of the anti-friction latch  40  with a pin  44  extending from each of the flanges  36 . Alternatively, the pin  44  may extend from each of the flanges  36  and is received by the groove  42 , which comprises an aperture that extends through the anti-friction latch  40 . The anti-friction latch  40  is slipped into the slot  38  during manufacture of the latch bolt with the pin  44  inserted into the facing groove  42  via open end  42   a . The open end  42   a  may be closed using, for example, a press operation or any other suitable mechanism or process to keep the anti-friction latch  40  in the bolt head  30 . A stub  46  extends from one side of the anti-friction latch and terminates in a pair of laterally extending tabs  47  that define the pivot axis A-A for the anti-friction latch. When the latch bolt  4  is mounted in the case  2 , the tabs  47  are supported such that the anti-friction latch  40  is free to pivot about axis A-A but is otherwise held in position relative to the case  2 . 
     The groove  42  defines a generally arcuate surface having a generally semi-circular center portion  52  that terminates in a first recessed area  54  at one end and a second recessed area  56  at the opposite end. When the anti-friction latch  40  is in the extended position as shown in  FIGS.  4  and  18    the pin  44  is positioned in first recessed area  54 . The pin  44  abuts the substantially flat face  54   a  of recessed area  54  to limit the rotation of the anti-friction latch  40  relative to the bolt head. Similarly, when the anti-friction latch  40  is in the retracted position as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  20    the pin  44  is positioned in second recessed area  56 . The pin  44  abuts the substantially flat face  56   a  of recessed area  56  to limit the rotation of the anti-friction latch  40  relative to the bolt head. Between the two end positions the anti-friction latch  40  pivots around axis A-A and the arcuate surface  52  traverses the pin  44 . The anti-friction latch  40  is positioned and dimensioned such that the face  48  of the anti-friction latch  40  contacts the door frame or strike plate through the entire range of contact of the bolt head  30  with the door frame or strike plate during the closing of the door. 
     The anti-friction latch  40  further comprises a sliding face  49  (e.g., rounded or flat surface at an end opposite the face  48  that engages a strike plate), which is configured to abut and slide with respect to the angled surface  39  of the bolt head  30  within the slot  38 . The angled surface  39  may be linear, hyperbolic, parabolic, non-uniform, or the like; however, it should be understood that the angled surface  39  may be configured to maintain contact with the anti-friction latch  40  as the anti-friction latch  40  engages the strike plate and the latch bolt  4  retracts within the lock  1 . As such, the angled surface  39  (e.g., also referred to as an acceleration ramp) and the sliding face  49  act to accelerate the retraction of the latch bolt (e.g., latch tail  60 ) in a way that reduces the force required to close the door. In typical configurations, there is no angled surface  39  in the slot  38  of the bolt head  30 , and as such, the anti-friction latch loses contact with a surface within the slot  38  (e.g., is no longer restrained), which results in the anti-friction latch  40  losing contact with the strike plate, which may increase the force required to close the door. 
     It should be understood that in some embodiments of the disclosed invention, the latch bolt  4 , and in particular, the anti-friction latch  40 , reduces the force required to close a door. Since the anti-friction latch  40  maintains contact with the strike plate of the door frame (e.g., due in part to the positioning of the groove  42  and pin  44 ) and/or the anti-friction latch  40  maintains contact with the angled surface  39 , the force required to close the door may be reduced by 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, or other like percentage, and/or range within, overlap, or fall outside of these percentages. 
     It should be understood that the anti-fraction latch  40  described herein may operate (e.g., maintains engagement with the strike plate and the angled surface  39 ) in the same way regardless of the how the bolt head  30  of the latch bolt  4 ,  400  is reversibly operatively coupled to the latch tail  60  through the bolt head adjustment mechanism  1000  (including traditional couplings of the bolt head  30  to the latch tail  60  which are not expressly discussed herein). 
     Referring now to the operative coupling of the bolt head  30  to the latch tail  60 , it should be understood that the bolt head  30  may be operatively coupled to the latch tail  60  using a bolt head adjustment mechanism  1000 . Generally, it should be understood that the bolt head adjustment mechanism  1000  may comprise of independent components that are removably operatively coupled or integrally operatively coupled to the bolt head  30 , the latch tail  60 , the latch tail plate  80 , or the like, as will be discussed in further detail herein. With respect to  FIGS.  3  and  23   , in some embodiments the latch tail  60  is releasably secured to the bolt head  30  through the bolt head adjustment mechanism  1000 , such that the bolt head  30  may be uncoupled from the latch tail  60  in order to allow the bolt head to be reversed. It should be understood that the latch tail  60  comprises an elongated rigid member  62  having a connector  64  formed at the first end thereof. It should be understood that one or more locking members  1010  may be used, which may be independent of, or formed within, the bolt head  30 , and/or independent of, or formed on, the latch tail  60  (e.g., on the stub  66  of the connector  64 ). 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  3   , in some embodiments the connector  64  comprises a stub  66  having one or more stub locking members  68  formed as one or more projections that extend outwardly from stub  66 . It should be understood that the stub may be the portion of the latch tail  60  that is operatively coupled to the bolt head  30  (e.g., inserted into the bolt head  30 ). The stub  66  may be the same size, smaller than, and/or larger than the latch tail  60  (e.g., same, larger, or smaller diameter, or the like). In some embodiments, the stub locking members  68  may comprise a pair of stub locking members  68 , which are spaced from one another approximately 180 degrees about the perimeter of the latch tail  60 . The one or more stub locking members  68  define locking surfaces  68   a  that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B of the latch tail  60  and that face away from the bolt head  30  toward the opposite end of the latch tail  60 . The one or more stub locking members  68  may engage one or more mating bolt head locking members  70  formed inside of bore  35  of the bolt head  30  to releasably lock the bolt head  30  to the latch tail  60 . In some embodiments, the stub locking members  68  may project into the latch tail  60  (e.g., instead of projecting from the latch tail  60 ) and also mate with bolt head locking members  70  on the inside of the bore  35  of the bolt head  30 . As will be described in further detail with respect to  FIGS.  22  through  32    and  FIG.  33   , the one or more locking members  1010  may be stub locking members  68  that project into the latch tail  60  (e.g., instead of projecting from the latch tail  60 ) and mate with one or more removable locking members  1010  (e.g., clip, spring, pin, or the like) outside of and/or within the bolt head  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 ,  9 A and  9 B , the bore  35  in bolt head  30  is dimensioned to receive the stub  66 . A pair of bolt head locking members  70  are formed as projections that extend inwardly from the wall of bore  35 . The bolt head locking members  70  are spaced from one another approximately 180 degrees about the perimeter of bore  35 . The bolt head locking members  70  define locking surfaces  70   a  that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B-B of the latch tail  60  and that face toward the external end of the bolt head  30 . The bolt head locking members  70  are arranged such that when the stub  66  of latch tail  60  is inserted into the bore  35  the stub locking members  68  fit into the spaces between locking members  70 . Likewise, the bolt head locking members  70  can fit into the spaces between the stub locking members  68 . To secure the bolt head  30  to the latch tail  60 , the stub  66  is inserted into bore  35  in an angular orientation where the bolt head locking members  70  are angularly offset from the stub locking members  68  by 90 degrees. The stub  66  is inserted into bore  35  until stub locking members  68  pass the bolt head locking members  70 . The latch tail  60  is then rotated 90 degrees relative to bolt head  30  such that the stub locking members  68  are positioned behind the bolt head locking members  70 . In this relative angular orientation of the latch tail  60  and bolt head  30 , the locking surfaces  68   a  engage locking surfaces  70   a  to prevent the bolt head  30  from being removed from the latch tail  60 . To remove the bolt head  30  from the latch tail  60 , the latch tail is rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis such that the stub locking members  68  are positioned between the bolt head locking members  70  and the bolt head locking members  70  are not disposed behind the stub locking members  68 . In this relative angular orientation of the latch tail  60  and bolt head  30  the stub  66  can be withdrawn from the bore  35  to remove the bolt head  30  from the latch tail  60 . The end of stub  66  is received in a mating end of bore  35  to stabilize the latch tail  60  relative to the bolt head  30  while allowing the bolt head  30  to rotate relative to the latch tail. 
     While the invention has been described with a pair of locking members on each of the latch tail  60  and bolt head  30 , the releasable connection may use a greater or fewer number of locking members provided the bolt head  30  may be securely connected to the latch tail  60  and the bolt head  30  may be removed from the latch tail  60  by rotating the latch tail relative to the bolt head about axis B-B as described. Moreover, while the locking members are described as being spaced 180 degrees apart from one another the locking members may be spaced from one another at other angular orientations and the latch tail may be rotated other that 90 degrees to release and lock the bolt head to the latch tail. The locking members  68  and  70  may be shaped other than as shown in the drawings provided that when the locking members are in the locked, abutting position the engagement of the locking members prevents the bolt head  30  from being removed from the latch tail  60 . From the foregoing description it is to be understood that the bolt head  30  and latch tail  60  may be moved between the locked and unlocked positions by the sequential rotation of these parts relative to one another. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  3   , the bolt head adjustment mechanism  1000  may further have one or more components operatively coupled to the end of the latch tail  60  opposite to connector  64 . For example, a camming member  74  may be operatively coupled to the latch tail  60  such that the camming member  74  moves with the latch tail  60 . The camming member  74  may be formed as one-piece with the latch tail  60  or the camming member  74  may be formed as a separate component that is fixed to the latch tail. The camming member  74  has two camming surfaces  76  and  78  that extend around the periphery of member  62 . The first camming surface  76  faces toward the bolt head  30  and the second camming surface  78  faces away from the bolt head  30  toward the internal end of the latch tail  60 . The camming surface  76  is arranged with a series of peaks  76   a  and troughs  76   b . Likewise, the camming surface  78  is arranged with a series of peaks  78   a  and troughs  78   b . The peaks  76   a  are arranged substantially in-line with troughs  78   b  and the peaks  78   a  are arranged substantially in-line with troughs  76   b  such that camming surfaces  76  and  78  are circumferentially offset from one another. The arrangement and operation of the peaks and troughs on the camming surfaces  76 ,  78  will be explained in detail hereinafter. 
     The arrangement and mounting of the tail plate  80  to the latch tail  60  will now be described. The tail plate  80  comprises a generally block shaped body  81 , although the body may have other configurations (e.g., any type of shape, including but not limited to circular, oval, triangular, polygonal or the like). The body  81  defines a through hole  82  that extends entirely through the tail plate  80 . The through hole  82  is stepped to create a forward portion  84  that is dimensioned to closely but rotatably receives the shaft  62  of latch tail  60 , a center portion  86  that is dimensioned to closely but rotatably receive the camming member  74 , and a rear portion  88  that receives a camming assembly  90 . The latch tail  60  extends into through hole  82  such that it may freely rotate relative to the tail plate  80 . An internal shoulder is formed between the forward portion  84  and the center portion  86  that defines a camming surface  92  that faces camming surface  76  of the camming member  74 . The camming surface  92  is formed with a series of peaks  92   a  and troughs  92   b  that cooperate with the peaks  76   a  and troughs  76   b  of camming surface  76  as will be described. 
     The camming assembly  90  comprises an annular camming member  94  that has a central opening  95  dimensioned to receive the end of latch tail  60  such that the latch tail  60  is able to reciprocate along and rotate relative to camming member  94 . The camming member  94  defines a camming surface  102  having a series of peaks  102   a  and troughs  102   b . The camming surface  102  faces the camming surface  78  of camming member  74  and engages the camming surface  78  as will be described. 
     In one embodiment, the mechanism for mounting the camming member  94  in the tail plate  80  comprises a pair of projections or tabs  96  that extend laterally from the annular camming member  94 . The tabs  96  are received in slots  98  formed in the shoulder  100  formed between the center portion  86  and the rear portion  88  of through hole  82 . When the tabs  96  are engaged with the slots  98  the camming member  94  is prevented from rotating relative to the tail plate  80 . Other mechanisms for mounting the camming member  94  to the tail plate may also be used. 
     A spring  110  provides a bias force against the camming member  94  that presses the camming member  94  against shoulder  100  of the tail plate  80 . In one embodiment the spring  110  is a wave spring having a central opening dimensioned to fit over the latch tail  60  such that the latch tail can reciprocate relative to the spring. A coil spring  112  is inserted into the longitudinally extending cavity  115  formed in elongated rigid member  62 . The coil spring  112  is under compression and exerts a force tending to bias the latch tail  60  toward the closed end of the tail plate  80  such that camming surface  76  is normally biased against camming surface  92 . A washer  114  abuts the ends of springs  110  and  112  to hold the camming member  94 , spring  110  and spring  112  in position. The washer  114  is formed as an annular shaped ring  114   a  with a cross-member  114   b . The annular ring  114   a  abuts spring  110  and the cross-member  114   b  abuts the end of spring  112 . The end of tail latch  60  is formed with two grooves  121  that receive the cross-member  114   b  such that the latch tail  60  may reciprocate relative to the washer. A tail retainer  116  (e.g., retaining ring, plate, or the like) is mounted over the washer  114  and is secured to the tail plate  80  to hold the camming assembly  90  in place and to hold the latch tail  60  in the tail plate  80 . The tail retainer  116  may have a central opening dimensioned to fit over the latch tail  60  such that the latch tail can reciprocate relative to the tail retainer  116 . The tail retainer  116  may be mounted to the tail plate  80  by any suitable mechanism and in the illustrated embodiment is staked to the tail plate using deformable nubs  120  on the tail plate  80  that engage apertures  118  on the tail retainer  116 . Other connection mechanisms may be used to secure the tail retainer  116  to the tail plate  80  including separate fasteners, welding or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7  through  11  and  18  through  21    when the latch bolt  4  is mounted in case  2 , the latch tail  60  is supported for reciprocating motion in a bearing member or cradle  130 . The latch tail  60  is constrained for longitudinal reciprocating movement along longitudinal axis B-B. The tail plate  80  is also constrained for longitudinal reciprocating movement along longitudinal axis B-B. The tail plate  80  comprises tabs or projections  132 ,  134  that extend from the tail plate  80  and are supported for linear reciprocating motion in guide slots or rails  136 ,  138 , respectively, on case  2 . 
     The anti-friction latch  40  is mounted for rotational motion such that the antifriction latch  40  is pivoted when the latch tail  60  is retracted and extended. Each of the housing side walls  6 ,  10  define an aperture  142  through which the stub  46  and tabs  47  of anti-friction latch  40  may be extended. Retaining member  140  may be releasably secured to either one of the side walls  6  to secure the anti-friction latch  40  for rotation on that side wall depending on whether the latch bolt  4  is oriented for a right hand or a left hand door. The tabs  47  are retained on bearing surfaces  144  formed on the removable retaining member  140 . The bearing surfaces  144  are separated by a slot  146  that receives stub  46 . When the latch bolt  4  is installed in the case  2 , the stub is inserted through the aperture  142  in one of side wall  6  or side wall  10 . The retaining member  140  is secured to the side wall with the stub  46  extending through the slot  146  and one of tabs  47  supported on each of bearing surfaces  144 . When the latch is retracted the tabs  47  are free to rotate on the bearing surfaces  144  but are otherwise constrained from moving. To secure the retaining member  140  to the case  2  one end  140   a  of the retaining member  140  extends under the edge of the casing wall  6 ,  10  and the retaining member  140  is secured to the case  2  by a screw or other releasable connection mechanism  148 . Other mechanisms may be used to secure the retaining member  140  to the case  2  (e.g., sliding within a slot, using a rotating member, clip, or the like). The retaining member  140  may also conveniently include a tool  150  for engaging the latch tail  80  during the reversing operation as will herein after be described. However, the tool need not form part of the retaining member  140  and may be provided as a separate tool. 
     During operation of the latch bolt, the latch bolt is normally biased to the extended position of  FIGS.  7  and  8   . In this position, the bolt head  30  extends through the case  2  and beyond the edge of the door in which the mortise lock  1  is secured. When the latch is in this position and the door is in a closed position relative to a door frame the bolt head  30  extends into a strike box or door frame to hold the door in the closed position. The latch bolt may be locked in this position to prevent retraction of the latch bolt and the opening of the door. 
     When the latch bolt is in the extended position, the bolt head  30  is also positioned to contact a strike plate or door frame as the door is moved from an open position to a closed position. Contact between the bolt head  30  and the strike plate or door frame causes the latch bolt to retract such that the door can be closed. When the door is fully closed and the bolt head  30  is aligned with the strike box in the door frame, the latch bolt returns to its extended position under the biasing force of spring  112  to hold the door in the closed positon. 
     The bolt head  30  is configured such that during the closing of the door the anti-friction latch  40  contacts the strike plate, or door frame, during the entire contact of the bolt head  30  with the strike plate/door frame.  FIGS.  4  and  18    show the position of the bolt head as the bolt head is initially moved into contact with the strike plate/door frame. The anti-friction latch  40  is positioned to contact the strike plate/door frame. When the bolt head  30  contacts the strike plate/door frame the anti-friction latch  40  begins to be pivoted about axis A-A and the latch bolt begins to be retracted into the case  2 .  FIGS.  5  and  19    show the engagement of the bolt head  30  with the strike plate//door frame at a midpoint of the engagement of the bolt head  30  with the strike plate//door frame. In this position, the anti-friction latch  40  has been rotated relative to the bolt head body  32  about axis A-A and the latch bolt is partially retracted into the case  2 . The anti-friction latch  40  remains in contact with the strike plate/door frame.  FIGS.  6  and  20    show the engagement of the bolt head  30  with the strike plate/door jamb at the end of the engagement of the bolt head  30  with the strike plate//door frame, just before the latch bolt extends the bolt head  30  into the strike box. At this point the anti-friction latch  40  is fully rotated and the latch bolt is fully retracted into the case  2 . As is evident from  FIGS.  6  and  20    the anti-friction latch  40  remains in contact with the strike plate//door frame to this point such that the anti-friction latch  40  is in contact with the strike plate//door frame during the entire time that the bolt head  30  contacts the strike plate//door frame.  FIG.  21    shows the latch bolt engaged with the strike box in the latched position. 
     Any suitable mechanism may be used to retract the latch bolt and open the door and to lock the latch bolt in the extended position. One such suitable mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,982, titled “Reversible Mortise Lock” issued to Fayngersh et al. on Feb. 26, 2002 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. A latch operator retracts the latch bolt and may include a knob or lever handle mounted to the inside and/or outside the door with which the mortise lock is used. The latch operator may also include a remotely controlled or automated device. Independent, coaxial rollback hubs  200 , which are mirror images of one another, are mounted on the case  2 . The hubs  200  are rotatably mounted in opposed holes in the side walls of the case  2  below the latch bolt. The hubs  200  each include a star-shaped aperture  202  for non-rotatable connection to inside and outside spindle drives (not shown) connected to the knobs or lever handles or other latch operator for rotating the hubs  108 . 
     The latch bolt  31  is retracted by rotating one of the rollback hubs  200 . Rotation of the rollback hub  200  causes a transmission  206  operatively connected between the roll back hub  200  and the tail plate  80  to act against the tail plate  80  to move the tail plate  80 , latch tail  60  and connected latch bolt  31  to the retracted position of  FIG.  9 A . 
     The mortise lock  1  may also include a locking mechanism for selectively securing one or both of the rollback hubs  200  from rotation. The locking mechanism may comprise a slide plate  210  and the toggle  20 . The slide plate is cooperatively linked to the toggle  20  which is accessible through the opening in the front wall  16  and face plate  22 . Manipulation of the toggle  20  moves the slide plate relative to the hubs  200  between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking mechanism is moved to the locked position by depressing the one end of the toggle  20  thereby moving the slide plate to the locked position. In the locked position a locking member is in the path of at least one of the retractor hubs  200  thereby preventing rotation of the hub  200 . The hub  200  affected by the locking mechanism is typically the hub associated with the actuator on the outside of the door. The locking mechanism is unlocked by depressing the opposite end of the toggle  20  thereby moving the slide plate away from the hubs  108 . 
     The mortise lock assembly  1  may also include a deadbolt  31  and/or auxiliary bolt  33 . The deadbolt  31  may be selectively moved between an extended position and retracted position by operation of a key cylinder or thumb turn (not shown) in a conventional manner. A transmission  210  may be provided for functionally connecting the deadbolt  31  and the latch bolt. The latch bolt may be automatically moved to the locked position when the deadbolt  31  is moved to the extended, locked position. The latch bolt  31  may remain in this position, even when the deadbolt  31  is retracted. 
     Operation of the reversible latch will now be described in further detail in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Assume for purposes of explanation that the bolt head  30  is in a first orientation relative to case  2  such as to be installed, for example, in a right hand door and the orientation of the bolt head  30  is to be reversed relative to case  2  and moved to a second orientation such as to be installed, for example, in a left hand door. The retaining member  140  is removed from the casing  2 . In the illustrated embodiment the screw  148  is removed and the distal end  140   b  of the retaining member  140  is lifted away from the case  2  in the direction of arrow B (see  FIG.  8   ) such that the front edge  140   a  of the retaining member  140  may be removed from under the edge of the case  2 . Removing the retaining member  140  releases tabs  47  of the anti-friction latch  40  from being secured to the case  2 . The tool  150  is inserted into apertures  160  formed in the case side wall (hidden in  FIG.  1   ). Specifically, the prongs  151  are inserted into apertures  160  such that the prongs  151  are disposed to block the rearward movement of the tail plate  80  such that the position of the tail plate is fixed relative to the case  2  directly behind the tail plate  80 . The prongs  151  may be positioned behind the tail plate  80  or the prongs  151  may engage any surface of the tail plate  80 . It is to be understood that the latch bolt including tail plate  80  are typically movable together from the extended position of  FIG.  8    to the retracted position of  FIG.  9 A  during closing and opening of the door. By inserting the tool  150  into apertures  160  the normal retraction of the latch bolt and tail plate  80  is prevented. While the tool  150  is conveniently provided as part of the retaining member  140  such that when the retaining member  140  is removed from case  2  the tool is readily available for use, the tool  150  may be provided as a separate component and may or may not be secured to the case. Moreover, any rigid device that may be inserted into the apertures  160  to prevent movement of the latch tail  80  may be used such as a screwdriver or the like. 
     After the tabs  47  of the anti-friction latch  40  are released, by removing retaining member  140 , and the movement of the tail plate  80  is arrested, the user depresses or retracts the bolt head  30  by pushing the bolt head into the case  2  in the direction of arrow B. As the bolt head  30  is pushed into the case, the latch tail  60  is also moved in the direction of arrow B (see FIGS.  12 A,  12 B,  13  and  14 ). However, because movement of the tail plate  80  is prevented by tool  150 , the latch tail  60  moves relative to the tail plate  80  in the direction of arrow B. As the latch tail  60  moves relative to the tail plate  80 , spring  112  is compressed and camming member  74  is moved toward stationary camming member  94 . Continued movement of the bolt head  30  and latch tail  60  moves camming face  78  of camming member  74  into engagement with camming face  102  of camming member  94  (see  FIGS.  12 B,  14   ). Because camming member  94  is fixed in position on tail plate  80  but latch tail  60  is free to rotate relative to tail plate  80  engagement of camming member  74  with camming member  94  causes latch tail  60  to rotate about its longitudinal axis B-B in a first direction, represented by arrow C (see  FIG.  3   ). Specifically, the peaks  78   a  on camming surface  78  contact near the peaks  102   a  on camming surface  102  (see  FIGS.  12 B,  14   ) such that as the latch tail  60  is moved linearly the camming surface  78  rides on camming surface  102  forcing the latch tail  60  to rotate relative to both the tail plate  80  and the bolt head  30 . The camming surfaces  78  and  102  are configured such that the latch tail rotates approximately one-half of the total distance required to unlock the bolt head  30  from the latch tail  60 . In the present embodiment the latch tail  60  is rotated approximately 45 degrees. The spring  110  absorbs some of the force exerted by the camming member  74  on camming member  94  to prevent binding of, or damage to, the assembly. Linear and rotary movement of the latch tail  60  continues until the peaks  78   a  of camming surface  78  are positioned in the troughs  102   b  of camming surface  102  and the peaks  102   a  of camming surface  102  are positioned in the troughs  78   b  of camming surface  78  (see  FIGS.  12 C,  15   ). At this point both linear and rotary movement of the latch tail  60  stops. 
     The user then releases pressure on the bolt head  30  such that the spring  112  returns the latch tail  60  and bolt head  30  to the extended position (see  FIGS.  12 D,  16    arrow D). As the latch tail  60  is moved linearly under the force of spring  112 , the camming surface  76  of camming member  74  is moved into contact with the camming surface  92  formed on the leading wall of the latch plate  80  ( FIG.  12 D,  16   ). Because camming surface  92  is fixed in position in tail plate  80  but latch tail  60  is free to rotate relative to latch tail  80  engagement of camming surface  76  with camming surface  92  causes latch tail  60  to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The latch tail  60  is rotated in the same direction, arrow C, during this portion of angular rotation as it did during the first portion of angular rotation. Specifically, the peaks  76   a  on camming surface  76  contact near the peaks  92   a  on camming surface  92  such that as the latch tail  60  is moved linearly the camming surface  76  rides on camming surface  92  forcing the latch tail  60  to rotate relative to both the tail plate  80  and the bolt head  30 . The camming surfaces  76  and  92  are configured such that the latch tail  60  rotates approximately one-half of the total distance required to unlock the bolt head  30  from the latch tail  60 . In the present embodiment the latch tail  60  is rotated approximately 45 degrees. Linear and rotary movement of the latch plate continues until the peaks  74   a  of camming surface  74  are positioned in the troughs  92   b  of camming surface  92  and the peaks  92   a  of camming surface  92  are positioned in the troughs  74   b  of camming surface  74  (see  FIG.  12 E,  17   ). At this point the latch tail  60  is in the extended position and both linear and rotary movement of the latch tail  80  is stopped. The depression and extension of the bolt head  30  and latch tail  60  causes the latch tail  60  to rotate through the full angle required to unlock the bolt head  30  from the latch tail  30 . In the present embodiment the latch tail  60  rotates 90 degrees relative to the bolt head. 
     As the latch tail rotates 90 degrees the tabs  68  formed on the end of the latch tail  60  are rotated from a positon behind the projections  70  on the bolt head  30  to a position where the tabs  68  are positioned opposite the spaces between the projections  70 . As a result the bolt head  30  may be removed from the latch tail  60  and from the casing  2  by pulling the bolt head linearly off of the latch tail  60  in a direction opposite the direction of arrow B. 
     To reverse the orientation of the bolt head  30 , the bolt head is rotated 180 degrees about axis B-B and is inserted back into the casing  2  with the end of the latch tail  60  extending into bore  35 . The bolt head  30  and latch tail  60  are depressed and released as previously described to rotate the latch tail another 90 degrees. In this position the projections  68  on the latch tail  60  are again positioned behind the projections  70  on the bolt head  80  such that the bolt head is locked on the latch tail. 
     The tool  150  is then removed from apertures  160  to allow the rearward movement of the tail plate  80 . The retaining member  140  is mounted to the opposite side wall of the case  2  with the tabs  47  supported by bearing surfaces  144  for rotational movement. The front edge  140   a  of the retaining member  140  is positioned under the edge of the case  2 . The distal end of the retaining member  140  is moved toward the case such that fastener  148  may be inserted into the retaining member  140  and secured to the case  2  to complete the reversal of the bolt head  30 . The mortise lock  1  may then be operated in the reverse orientation. The steps may be repeated to reverse the orientation of the bolt head as needed. 
     The one or more embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  22  through  32    will now be discussed in further detail, which may have the same, similar, and/or alternate features than were previously described with respect to  FIGS.  1  through  21   .  FIG.  22    illustrates a mortise lock  1  comprising a case  2  and a reversible latch bolt  400 . As previously discussed with respect to  FIG.  1   , the case  2  of  FIG.  22    has the same or similar features as discussed with respect to  FIG.  1   . The case  2  of  FIG.  22    also houses the lock components and is configured and dimensioned to be received in a mortise in a free, or unhinged, edge of a door. 
     Referring to  FIG.  23   , the latch bolt  400  comprises a bolt head  30  that is removably mounted on a latch tail  60  through the use of a bolt head adjustment mechanism  1000 , as previously referenced herein. However, unlike the bolt head adjustment mechanism  1000  previously described herein, it should be understood that the bolt head  30  may be operatively coupled to the latch tail  60  using one or more locking members  1010  that are removably operatively coupled to the bolt head  30 . It should be understood that, the one or more locking members  1010  in this embodiment may be referred to as a clip  1020  (e.g., U-clip, V-clip, or the like) and a locking spring  1040 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  23  through  29   , the latch tail  60  is inserted through the tail plate  80  and the cradle  130 . The tail plate  80  may be the same as, or similar to, the tail plate  80  previously discussed herein. The tail plate  80  may comprise a generally block shaped body  81 , although the body may have other shapes and/or configurations. The body  81  defines a through hole  82  that extends entirely through the tail plate  80 . The through hole  82  may be countersunk, have a key, a key hole, or the like that can be operative coupled to a mating flange, key, and/or key hole on the latch tail and/or latch plate (e.g., flange, key, or the like). In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  23  and  24    the latch tail  60  does not rotate with respect to the tail plate  80 . Moreover, a tail retainer  116  (e.g., without the central opening) may be operatively coupled to the tail plate  80  over through hole  82  to prevent axial movement of the latch tail  60  with respect to the tail plate  80 . The tail retainer  116  may be mounted to the tail plate  80  by any suitable mechanism and in the illustrated embodiment is riveted onto the tail plate  80 . Other connection mechanisms may be used to secure the retaining ring to the tail plate including separate fasteners, welding or the like. 
     The latch tail  60  may be further operatively coupled to a spring  112  to create a latch tail sub-assembly. The spring  112  may be located between the bolt head  30  that will be operatively coupled to the latch tail  60  and/or the carriage  130  when assembled. As previously described herein, the latch tail  60  may comprise one or more stub locking members  68  (e.g., projected into the surface of the latch tail  60  in the illustrated embodiment). The stub  66  of the latch tail  60  may be inserted into one or more latch tail receiving apertures (e.g., bore  35 , which as illustrated in  FIG.  23    may include a discontinuous bore  35 ) of the bolt head  30 . It should be understood that the bolt head  30  may further comprise a locking member aperture  37 , which in some embodiments may intersect the one or more latch tail receiving apertures (e.g., bore  35 ). The locking member aperture  37  is configured to receive one or more removable locking members  1010  that are utilized to retain the stub  66  of the latch tail  60  within the bolt head  30 . In some embodiments, the one or more locking members  1010  may comprise the clip  1020  and the locking spring  1040 . The one or more locking members  1010  (e.g., clip  1020 ) may be operatively coupled to the stub locking members  68  (e.g., clip arms  1022  slid within channels within the latch tail  60 ). 
     It should be understood that the latch bolt  400  illustrated in  FIGS.  23  and  24    will operate in a door the same or similar way as described with respect to the latch bolt  4  described with respect to  FIGS.  4  through  6  and  18  through  21   . 
     The reversibility of the latch bolt  400  will now be addressed in further detail with respect to  FIGS.  30  and  31   . As was previously discussed, the screw  148  is removed and the distal end  140   b  of the retaining member  140 , which is lifted away from the case  2 , such that the front edge  140   a  of the retaining member  140  may be removed from under the edge of the case  2 . Removing the retaining member  140  releases tabs  47  of the anti-friction latch  40  from being secured to the case  2 . It should be understood that with the retaining member  140  released and/or removed from the case  20 , the latch bolt  400 , specifically the bolt head  30  may be push into the case farther (e.g., to an assembly position) than it would normally move (e.g., the retracted position) with the retaining member  140  coupled to the case  2  (e.g., retaining the tabs  47 ). In this way, in the assembly position (or disassembly position) the one or more bolt head locking members  1010  (e.g., clip  1020 ) may be aligned with the one or more apertures  160  (e.g., locking release apertures) in the side wall of the case  2  (see  FIGS.  30  and  31   ). 
     The tool  150  is then inserted into apertures  160  formed in the case side wall (see  FIGS.  30  and  31   ). Specifically, the prongs  151  are inserted into apertures  160  such that the prongs  151  are disposed to release the bolt head locking member  1010  (e.g., the clip  1020 ) from operative coupling with the stub locking member  68  and/or remove the bolt head locking member  1010  (e.g., the clip  1020 ) from the bolt head locking aperture  37 . Moreover, any rigid device that may be inserted into the one or more apertures  160  may release the bolt head locking member  1010  (e.g., clip  1010 ). Alternatively, with the retaining member  140  removed, a user may be able to disengage (or reengage during assembly) the one or more locking members  1010  by hand (e.g., using a finger, engaging another component in the case  2  that disengages the one or more locking members  1010 , or the like). 
     A user may pull the bolt head  30  out of the case. It should be understood that even with the bolt head removed the bolt head locking member  1010  (e.g., the clip) may remain located within the case  2 . In particular, a portion of the bolt head locking member  1010  may extend outside of a side wall of the case, as illustrated by  FIG.  31   . However, the bolt head locking member  1010  may not be removed from the case  2  due to arms  1022  that engage with the case (e.g., an inside wall of the case  2 ). Furthermore, when the bolt head is removed, the spring  112  will fire the latch tail  60  back into an extended position, which will retain the bolt head locking member  1010  (e.g., the clip) between the latch tail  60  and the wall of the case  2 . After the bolt head  30  is removed from the case  2 , it is rotated 180 degrees (e.g., from a left hand orientation to a right hand orientation, or from a right hand ordination to a left hand orientation) and reinserted into the case  2 . The user may push the bolt head  30  back into a position (e.g., assembly position) where the bolt head locking aperture  37  lines up with the one or more bolt head locking members  1010 . Thereafter, the one or more locking members  1010  may be re-engaged, such as the clip  1020  may be re-inserted into the bolt head locking aperture  37  to engage with the stub locking members  68  on the latch tail  60 . The bolt head locking member  1010  may be reengage in the same way that it was removed as previously discussed herein. Finally, the retaining member  140  is operatively coupled back to the case  2 , such as on the opposite side of the case wall, in order to secure the tabs  47  of the stub  46  of the anti-friction latch  40  back into the desired pivot location. 
     Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.